What to Eat in Miyajima: A Guide to the Island's Best Food
Key takeaways
- Miyajima is famous for its fresh, plump oysters served grilled, fried, or raw at local street stalls and restaurants.
- Momiji manju, the island's signature maple leaf-shaped sponge cakes, come with sweet red bean, custard, or chocolate fillings.
- Anago meshi features tender, grilled saltwater eel served over seasoned rice, offering a savory alternative to freshwater eel.
When planning a trip to this scenic island in Hiroshima Prefecture, knowing what to eat in Miyajima is just as important as deciding which shrines to visit. The essential local delicacies you must try are fresh grilled oysters (kaki), savory conger eel over rice (anago meshi), and sweet maple-shaped cakes (momiji manju).
This guide introduces the must-try culinary highlights of Miyajima, explains how and where to eat them, and provides practical tips for first-time visitors to ensure a smooth, delicious journey.
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The Culinary Highlights of Miyajima
Miyajima, officially known as Itsukushima (厳島), is surrounded by the nutrient-rich waters of the Seto Inland Sea. This unique geography has shaped a local food culture centered on fresh seafood and portable treats designed for travelers visiting the island's famous floating Itsukushima Shrine.
1. Miyajima Oysters (Kaki)
Hiroshima Prefecture produces the largest volume of oysters in Japan, and Miyajima is at the heart of this industry. The oysters grown in the surrounding waters are famous for being exceptionally large, plump, and sweet.
- How they are prepared: You will find oysters prepared in numerous ways across the island. The most popular street-food style is grilled in the shell (yaki-gaki) over open charcoal flames, often splashed with a bit of soy sauce or ponzu. You can also enjoy them deep-fried in crunchy panko breadcrumbs (kaki-fry), steamed, or raw at specialized seafood restaurants.
- Allergen warning: Shellfish is a common allergen. If you have a seafood allergy, be aware that many grills on the island cook oysters alongside other items.
2. Conger Eel over Rice (Anago Meshi)
While freshwater eel (unagi) is famous throughout Japan, Miyajima is renowned for its saltwater conger eel, known as anago.
- What it is: Anago has a softer, fluffier texture and a slightly less oily flavor than unagi. To make anago meshi, the eel is grilled, basted with a sweet and savory soy-based glaze, and sliced over a bed of steaming rice. The rice itself is often cooked in a broth made from the eel's head and bones, giving the entire dish a deep, rich flavor.
- How to eat it: This dish is typically served in a traditional lacquered box (bento style) or a ceramic bowl, accompanied by pickled vegetables and clear soup. It is a popular, filling lunch option on the island.
3. Maple Leaf Cakes (Momiji Manju)
No visit to Miyajima is complete without tasting momiji manju, the island's most famous sweet treat. These small, sponge-like cakes are baked in the shape of a Japanese maple leaf (momiji).
- The fillings: The traditional filling is sweet red bean paste (anko), made from azuki beans. However, modern variations abound. You can find momiji manju filled with custard cream, chocolate, matcha green tea, cheese, or even sweet potato.
- Fried Momiji (Age-Momiji): For a unique twist, look for shops offering deep-fried momiji manju. The cakes are skewered, dipped in tempura batter, and fried to a crisp golden brown, creating a delicious contrast between the hot, crispy exterior and the sweet, soft filling.
4. Fish Cakes (Kamaboko and Chikuwa)
As you stroll through the bustling shopping street, you will smell the savory aroma of grilled fish paste.
- What to expect: These are skewered, steamed, and grilled fish cakes made from white fish paste (surimi). They are often mixed with local ingredients like octopus, ginger, green onions, or even oysters. They are served hot on a stick, making them an easy and satisfying snack.
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How to Get to Miyajima and Where to Find Food
Miyajima is highly accessible from Hiroshima City, making it an easy day trip or overnight stay.
Travel Times and Routes
1. From Hiroshima Station (広島駅): Take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station (宮島口駅). This train ride takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes.
2. The Ferry Crossing: From Miyajimaguchi Station, walk about five minutes to the ferry terminal. Two companies operate ferries to the island: JR West Miyajima Ferry and Miyajima Matsudai Kisen. The ferry ride takes approximately 10 minutes.
3. Passes: If you hold a valid Japan Rail Pass, the JR West ferry is covered, though you may need to pay a small local tourist tax (around 100 yen) at the ticket gate. For more details on rail passes and regional travel planning, you can consult the Japan National Tourism Organization website.
Where the Food Is Located
Once you step off the ferry at Miyajima Pier, you will walk along the coast toward Itsukushima Shrine. Most of the island's food options are concentrated in two main areas:
- Omotesando Shopping Street (表参道商店街): Also known as Kiyomori-dori, this covered arcade is lined with souvenir shops, street-food stalls, and historic restaurants. It is the prime location for grabbing quick bites like grilled oysters and momiji manju.
- Machiya Street (町家通り): Located one block behind the main shopping street, this quieter, historic street features traditional wooden buildings, cozy cafes, and local restaurants serving anago meshi away from the main crowds.
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Read the Japan Town plan →Common Mistakes and Dining Etiquette on Miyajima
To ensure a pleasant experience for yourself and the locals, keep these important rules and tips in mind.
1. Do Not Eat While Walking (Tabearuki)
While Miyajima is famous for its street food, walking while eating is highly discouraged in Japan. It increases the risk of spilling food on others, dropping trash, and attracting the island's wild deer.
- What to do instead: Eat your food directly in front of the stall where you purchased it. Most stalls have small benches or designated standing areas for customers. Once you finish, return your trash to the shop's staff.
2. Beware of the Wild Deer
Miyajima is home to hundreds of free-roaming, wild sika deer. While they look cute and accustomed to humans, they are wild animals with an incredibly strong appetite for paper, plastic, and human food.
- The danger: If you walk around holding food, especially sweet items like momiji manju or paper bags containing snacks, the deer will approach you and attempt to steal them. They have been known to chew on maps, train tickets, and clothing. Keep all food securely zipped inside your bag until you are ready to eat in a safe, indoor area or directly next to a food stall.
3. Trash Disposal
Public trash cans are extremely rare on Miyajima to prevent deer from rummaging through them.
- What to do: Always return your wooden skewers, paper cups, and food wrappers to the stall where you bought the item. If you plan to carry snacks, bring a small plastic bag in your daypack so you can carry your trash back to your accommodation or to the ferry terminal.
4. Restaurant Hours and Closures
Many first-time visitors are surprised by how early Miyajima closes. While the island is lively during the day, the shopping streets quiet down significantly after the last day-trippers leave.
- Lunch vs. Dinner: Most lunch spots and street stalls open around 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM and close by 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM, shortly after Itsukushima Shrine closes. If you are staying overnight on the island, ensure your ryokan (traditional inn) includes dinner, or research dinner options in advance, as very few restaurants remain open late. Opening hours can vary and change without notice; always check official business websites before your visit.
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Summary of Miyajima's Iconic Foods
| Food Item (English) | Japanese Name | Key Characteristics | Best Time to Eat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grilled Oysters | 焼き牡蠣 (Yaki-gaki) | Plump, smoky, and fresh from the Seto Inland Sea. | Lunch or snack |
| Conger Eel Rice | 穴子飯 (Anago meshi) | Fluffy, sweet-savory grilled eel over seasoned rice. | Sit-down lunch |
| Maple Leaf Cakes | もみじ饅頭 (Momiji manju) | Sweet sponge cake with various fillings (also fried). | Snack or souvenir |
| Fish Cakes | 蒲鉾 (Kamaboko) | Savory, hot skewered fish paste with local ingredients. | Quick snack |
Whether you are savoring a steaming bowl of anago meshi in a quiet Machiya-style restaurant or watching momiji manju being baked by automated machines behind a glass window, the food of Miyajima is an inseparable part of the island's spiritual and cultural charm. Plan your day to arrive hungry, respect the local deer, and enjoy some of the finest seafood and sweets Hiroshima has to offer.
FAQ
- Q. Are there vegetarian food options available on Miyajima?
- A. While Miyajima is famous for seafood, some shops offer vegetarian momiji manju and simple noodle dishes, but options can be limited.
- Q. Can I eat street food while walking around Miyajima?
- A. Walking while eating is discouraged on Miyajima to keep the island clean and prevent wild deer from stealing your food.
- Q. What is the best season to eat fresh oysters in Miyajima?
- A. While oysters are available year-round, the peak season for fresh, locally harvested Miyajima oysters is from November to March.
