What to Eat on Miyajima Island

Miyajima is not just about temples and views—it’s also a destination for food lovers. Be sure to try these specialties:

Local Foods to Try

Miyajima is not just about temples and views—it’s also a destination for food lovers. Be sure to try these specialties:

1. Grilled Oysters (Kaki)

2. Momiji Manju (Maple Leaf–Shaped Cakes)

3. Anago-meshi (Grilled Conger Eel on Rice)

4. Miyajima Street Snacks

🦪 1. Grilled Oysters (Kaki)

Miyajima is often called the “oyster island”, and for good reason — Hiroshima Prefecture produces some of the best oysters in Japan. Around the Omotesando shopping street and near the ferry terminal, you’ll find stalls and small restaurants grilling oysters over open flames right before your eyes.

Enjoy them plain with lemon, or try versions topped with soy sauce, butter, or ponzu. For a fuller meal, head to a local restaurant for kaki gohan (oyster rice) or kaki udon.

Where to try:

• Kakiya – famous for its charcoal-grilled oysters and oyster rice set meals

• Yakigaki no Hayashi – a long-running local favorite near Itsukushima Shrine

Looking for a Hotel in Hiroshima?

🍁 2. Momiji Manju (Maple Leaf–Shaped Cakes)

No visit to Miyajima is complete without tasting momiji manju, the island’s signature sweet treat. These soft, maple-leaf–shaped cakes are typically filled with anko (red bean paste), but today you’ll find a variety of flavors — custard, chocolate, matcha, and even cheese.

Some shops even sell fried momiji manju (agemomiji), crispy on the outside and warm on the inside — perfect for snacking as you explore.

Where to try:

• Iwaso Momijiya – traditional flavors near the shrine

• Momiji-do – famous for its deep-fried agemomiji

🐟 3. Anago-meshi (Grilled Conger Eel on Rice)

If oysters are Miyajima’s seafood star, anago (conger eel) is its elegant counterpart. Unlike the richer unagi (freshwater eel), anago has a lighter, more delicate flavor. It’s usually grilled with a sweet soy glaze and served over a bowl of fluffy rice — a comforting, satisfying meal after a day of sightseeing.

Where to try:

• Ueno (near Miyajimaguchi Station, before taking the ferry) – a historic restaurant famous for anago-meshi

• Anagomeshi Wada – a cozy local spot on the island itself

🍡 4. Miyajima Street Snacks

Wander through Omotesando Shopping Street or Machiya Street, and you’ll be tempted by the smells of sizzling skewers and baked goods. Some must-try snacks include:

• Miyajima beef croquettes – crispy and juicy, great for walking around

• Yakitori – grilled chicken skewers brushed with savory sauce

• Kaki curry bread – a local twist: curry bread stuffed with oysters!

• Beer and Sake – try brands like Kamotsuru, Miyajima Beer, or Dassai.

Tip: Street food stalls often open by mid-morning and close around 5 p.m., so plan to snack early.

JR Pass Coverage Reminder

One of the best perks of visiting Miyajima from Hiroshima is that both the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi and the JR Ferry to Miyajima are included in your Japan Rail Pass. This makes it one of the easiest and most economical day trips from Hiroshima.

Miyajima is a must-see destination that blends sacred tradition, stunning natural beauty, and delicious local food—all easily accessible with your JR Pass. Whether you hike to the summit of Mount Misen or simply relax by the shrine, Miyajima offers a fulfilling escape just minutes from Hiroshima.