Miyajima's West Coast: History & Folklore Museum and Public Aquarium

This course takes you on a walk from Miyajima Pier through Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street to visit Itsukushima Shrine, before extending your stroll to the western side of the island from the shrine's exit. Experience island life at the Miyajima History and Folklore Museum, housed in a former wealthy soy sauce merchant's residence, and encounter the creatures of the Seto Inland Sea at the seaside Miyajima Public Aquarium. It is a half-day walking tour that families can enjoy.

History and Local Charm

According to legend, Itsukushima Shrine began in 593, the year Empress Suiko ascended the throne, when Saeki no Kuramoto, who ruled the island, chose the present tidal location to erect the shrine pavilions. In 1168 (Nin'an 3), towards the end of the Heian period, Taira no Kiyomori rebuilt the shrine structures in the shinden-zukuri architectural style. In 1996 (Heisei 8), it was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

Beyond the shrine exit on the island's western side, away from the bustling streets, lies an area that reflects the everyday life of the island's people. The residence of the Egami family, who flourished in soy sauce brewing from the late Edo period through the Meiji period, now serves as the Miyajima History and Folklore Museum, preserving and passing down folk articles of Miyajima. The rice scoop (shakushi) is said to have been conceived in Miyajima during the latter half of the Edo period and is now used across Japan. Near the sea, the Miyajima Public Aquarium is themed around the Seto Inland Sea, mainly exhibiting marine life native to the Seto Inland Sea.

Main Highlights

• ​Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street​​: The liveliest street on the island, situated on the route from Miyajima Pier toward Itsukushima Shrine. Souvenir shops and eateries line the street for approximately 350 meters up to the stone torii gate, and you can enjoy freshly baked momiji manju right at the storefronts.
• ​Itsukushima Shrine​​: A shrine whose pavilions extend over the sea; the Main Shrine (Honsha) and the East and West Corridors are designated National Treasures. Enter and proceed along the East Corridor to pray at the Main Shrine, then exit via the West Corridor. Offshore stands the vermilion Great Torii (Otorii), erected in 1875 (Meiji 8).
• ​Miyajima History and Folklore Museum​​: A museum opened in 1974 (Showa 49). The main building of the Egami family, built in the early 1800s, along with one of the storehouses on the grounds, is a nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property. Visitors can see thick beams carved from single pine trees and wooden crafts such as rice scoops, and take a break in a tatami room facing the courtyard garden.
• ​Miyajima Public Aquarium​​: An aquarium affectionately known by the nickname "Miyaji Marine." Its symbol is the finless porpoise, a small member of the whale family that also inhabits the Seto Inland Sea. Exhibits that can be enjoyed with children include a tank recreating the oyster rafts familiar in Hiroshima's waters, sea lion live performances, and penguins.

Recommended Route and Duration

The estimated time required is about 4 hours. From Miyajimaguchi Pier, take a ferry for about 10 minutes to Miyajima Pier, then walk through Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street toward Itsukushima Shrine. After finishing your visit and leaving through the exit, proceed past the Treasure Hall to reach the Miyajima History and Folklore Museum; walking down to the seaside path from the museum brings you right to the Miyajima Public Aquarium. Another path leads directly to the aquarium from the shrine exit by passing in front of Daigan-ji Temple. All spots are within a few hundred meters of each other and can be reached on foot.

It takes about 25 minutes to walk back from the aquarium to Miyajima Pier. On the return trip, walking along Machiya Street, which runs parallel one street up on the mountain side from Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street, lets you enjoy a calm townscape. The appearance of Itsukushima Shrine changes significantly with the ebb and flow of the tide, and tide times vary daily, so checking a tide table will make planning easier. The times for aquarium live events and performances also vary by day, so be sure to check the notices inside upon arrival.

Experience Summary

A bustling approach and shrine pavilions set over the sea. From there, take a walk to the quieter western shore, learn about island life in a wealthy merchant's residence, and meet the marine life of the Seto Inland Sea at the aquarium. It is a half-day journey touching another side of this World Heritage island.