Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street

In short

Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street is the liveliest street on the island, situated along the route from Miyajima Pier toward Itsukushima Shrine. Souvenir shops and eateries line the street densely for about 350 meters.

• ​Freshly Baked Momiji Manju​​: A maple leaf-shaped confection; being able to buy it freshly baked in front of the shops is a unique pleasure of the authentic street
• ​Conger Eel and Oysters​​: Well-known specialties representing the seafood of Setouchi, which you can savor at the eateries along the street
• ​Miyajima Rice Scoops​​: Rice scoops (shakushi) used for serving rice are said to have been conceived in Miyajima during the late Edo period, and they are still cherished today as souvenirs of the island

History and Highlights

​Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street​ is the liveliest street on the island, situated along the route from Miyajima Pier toward Itsukushima Shrine. Souvenir shops and eateries line the street densely for about 350 meters up to the stone torii gate, where the Great Torii Gate comes into view. Because many people who cross to the island by boat walk along this street to head toward the shrine, a great number of people come and go throughout the day.

When speaking of Miyajima's specialties, momiji manju comes to mind. There are several momiji manju shops along the street, allowing visitors to enjoy them freshly baked right in front of the storefronts. There are also eateries serving seafood from Setouchi, such as conger eel (anago) and oysters, and wondering what to eat while strolling is part of the fun.

Highlights for Viewing and Experiencing

• ​Freshly baked momiji manju​​: A maple leaf-shaped confection; being able to buy it freshly baked in front of shops is a unique pleasure of being on the authentic street. Try enjoying it while it is still warm.
• ​Conger eel and oysters​​: Conger eel and oysters are well-known specialties representing the seafood of Setouchi. You can savor them leisurely at the eateries along the street.
• ​Miyajima rice scoops​​: Rice scoops (shakushi) used for serving rice are said to have been conceived in Miyajima during the late Edo period, and they are still cherished today as souvenirs of the island. The history of the rice scoops and the tools used to make them are introduced in detail at the ​Miyajima History and Folklore Museum​​.

Tips for Exploring

Running parallel on the mountain side, one street over from the Omotesando Shopping Street, is ​Machiya Street​​. Once lined with merchant houses and inns, this street was known as Honmachi-suji; it has fewer people than Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street, allowing for a walk through a calm townscape. By choosing different paths—such as taking Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street on the way there and Machiya Street on the way back—you can enjoy two different facets of Miyajima. The end of the street leads toward the entrance of ​Itsukushima Shrine​​, and on the hill just before it stand ​Hokoku-jinja Shrine​ (Senjokaku Hall) and the ​Five-storied Pagoda​​. Detailed guides are provided for each of these spots. It tends to be particularly crowded around midday, so if you wish to shop at a leisurely pace, visiting at off-peak hours is recommended.