Hatsukaichi City
The floating shrine of Miyajima — maple leaves and oysters by the sea.
Itsukushima Shrine: The Torii That Stands in the Sea
Off the coast of Hatsukaichi lies Miyajima, an island worshipped as a god itself. The vermilion torii gate rising from the sea and the shrine buildings of Itsukushima form one of Japan's most iconic views — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At low tide you can walk right up to the gate.
Around 500 wild deer share the island, and Momijidani Park plus the primeval forest of Mt. Misen keep it green. A ropeway climbs to Misen's summit for a sweeping panorama of the Seto Inland Sea's island-dotted waters.
The Omotesando shopping street smells of momiji manju cakes, grilled oysters, and anago eel. One of Japan's three great views, Miyajima is the highlight of any Hiroshima trip.
Anago Rice, Oysters, Momiji Manju: Miyajima's Food Trinity
The island's signature dish is anago-meshi: fluffy steamed conger eel over rice, beloved as a station bento since the Meiji era. Top shops on both the island and the Miyajimaguchi shore draw loyal queues.
Hiroshima leads Japan in oyster farming. On Miyajima, oyster huts and food stalls grill them fresh; winter, the peak season, is unbeatable.
And don't skip momiji manju — maple-leaf-shaped cakes. Beyond classic fillings you can deep-fry them or try cream and chocolate versions; taste-testing along Omotesando is part of the fun.