Island Artisans’ Charm: Miyajima’s Omotesando and Machiya Street Shops in Hiroshima’s Sacred Isle

Miyajima, Hiroshima’s sacred island, glows with the charm of its artisan shops along Omotesando and Machiya Street, where local merchants craft oyster-themed souvenirs, matcha sweets, and traditional shakushi scoops, just a 45-minute ferry ride from Hiroshima Station via JR and Miyajima Ferry. Near Miyajima Pier, this UNESCO World Heritage site enchants visitors with its deer-lined shopping arcades, perfect for a retail escape after marveling at Itsukushima Shrine’s floating torii or hiking Mount Misen. Revered by Hiroshima residents for its handmade treasures, Miyajima offers English-friendly signage, small-batch crafts, and lesser-known stalls tucked behind the main arcade, balancing iconic souvenirs with local gems. From hand-carved wooden gifts to fresh-roasted coffee blends, Miyajima’s artisan charm weaves a cultural marketplace, where Chugoku’s coastal soul shines through every oyster shell trinket, inviting you to savor Japan’s island traditions in a district where Hiroshima’s history dances beneath a sacred seaside sky.

• Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street

  In Miyajima (free entry), this arcade offers local snacks like oyster senbei and shakushi, a 5-minute walk from Miyajima Pier.

  Miyajima Omotesando on Google

  

  
  

• Yamada-ya (Matcha Sweets)

  On Omotesando (free entry), this shop specializes in momiji manju and matcha treats, a 7-minute walk from Miyajima Pier.

  Yamada-ya Miyajima on Google

  

  
  
  
  

Location Benefits: Miyajima’s JR Sanyo Line and ferry link to Hiroshima Station (45 minutes) or Kure (60 minutes). Walkable Itsukushima Shrine, local oyster huts, and seaside cafes offer cultural and scenic depth, with Miyajima’s island setting ideal for a serene shopping escape.