Linda Liao's Reviews Page 27/90

While walking through the Miyajima shopping street, I passed Itsuki Coffee, which has a simple yet stylish exterior. Drawn in by its artsy design, I went inside to take a break. The shop is known for its house-roasted specialty coffee, and its coffee soft serve is also recommended by many Japanese reviewers. After trying it, I found the coffee flavor rich and the soft serve smooth, with a sweetness that wasn't overly rich. The most distinctive part was the presentation: the soft serve was served on a small metal stand, which made it feel special and also made it very photogenic. Overall, it's a nice little shop to stop by while exploring the Miyajima shopping street.

Oysters are one of Miyajima's specialties. They're plump, and their aroma fills the air as they're grilled, making it hard not to stop when you pass by the shop. The grilled oysters are lightly charred on the outside and tender and juicy when you bite into them. They have a rich ocean flavor and natural saltiness without being overly fishy or greasy. They left me wanting more!

Kabukiage rice crackers are a classic and iconic Japanese snack. They're thick and crispy, with a rich sweet and savory soy sauce flavor that gets more fragrant as you chew. The seasoned surface has a lightly toasted aroma that pairs well with the crunchy texture of the rice crackers, and the sweet and salty flavors are perfectly balanced. They're great for an afternoon snack, something to munch on while watching shows, or to enjoy with tea. They're a good choice for anyone who likes Japanese rice crackers and sweet and savory flavors.

When visiting Miyajima, the fried momiji manju at the Momijido Main Store is definitely one of the snacks you have to try! The biggest highlight inside the store is being able to watch the momiji manju being made. The automated production process is fast and orderly, from pouring the batter into the molds and adding the filling to the cute, golden maple leaf-shaped cakes coming out. The whole process is quite impressive and draws many tourists who stop to watch. The place is very popular, and it's a lot of fun to watch them being made while tasting freshly baked momiji manju.

It's about a 1-minute walk from the pier and mainly introduces Miyajima's traditional craft, the “Miyajima rice scoop,” offering an up-close look at the area's woodworking techniques and everyday culture. The center displays a variety of finely crafted rice scoops and wooden products. From the selection of materials and processing to the production process, you can appreciate the skills the artisans have developed over many years. After exploring the bustling shopping street, visiting here offers another way to learn about Miyajima's deep-rooted traditional industries and cultural heritage.

On the boat ride to Miyajima, the magnificent views of Mount Misen along the way were also impressive. Mount Misen is the highest peak on Miyajima, with rolling mountain ridges and lush green forests set against the blue sea. Viewed from the boat, the entire island looks especially peaceful and mysterious. As the boat gradually approaches Miyajima, the mountains, sea, and vermilion torii gate come together to create a scene full of Japanese charm.

Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street is about 350 meters long and is the liveliest street on the way to Itsukushima Shrine. Along the way, you'll find momiji manju, fried momiji manju, grilled oysters, conger eel dishes, and all kinds of souvenir shops, as well as distinctive crafts such as Miyajima rice scoops and wood carvings. The entire street is bustling with people and filled with delicious aromas, creating a sightseeing atmosphere unique to Miyajima. It's a great place to stroll, sample local food, and pick out a few distinctive souvenirs to take home.

Itsukushima Shrine was one of the places I was really looking forward to on this trip to Hiroshima. It's also one of the Three Scenic Views of Japan, so of course I had to check it off my list while visiting Hiroshima! On the boat ride to Miyajima, you can see the large vermilion torii gate standing in the sea from far away. As the boat gradually approaches, the torii gate, blue sea, and mountains behind it come together, and it really feels like entering another world. Just seeing it from the boat made me reach for my camera and take photo after photo.

After arriving on the island, Omotesando Shopping Street is just as charming. The lively shops along the way make it hard to pass through empty-handed. Miyajima's famous momiji manju are especially fragrant, and there are also seafood dishes like freshly grilled oysters and oyster rice. Everything makes you want to stop and try it. After finally escaping the temptation of all the food, I made it to the legendary Itsukushima Shrine.

What makes Itsukushima Shrine so special is how its buildings blend with the sea. It is said to have been founded around 593 AD, while the present main buildings were developed and expanded by Taira no Kiyomori during the Heian period, creating the iconic shrine-on-the-sea scenery seen today. The vermilion shrine buildings stand over the water, and the view changes with the tides. At high tide, the shrine buildings and large torii gate appear to float on the sea, and their reflections on the water look especially dreamlike. At low tide, you can walk close to the large torii gate and admire its grandeur from a completely different angle.

If you want to photograph the classic “shrine on the sea” view, I recommend checking the tide schedule for that day before setting out and planning your visit around high tide so you can enjoy Miyajima's most iconic scenery.

When you’re in Osaka, you can also ride the super fun DUCK TOUR amphibious bus! It departs from Kawa no Eki Hachikenya at Temmabashi, first weaving through the city streets before plunging straight into the Okawa River and instantly transforming into a water bus. The moment it enters the water is thrilling! The whole tour takes about 75 minutes—45 minutes on land and 30 minutes on the water—letting you take in Osaka’s city scenery from both land and water.

Ofune Camome is a small sightseeing boat that cruises through Osaka’s waterways. Converted from an old wooden boat, it has a warm, nostalgic feel. It holds just over 10 passengers, offering a relaxing, intimate space that feels like a living room. In spring, why not enjoy the cherry blossoms by boat? It has a charm all its own〜