Miyajima Autumn Foliage and Oysters: Enjoying the Island's Autumn with Autumn Leaf Viewing and Ocean Bounty

Miyajima (Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture), home to the World Heritage Itsukushima Shrine, is famous for the beauty of its autumn foliage alongside spring cherry blossoms and the summer sea. Momijidani Park in particular is renowned as the island's representative autumn foliage spot, and the sight of maples in every shade filling the valley is breathtaking. In autumn you can also taste the oysters that are Hiroshima's specialty as they come into season, making this a popular destination where you can enjoy both spectacular scenery and the bounty of the sea.

Autumn Foliage at Momijidani Park

Momijidani Park on Miyajima is the island's finest autumn foliage spot, planted with some 700 momiji and kaede maples. As autumn deepens, the whole valley is dyed in red, yellow and orange, welcoming visitors with a vividness that seems almost aflame. The contrast with the green of Mount Misen rising behind is beautiful as well, and walking through the tunnel of foliage lit by sunlight filtering through the leaves lets you savor the mood that only autumn brings. From Momijidani Station of the Miyajima Ropeway beside the park, you can enjoy an aerial stroll to Shishiiwa Station. From Shishiiwa Station to the summit of Mount Misen takes about one more hour on foot round trip.

Itsukushima Shrine and Oysters

Itsukushima Shrine, with its vermilion great torii gate standing in the sea, is a world-class sight where at high tide the shrine buildings appear to float on the water. In the autumn foliage season you can enjoy a one-of-a-kind landscape woven from the shrine buildings, the autumn colors and the sea. The waters around Miyajima are also known as a leading oyster-producing area, with the season running from autumn into winter. Plump oysters eaten at shopfronts along the approach — grilled oysters, fried oysters and more — offer an irresistible sea scent and rich savor.

Miyajima Oysters

The Aki-nada Sea around Miyajima and Hatsukaichi is one of Japan's leading oyster producing areas. At Miyajima stalls and restaurants, seasonal oysters can be enjoyed in various forms: grilled oysters, fried oysters, oyster hot pot, and oyster rice. Autumn through winter oysters are characterized by their nutritionally rich, full-bodied flavor.

Momiji Manju

Miyajima's specialty "momiji manju" are pastries in maple leaf shapes with various fillings including red bean paste, cheese, and chocolate in castella batter. Many souvenir shops and stalls offer strolling-while-eating enjoyment.

Best Season and Access

The best season for Miyajima's autumn foliage is from mid to late November, when Momijidani Park reaches its peak and bustles with many visitors. Oysters are in season from autumn into winter, so they can be enjoyed together with the foliage. For access, the usual route is to cross to Miyajima by ferry from Miyajimaguchi Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line, and from the boat you can look out at the great torii standing in the sea. Note that from October 1, 2023, visiting Miyajima by boat also requires Hatsukaichi City's "Miyajima Visitor Tax" of 100 yen per person per visit (preschool children and others are exempt). It is paid together with the ferry fare. Head for this World Heritage island in search of spectacular autumn scenery and the seafood of Hiroshima.

Practical Information

• Peak season / best time: The autumn foliage at Momijidani Park usually peaks from mid to late November. The park holds about 700 maples, including about 560 Iroha maples and about 100 Oomomiji maples.
• Visiting hours: Itsukushima Shrine is open year-round. October 15–November 30: 6:30–17:30; March 1–October 14: 6:30–18:00; December 1–31: 6:30–17:00; January 4–the end of February: 6:30–17:30. The Treasure Hall is open 8:00–17:00 year-round, and Senjokaku 8:30–16:30 year-round.
• Fees: Admission to Itsukushima Shrine is 300 yen for adults, 200 yen for high school students, and 100 yen for elementary and junior high school students. The Treasure Hall costs the same, and a combined discount ticket with the shrine is 500 yen for adults, 300 yen for high school students, and 150 yen for elementary and junior high school students. Admission to Senjokaku is 100 yen for adults and 50 yen for elementary and junior high school students. The Miyajima Ropeway is 2,000 yen for adults and 1,000 yen for children round trip (one way, 1,100 yen for adults and 550 yen for children).
• Miyajima Visitor Tax: From October 1, 2023, 100 yen per person per visit is required when visiting Miyajima by boat (500 yen per person if paying a full year at once). It is paid together with the ferry fare. Preschool children, pupils and students visiting as part of school education along with their chaperones, and holders of a physical disability certificate, a ryoiku (intellectual disability) certificate or a mental disability certificate are not taxed.
• Access: Cross to Miyajima by ferry from Miyajimaguchi Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line. The Miyajima Ropeway (Momijidani Station – Kayatani Station – Shishiiwa Station) runs uphill 9:00–16:00 and downhill 9:20–16:30. From Shishiiwa Station to the summit of Mount Misen takes about one more hour on foot round trip. On "specified days" when crowding is expected, advance web reservation is required, and the coming three months are posted on the official website. The free shuttle bus to Momijidani Station has been suspended for inspection (as of July 2026).
• Construction status: The preservation and repair work on the great torii was completed in December 2022 (Reiwa 4). On the other hand, repair work on the five-storied pagoda (until December 20, 2026) and structural reinforcement of the east corridor (until December 2026) are ongoing and may affect viewing.
• Clothing and equipment: The corridors of Itsukushima Shrine are built with gaps between the floorboards as a countermeasure against high tides. High heels and similar footwear can get their heels caught, so please come in shoes that are easy to walk in. If you plan to walk Mount Misen, bring shoes suited to hiking and something to drink.
• Prohibitions and safety: The deer of Miyajima are wild animals. Hatsukaichi City asks visitors to "not feed them and to manage trash properly," as feeding leads to health damage to the deer and disruption of the ecosystem (swallowing vinyl or paper by mistake can be fatal). Pets are not allowed on the Miyajima Ropeway (except guide dogs and service dogs), and because there is no elevator, strollers and wheelchairs cannot be taken aboard as they are and must be left at the Momijidani Station office.

*The Miyajima Ropeway may suspend operation depending on weather conditions, and there are also periods when the entire line is closed for regular inspection. Please be sure to check the same-day operating information on the official website before visiting.*

(Sources: Itsukushima Shrine official website "Visiting Facilities and Fees" and "Construction Status and Plans" / Hatsukaichi City "To Everyone Sightseeing in (Visiting) Miyajima" and "Deer Countermeasures in the Miyajima Area" / Miyajima Tourist Association "Momijidani Park" / Miyajima Ropeway official website "Hours, Fares and Facilities" / JR West Miyajima Ferry "Fares")