Long regarded as the Island of Gods on the clear waters of the Seto Inland Sea, Miyajima—an island just off the coast of Hiroshima—is one of the top three scenic spots in Japan which is home to the floating Itsukushima Shrine and O-Torii Gate.

Both the Itsukushima Shrine and O-Torii Gate carry religious significance to the Japanese and the former has been dedicated to the worship of the three daughters of Susano-o no Mikoto—Shinto god of the seas and storms. The Itsukushima Shrine and O-Torii Gate were also built over water so as to protect the purity of these religious sites.

Normally visited as a day trip from Hiroshima, a day full of adventure and discovery awaits you on Miyajima. This is one island that you must visit once in your life.

Awarded the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site since December 1996, the Itsukushima Shrine is a national treasure of Japan which spans across an area of about 280 metres and 20 buildings.

Prior to entering the Itsukushima Shrine, visitors are welcome to cleanse their hands at the Chozuya as a symbolic act of purification. All you’d have to do is to use the ladle to scoop some water from the central catchment area and pour the water over both your hands.

The Itsukushima Shrine is a splendid example of Shinden-style architecture—an architectural style used in the building of residences for nobility in the past. Take the time to explore the entire complex which comprises several halls and shrines lit by lanterns. 

And just 200 metres ahead of the Itsukushima Shrine lies the O-Torii Gate, the iconic “floating” gate which many flock to Miyajima for. First constructed in 1168, the O-Torii Gate is considered the boundary between the spirit and human worlds and the vibrant vermilion colours of the gate is believed to keep evil spirits away.

Depending on the tide, visitors may have the chance to walk to the foot of the O-Torii Gate and pass through it. Otherwise, admiring it from land during high tide would be just as magical.

Admission to the Itsukushima Shrine will cost ¥300 per adult and ¥200 for high school students. Viewing of the O-Torii Gate is free.

Admission hours for the Itsukushima Shrine
01 January: 12am – 6.30pm
02 to 03 January: 6.30am – 6.30pm
04 January to end of February, 15 October 2017 to 30 November: 6.30am – 5.30pm
01 March to 14 October: 6.30am – 6pm
01 December to 31 December: 6.30am – 5pm

Itsukushima Shrine & O-Torii Gate
1-1 Miyajima-cho,
Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0588
Tel: +81 829 44 2020

For more recommendations, read our guide on 5D4N Shikoku & Setouchi itinerary featuring 19 reasons to visit this beautiful region.

When in Hiroshima, one quintessential dish to try is Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki. And where better to have okonomiyaki than at Okonomimura—an okonomiyaki village with 24 different okonomiyaki eateries.

But amongst the 24, Suigun—a 40-year-old family eatery nestled in the corner of the third level of Okonomimura—is our top pick. Helmed by a mother-daughter team, Suigun won our hearts with its tasty okonomiyaki creations and for how welcome we felt during our dining experience there. 

You must dine at Suigun the next time you are in Hiroshima.

In operation since the very beginning of Okonomimura, Suigun has been whipping up quality okonomiyaki for the past 40 years. This mother-daughter team will impress you with their passion for okonomiyaki and with the amount of heart that they pour into cooking each diner’s meal.

But for those who are concerned about not being able to communicate in Japanese, there is really no need to worry. Dining at Suigun will be a breeze because all okonomiyaki stalls in Okonomimura have made the effort to provide English menus for their guests.

At Suigun, diners will have an up-close-and-personal viewing of the mother-daughter team’s classy execution of okonomiyaki. Further, your food will be served to you on the same grill as it is cooked on.

We went with the regular okonomiyaki set (¥1,350 (S$16)) which puts together a beautiful combination of pork belly, prawn, squid, shredded cabbage, egg, chives and yakisoba topped off with Japanese mayonnaise and home-made okonomi sauce.

Each addition of ingredient was so swift and quick that we found our delicious meal ready for consumption within minutes.

Although we’ve had our fair share of okonomiyaki, Suigun’s okonomiyaki easily took its place as the best one we’ve had thus far. The ingredients used were so fresh, it was bursting with flavour and we could not help but fawn over how hearty and delicious the dish was.

When dining, try not to overlook or downplay the portion of okonomiyaki served. Trust us when we say that a single set was enough to feed two hungry people!

To get to Suigun, simply climb up two flights of steps, turn left and make your way down towards the end of the hallway. Suigun will be the last okonomiyaki stall on your left before the street turns right.

Suigun
Okonomimura 3F,
5-13 Shintenchi, Naka-ku,
Hiroshima 730-0034, Japan
Tel: +81 82 541 2999
Daily: 11am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Hondori

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Although there is much to love about a city holiday, there is something unmistakably beautiful about venturing to places that are not usually visited; the road less travelled. Likewise in Japan, most may not have Hiroshima, Shikoku or Setouchi in mind but this is where you are missing out on an adventure of a lifetime.

Overflowing with tradition, history and geographical wonders, Hiroshima, Shikoku and Setouchi will leave you in awe everywhere you go. A good trip is one which leaves a lasting impression and touches your heart; this is what you are in for if you are planning a trip to Hiroshima, Shikoku and Setouchi.

Here is a 5D4N Shikoku & Setouchi itinerary featuring 19 reasons to visit this beautiful region. We are sure you will love these places as much as we do.

EHIME PREFECTURE (SHIKOKU)

#1 DOGO ONSEN

When in Japan, a visit to the hot spring is a must. A good place to go for a dip is Dogo Onsen—one of Japan’s oldest hot springs previously frequently visited by the imperial family.

Today, the Dogo Onsen remains a popular bathhouse spot bustling with both tourists and locals and it is said to have lent inspiration to the animated film “Spirited Away”.

#2 MATSUYAMA CASTLE

Constructed on Mount Katsuyama, Matsuyama Castle—one of the twelve preserved castles in Japan—is a stunning architectural feat which served as a fortress for the Katoh, Gamoh and Matsudaira family between 1603 to 1868.

Built by hand from stones brought over from the Yuzuki and Masaki Castle and its surrounding areas, spend time diving deep into the castle’s history, explore the hidden windows where archers once stood and enjoy vast views of the Ehime prefecture’s landscape at the top of the castle. 

#3 MICHI-NO-EKI TATARA SHIMANAMI PARK

Located within Tatara Shimanami Park, delight in Michi-no-eki Tatara Shimanami Park’s Iki-umi Gozen Set (¥1620/ S$19.31) which stars tasty and crispy sardine and conger tempura. You can also add on a plate of fresh and juicy squid sashimi for ¥2160 (S$25.75).

#4 MIKAN PICKING AT OMISHIMA ISLAND

A trip to a mikan farm should not be missed especially when in the Ehime Prefecture — the Citrus Kingdom of Japan. For just ¥500 (S$5.96), mikan lovers can pick endless mikan with no time limit imposed, subject to all mikan being consumed onsite. Advance bookings are required.

#5 PAPERMAKING AT TENJIN PAPER FACTORY

During the Edo Period and Meiji Period, the town of Uchiko prospered through the manufacture of vegetable wax and paper. Embark on a 20-minute paper making tour at the Tenjin Paper Factory (¥500/ S$5.96) where participants have the chance to make washi paper through traditional techniques.

Advance reservations for the tour are necessary.

#6 TAIMEISHI

A well-known speciality of the Ehime prefecture, Taimeishi (¥1000/ S$11.92)—done Uwajima-style—comprises thinly-sliced sea bream sashimi, raw egg, sesame seeds and chopped green onions layered over a bowl of fluffy rice.

#7 UCHIKO’S OLD TOWN & UCHIKO-ZA

Set aside as a Historic District Preservation Zone, Uchiko is an example of living history. Walk along Yokaichi Old Town—Uchiko’s preserved street of houses—which remains unchanged since Uchiko’s days as a vibrant hub for wax and paper production.

Another place you must visit in Uchiko is Uchiko-za. Built in celebration of Emperor Taisho’s accession in February 1916, it is a two-storey wooden theatre which was and continues to be home to various traditional Japanese performance arts such as kabuki, bunraku and rakugo.

#8 YUGAO KAISEKI DINNER

Your trip to Japan would not be complete without a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner: Kaiseki.

A highly recommended dining establishment for Kaiseki is Yugao, a quaint Japanese restaurant nestled on the third level of Yamatoya Honten. Some highlights of your meal include a selection of sea bream, bonito and shrimp sashimi and a personal wagyu grill.

TOKUSHIMA PREFECTURE (SHIKOKU)

#9 AWA-ODORI KAIKAN HALL 

A quintessential Japanese folk dance, immerse yourself in Awa Odori—a traditional Bon dance performed during summer.

At the Awa-Odori Kaikan Hall, visitors will be treated to performances such as “The Dance Past and Present” and “Nature Themes” by Awa No Kaze—a dance group exclusive to the facility—and will have the chance to join the group on stage after a step-by-step introduction to the dance.

#10 IYA KAZURA BRIDGE

A suspension bridge composed of mountain vines across the river of the Iya Valley, the Iya Kazura Bridge is a gorgeous bridge that deserves a visit. Legend tells the tale of the bridge being a vital transport system and of the bridge being constructed by refugee Taira clan members during the Gempei War. 

However, as the gaps between each wooden plank of the bridge are rather large and will be slippery during the rainy season, proper footwear is recommended for those keen on crossing the Bridge.

#11 NARUTO WHIRLPOOLS

Tidal whirlpools that occur along the Shikoku coast of the Naruto Straits, the Naruto Whirlpools are created from the meeting of currents between the Seto Inland Sea and Pacific Ocean.

As the size of the whirlpools may vary according to weather conditions, we highly recommend you to check the whirlpool schedules prior to your visit.

#12 OBOKE PLEASURE CRUISE

Awarded the status of both a National Nature Treasure and National Scenic Spot in Japan in 2014 and 2015 respectively, the Oboke Pleasure Cruise is a must-do for all visiting Tokushima.

You will be transported to a paradise overflowing with tranquillity and serenity created by the rows of massive rare crystalline schists which line both sides of the Yoshino river. And for those who are enthusiastic about natural rock formations, look out for “Rock the Lion”—a giant rock reminiscent of a lion’s head.

HIROSHIMA

#13 HIROSHIMA-STYLE OKONOMIYAKI

For the ultimate okonomiyaki experience in Hiroshima, Okonomimura—an okonomiyaki village—would be worth your time.

Among the 24 stalls in Okonomimura, our favourite was Suigun: a 40-year-old family eatery which has been in operation since the establishment of Okonomimura. An okonomiyaki set incorporating ingredients such as pork, prawn and squid is priced at ¥1,350 (S$16.0).

#14 HIROSHIMA PEACE MEMORIAL PARK & MUSEUM

At 8.15am on 06 August 1945, the first atomic bomb in the world changed the fate and lives of the people living in Hiroshima. In commemoration of the lives lost and severe suffering which ensued from this tragedy, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park stands as testimony to the urgent need for diplomacy and world peace over violent confrontation.

After visiting the park, make your way over to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to hear the untold stories of victims of the atomic bombs, examine their personal belongings and relive the horrors of the past through interactive exhibits.

MIYAJIMA

#15 DAISHO-IN TEMPLE

Daisho-in Temple presently serves as the headquarters of the Omuro Branch of the Shingon denomination of Buddhism.

With 27 different religious sites within the Daisho-in Temple, visitors will leave Daisho-in Temple with a comprehensive understanding and refreshed perspective of Buddhist teachings.

#16 ITSUKI COFFEE & MOMIJI MANJU

During your visit to Miyajima Island, there are plenty of eateries selling a waffle shaped like a maple leaf filled with various fillings: the Momiji Manju (¥150/ S$1.79). Filling flavours to try include cream cheese, custard cream, Adzuki bean jam, green tea and chocolate.

Another popular eatery to look out for is Itsuki Coffee, a space managed by the only coffee roaster on Miyajima where you can find freshly roasted and brewed coffee and the Hattendo Cream Pan.

#17 ITSUKUSHIMA SHRINE & O-TORII GATE

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since December 1996, Itsukushima Shrine is an excellent example of Shinden-style architecture and spans across a corridor of approximately 280 meters and 20 buildings.

And just 200 meters ahead of the Itsukushima Shrine is the O-Torii Gate—one of the most iconic landmarks of Miyajima. Depending on the time of visit and the levels of the sea, visitors may have a chance to walk right up to the O-Torii Gate.

#18 MIYAJIMA SPECIALTY OYSTERS & ANAGO

Miyajima’s oyster farming industry boasts a rich history of more than 330 years and their oysters are known for their excellent flavour, taste and texture. Do also save some tummy space for Anago Meshi—eels from Onoseto which are extremely tender and flavourful.

SETOUCHI

#19 KURUSHIMA-KAIKYO BRIDGE

The Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge—the longest suspension bridge structure in the world—connects the Hiroshima Prefecture and Ehime Prefecture. If you are up to the challenge, you may cycle a 7km route across the bridge which will reward you with a bird’s eye view of Hiroshima’s islands.

There is no good way to sum up the beauty and wonders of Hiroshima, Shikoku and Setouchi because no words could do justice to how enchanting this region in Japan is. Their scenic attractions are beyond breathtaking, their cultural sites so rich with heritage and the food, phenomenal.

Awake the explorer in you and opt to travel to this undiscovered region in Japan as compared to Japanese cities which are constantly overflowing with tourists and crazy human traffic. Sit back, relax and as we said earlier, take the road less travelled. You will definitely not regret doing so.

This post is organized by Setouchi Tourism and sponsored by Ehime.