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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