Miyajima Sea Pilgrimage to Itsukushima Shrine Oyster Farm Visit

We had a wonderful time with Chikako and Stan on our guided Miyajima, Itsukushima Shrine & Oyster Farm tour, followed by lunch at an oyster restaurant. They did a great job answering all of our questions and looking after us. The oyster trip and lunch were fun, and the food was good. The highlight for us, however, was getting to see the Great Torii Gate from a boat. Two points: 1. You don't have to shuck your own oysters. You grill/steam them at your table and they open during the cooking. 2. After seeing the gate and the oyster farm you return to the mainland for lunch, after which the tour ends. You don't return to Miyajima.

I really enjoyed this tour because it was very well prepared. The guide was experienced, and the destinations were unique and not mainstream. I had the opportunity to ride the Hokusai train, where artworks by Hokusai from the Edo period are displayed inside. I also visited the Mt. Fuji Center, which has a very beautiful and distinctive architectural design. Near the center, there is a shrine that has a big beautiful sakura tree. In addition, I joined a wasabi tasting experience. This was my first time grating fresh wasabi root and seeing a wasabi paddy in person (the wasabi and rice were incredibly fresh!). The lunch provided was delicious, and to top it off, we were treated to an impressive drum performance.

I recently joined the Miyajima Island tour, and it was a wonderful cultural and food experience. Visiting Itsukushima Shrine was truly special—the guide explained Japanese traditions in a very simple and engaging way, which made the visit much more meaningful. The cruise was another highlight, offering beautiful views of the Great Torii and the oyster rafts. Listening to insights from local oyster producers made the experience feel authentic and unique. The best part for me was the oyster lunch at Shimada Suisan. Grilling the oysters myself was fun, and the food was fresh and delicious. Overall, it was a well-organized and enjoyable tour that perfectly combines culture, scenery, and local food. Highly recommended!

It was one of the best experience that I could ever ask for! I saw the Itsukushima Shrine and it was totally beautiful beyond words! My first time visit to Miyajima Island and I often heard that oyster farm and oyster meals are a thing there, and the reputation does not lie. The oysters I enjoyed that day were so fresh and delicious. The insight on Miyajima Island as the Island of the Gods were also stunning and I could not believe it at first. The timing was also perfect, not too slow and not too rushed, but would appreciate more time blending in with the locals. Recommended tour for first-time visitors to Miyajima Island!

One of the main themes of the tour was visiting an oyster farm, followed by an oyster lunch. There were more than 10 tourists in our group, and it was everyone’s first time trying oysters. So it was definitely something new and special to add to the itinerary.

Thanks to this tour I could discover the historical attractions of Miyajima Island and enjoy the taste of local Oyster. The tour starts in the ferry terminal, from where you're taken on a roundtrip to the island, in a 4 hours length field trip. It also includes free time to explore the wonders of the island, but I'd recommend more spare time to fully enjoy the place. The staff that guides the group was very considerate, and answer all our questions, and also explain the importance of Itsukushima Shrine, the religious rituals inside the temple and important cultural information. Other staff will help you teaching about oyster farming and during the lunch. It is recommended to carry some bottle of water, but don't worry for the food! The tour includes a generous and delicious lunch with different oyster dishes. It was one of the most interesting experiences since it was my first time eating it! Personally, I think this tour gives you an opportunity to explore the island trough an amazing view. When taking the ferry to oyster farm, we had the opportunity to see Itukushima shire from close and taking pictures. I think is best for friends of family groups, because the groups are not crowded, but you have the opportunity to interact with new people at this tour.

What an unforgettable experience. The Miyajima guided tour, combined with the fresh oyster farm visit, was thoughtfully designed to give visitors something truly special, an experience to savor and memories to hold onto long after the day ends. From the very beginning, every moment felt meaningful. The island’s deep historical significance was brought to life in a way that sparked the imagination, especially its importance within the Shinto belief system. Walking through Miyajima felt less like sightseeing and more like stepping into a living story. The guide was exceptional, clear, patient, and genuinely passionate. You could sense how much she cared about sharing every detail, making sure nothing was rushed or overlooked. The boat ride out to the oyster farms was another highlight. The explanation of the oyster formation process was fascinating and delivered in a way that was both informative and engaging. And then came the oyster lunch, the perfect crowning of the moments. From watching the preparation to tasting the oysters served in different styles, it was a true culinary celebration. Each bite reflected the freshness of the sea and the care taken in presenting the meal. Overall, it was an amazing experience; worth every penny and filled with memories beautifully made and well worth documenting. Arigatou gozaimasu

We were welcomed by the calm sea and the iconic Great Torii of Itsukushima Shrine, standing gracefully as if floating on the water. It was truly breathtaking to see this famous symbol up close. The journey continued with a visit to the magnificent Itsukushima Shrine, beautifully built over the sea. Our guide clearly explained the history of the shrine and taught us the proper way to pray. The atmosphere felt sacred and peaceful. After that, we took photos with the stunning torii gate in the background. We also had free time to walk around and shop for local souvenirs. Later, we returned to the port to head to the oyster farm. Before arriving, we were taken closer to the torii gate from the sea an incredibly beautiful and unforgettable experience. At the oyster farm, we learned about the cultivation process in the middle of the sea. It was fascinating to see how oysters are grown and prepared for harvest. The highlight of the tour was enjoying fresh oysters that tasted sweet, tender, and incredibly fresh from the sea. Everything felt even more special thanks to our friendly and informative guide, who shared many interesting stories. A perfect day with beautiful scenery, valuable experiences, and unforgettable memories. Thank you for this amazing tour.

Visiting Miyajima was an unforgettable cultural experience. The peaceful atmosphere and traditional scenery make it one of Japan’s most charming destinations. The famous floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine looks magical, especially when the tide rises and reflects on the water. Walking around the island, I enjoyed seeing friendly deer and exploring small local shops selling fresh oysters and sweet momiji manju. For a wider view, I recommend going up Mount Misen, where you can see the beautiful Seto Inland Sea from above. The island is easy to reach by ferry from Hiroshima, making it a perfect day trip. Overall, it is a peaceful, clean, and culturally rich place worth visiting.

The most important part of this tour was visiting the oyster farm and having an oyster lunch. We were more than 10 tourists today, and all of them said it was their first time cooking and eating an oyster. Now, coming to the Miyajima tour — the guide explained everything clearly. We didn’t know that “Un” and “Aa” represent the beginning and the end. It was very interesting to learn about it. From 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM, the half-day tour was enough to fully enjoy the experience.