The Miyajima night market, officially known as the Miyajima Tsuki Festival 2025, transforms this sacred island into a spring celebration after dark. Over two magical evenings, my family experienced what makes nighttime Miyajima so special—the silhouette of Itsukushima Shrine shifting from golden dusk to moonlit night, the rich aroma of oyster broth drifting from dozens of food stalls, and the powerful echo of taiko drums reverberating across the water.
This year, I brought my eldest daughter (3rd grade) and youngest (kindergarten) to experience this Miyajima spring festival firsthand. “Nighttime Miyajima is totally different from daytime!” they kept exclaiming, and they were absolutely right. Sipping warm yuzu tea while watching red lanterns glow against the darkening sea, I felt our family travel memories stacking gently, one precious moment at a time.
Event Overview and Key Enjoyment Tips
The Miyajima Tsuki Festival is a vibrant night market-style event held at Miyajima Pier Plaza, right where the ferries dock. From early afternoon through evening and into night, you can sample creative Hiroshima oyster dishes, explore diverse food stalls offering everything from traditional to modern flavors, try hands-on craft activities with your kids, and enjoy spectacular stage performances featuring both traditional and contemporary acts—all conveniently gathered in one atmospheric waterfront location.
After sunset, the transformation is remarkable. Red lanterns and warm stall lights begin to glow against the cool sea breeze, creating an irresistible atmosphere that’s both photogenic and deeply atmospheric. The layout is thoughtfully designed with families in mind, and because the venue sits right by the pier, navigating with strollers or tired little legs is remarkably simple.
As a parent, I genuinely appreciated the stroller-friendly design. The venue strikes an excellent balance between food and drink areas, hands-on experience booths, and stage performance zones, making it easy to plan your route strategically: “Let’s grab a light bite before trying the pottery wheel,” or “We should pick up drinks and secure good seats before the lottery drawing begins.”
The prime location at Miyajima Pier Plaza couldn’t be better. Since it’s literally steps from where the ferries arrive, we highly recommend taking the JR Ferry to enjoy views of the iconic Great Torii Gate during your crossing.
The Miyajima ferry is more than just a way to reach the island—it's a ...
As one of the few organized night events where you can leisurely savor Miyajima after dark, the Tsuki Festival offers a fresh perspective on sightseeing. As a local, I can tell you it’s quite rare to see Miyajima—usually peaceful and quiet after dusk—become so wonderfully lively and welcoming to visitors.
Oyster-Focused Gourmet & Drinks: A Seafood Lover’s Dream
The culinary lineup showcases Miyajima and Hiroshima oyster favorites in creative variations: crispy oyster tempura, refreshing oyster with ponzu sauce, hearty oyster okonomiyaki, and soul-warming miso ramen enriched with deep oyster broth—these are exactly the kinds of dishes travelers search for when looking up “what to eat in Miyajima.” Many stalls thoughtfully offer kid-friendly portions, which proved perfect for our family.
My kids initially protested, “We don’t like oysters…” but after one bite of the just-fried oyster tempura—crisp and golden outside, creamy and savory inside—they lit up immediately: “Wait, we can actually eat this!” When the evening air turns chilly, hearty “warm comfort” dishes like beef tendon miso stew and Yashagiri udon become instant favorites, filling your belly and warming your spirits.
For sweets, waffles and sugar-dusted churros prove irresistibly popular, perfect for snacking while you wander and explore—my younger daughter devoured an entire churro, ending up with powdered sugar all over her delighted smile. The drink selection ranges from sophisticated Calvados highballs and premium Dassai sake to gently sweet amazake (a traditional low- or non-alcoholic fermented rice drink) and warming yuzu tea, ensuring there’s something to suit every taste and age.
Part of the night market fun is discovering each family member’s personal “favorite find.” Insider tip from a local: for everyday grilled oysters, we Hiroshima residents often head to “Yakigaki no Hayashi” rather than the more touristy “Oyster House,” but at this festival the different seasonings and creative preparations offer a refreshing change of pace even for seasoned oyster lovers.
Experience Booths: Time for Families to “Create & Play”
Hands-on activity booths abound throughout the venue, offering everything from pottery wheel experiences where you can create your own small plates, to traditional Kumano brush calligraphy with water (a mess-free option perfect for kids), strikeout baseball games, and even stalls where local farmers sell fresh Hiroshima tomatoes. Bringing home a handmade ceramic plate as a souvenir means the warm glow of your Miyajima trip returns every time you use it at your dinner table.
My eldest daughter became completely absorbed at the pottery wheel, seriously declaring, “I want to make ceramics at home too!” Meanwhile, activities like the kendama experience (traditional Japanese cup-and-ball toy) offer approachable fun that all ages and skill levels can enjoy. Dipping into these activities between stage performances naturally sparks family conversation and creates plenty of laughter.
My husband handled photo duty while I supported the kids at each booth. Our younger daughter worked incredibly hard at the Kumano brush calligraphy station, proudly announcing, “I’m writing Mom’s name!” Beyond just eating and drinking, this blend of creative discovery and hands-on participation is what makes the festival such a draw for families traveling with children.
Stage Event Highlights: Traditional Meets Contemporary
The performance program spans two full days of diverse entertainment—from deeply traditional arts like kagura (sacred Shinto ritual dance) and thunderous Miyajima taiko drumming, to energetic high school dance and vocal performances, and laugh-out-loud live comedy shows featuring TV-famous comedians from Yoshimoto Kogyo.
After dusk falls, professional lighting and sound systems elevate the entire atmosphere, amplifying the venue’s energy and creating moments of genuine magic. Adults and kids alike stay hooked, wondering with anticipation, “What’s coming next?” My eldest daughter’s eyes absolutely sparkled watching the thunder and power of the taiko performance, her shoulders unconsciously bouncing to the primal rhythm.
The comedy stage brought a star-studded lineup both evenings, keeping the audience thoroughly entertained right through to the finale. While last August’s famous fireworks festival drew crowds so massive that even us islanders chose to stay away, this spring night market felt perfectly lively yet comfortable—hitting that sweet spot ideal for families with young children.
Miyajima Fortune Lottery: The Thrill of “Shop and Win” Across the Island
The signature “Miyajima Fortune Lottery” offers a unique twist that distinguishes this festival: you qualify for the evening drawing by presenting same-day receipts (combined totals accepted) from purchases made anywhere on Miyajima Island. This clever system encourages you to explore souvenir shops and restaurants throughout the afternoon before the evening draw—suddenly your entire island visit becomes part of building anticipation and excitement.
We browsed and shopped our way along Omotesando Shopping Street, carefully collecting our receipts as we went. The kids buzzed with speculation: “What if we actually win a PlayStation 5?” Watching their hopeful calculations and growing excitement was honestly half the entertainment for us parents.
Shopping along Omotesando Shopping Street naturally becomes part of the lottery adventure. You can select traditional souvenirs like momiji manju (the island’s famous maple leaf-shaped cakes) and exquisite Miyajima wood carvings while building toward that ¥3,000 receipt threshold.
Wondering what to eat in Miyajima? The answer lies along Omotesando Sh...
Prize offerings include genuinely luxe items like PlayStation 5 consoles and high-end robot vacuums. That moment when your family huddles together, eyes fixed on the numbers being called, becomes its own tiny drama—full of tension, nervous giggles, and spontaneous cheers. Even if you don’t win, you’ll walk away thinking with a smile, “Next year for sure!”
Always verify the latest participation conditions and precautions through on-site signage or official organizer announcements. Also important to note: a ¥100 Miyajima island entrance tax (contribution) began in October 2023, so factor this small amount into your travel budget planning.
The 3rd “Miyajima Tsuki Festival” Has Been Held
The Miyajima night market known as the “Miyajima Tsuki Festival” was held over two consecutive days—Saturday, March 8, 2025, and Sunday, March 9, 2025—on Miyajima Island. Continuing from the previous year, this spring festival serves as a creative replacement for the traditional Miyajima Oyster Festival, which had been canceled. Here are the event highlights that made it special.
The Miyajima Tsuki Festival invites visitors to rediscover the incredible flavor of Miyajima oysters through creative, innovative dishes, alongside unique foods and specialty drinks available only at this event—making it an ideal destination for travelers specifically searching for “Hiroshima oysters” or authentic “Miyajima night market” experiences.
The event truly packs in entertainment and activities for all ages: traditional kendama experiences, pottery wheel sessions where you create small ceramic plates to take home, Kumano brush water calligraphy demonstrations, and numerous craft and sales booths. The food scene genuinely rivaled any major gourmet festival, featuring standout stalls like Yashadon Udon (from Kagura Monzen Yujimura) and hearty Beef Tendon Miso Stew paired with soothing Yuzu Tea (from Roadside Station Miyano Sato Akitakata).
The main stage featured the annual sacred kagura dance performances and powerful Miyajima Taiko drumming demonstrations, plus dazzling contemporary dance performances from local students. The wildly popular “Miyajima Fortune Lottery” returned for another year, and both evenings concluded with professional comedy shows featuring top-tier comedians from Yoshimoto Kogyo—a crowd-pleasing finale that sent everyone home laughing.
Simply Put, You Won’t Be Able to Take Your Eyes Off the Stage
The event officially kicked off at 1:00 PM, and I found myself immediately captivated by the stage programming—genuinely glued to the performances. Here’s a moment captured during promotional appearances by Kitahiroshima Town’s charming tourism ambassador. I didn’t recognize the mascot character initially, but the costume craftsmanship and bouncy, energetic movements were absolutely adorable. The kids were equally hooked, repeatedly asking, “What’s that character called?”
My First Time Attending the Tsuki Festival
The performance program proved so compelling that I genuinely could have stayed from the 1:00 PM opening right through to the finale and still wanted more. I deeply regretted arriving only in the evening—next year I’m absolutely planning to come early and make a full day of experiencing everything the festival offers.
The Yoshimoto Kogyo comedy lineup was genuinely impressive, featuring recognizable names and fresh talent. Performances by Kitahiroshima Town’s tourism ambassador and the enthusiastic local Hatsukaichi Nishi High School dance club brought a refreshing, inspiring energy. My eldest daughter watched the high schoolers’ earnest, synchronized dancing and declared with determination, “I want to learn to dance like that too!”
Here’s how the much-anticipated “Miyajima Fortune Lottery” system worked: present same-day receipts totaling ¥3,000 or more (from purchases anywhere on Miyajima Island) at the designated venue booth on a first-come, first-served basis to receive your lottery ticket for the evening drawing ceremony. With seriously luxe prizes on the line—including gaming consoles and high-tech appliances—the crowd energy was absolutely electric!
The grand finale featured a hilarious professional comedy show with a truly star-studded guest list that sent the venue’s energy through the roof—creating an unforgettable way to close each evening. This festival really does wrap so many of Miyajima’s charms into one cohesive experience: intimate up-close performances, delicious food and specialty drinks, meaningful hands-on cultural experiences, and even an exciting raffle featuring prizes like a PlayStation 5 and premium robot vacuum. It genuinely had something for everyone.
I’m already eagerly looking forward to next year’s festival. Next time, I’m determined to arrive from early afternoon and experience even more activities together as a complete family adventure.
After the Tsuki Festival wraps up, don’t miss experiencing Itsukushima Shrine illuminated at night—it’s absolutely stunning. The softly lit corridors feel solemn and almost otherworldly compared to the bustling daytime atmosphere, creating such a profound shift that even our energetic children fell completely silent, simply absorbing the beauty.
When you think of Miyajima, the first image that comes to mind is Itsu...
Access and Basic Information
The festival venue is located just a short, easy walk from Miyajima Pier—literally steps from where your ferry docks. After you disembark, simply follow the waterfront promenade and you’ll immediately be greeted by the welcoming glow of colorful food stalls and the energetic sound of stage performances. The route is extremely easy to navigate with strollers and small children, and arriving a bit earlier in the afternoon makes for a more relaxed, less rushed experience.
Admission to the festival is completely free. The event typically runs from approximately 1:00 PM through 7:30 PM. If you specifically want to experience that magical after-sunset atmosphere with glowing lanterns reflected on the water, arriving around 4:00 PM works perfectly—you’ll catch the transition from daylight to twilight.
For general inquiries about the event, contact the Miyajima Tourism Association directly (TEL: 0829-44-2011).
Helpful tip for parents traveling with infants and toddlers: If you need a quiet space for breastfeeding or diaper changes, there’s a dedicated nursing room available on the 2nd floor of the Miyajima Tourist Information Center, located along Omotesando Shopping Street. Additionally, Miyaji Marine (the ferry operator) offers complimentary stroller rentals to help lighten your load while exploring the island.
Please note that specific participation conditions, safety precautions, featured performers, vendor booths, and Fortune Lottery details may change from year to year. We strongly recommend reconfirming the very latest information through official announcements and the Miyajima Tourism Association website before finalizing your visit plans.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q. Is the Miyajima Tsuki Festival enjoyable for families traveling with children?
A. Absolutely yes. The venue’s proximity to the ferry pier and thoughtful family-friendly design make it wonderfully accessible, with plenty of engaging elements from hands-on craft booths to kid-approved drinks like amazake and warming yuzu tea. To avoid the most intense crowd density, arriving in late afternoon to early evening provides the most comfortable experience. Our 5-year-old and 8-year-old daughters stayed genuinely engaged and entertained right through to the very end of the evening.
Q. Is it okay if some family members don’t like oysters?
A. Absolutely no problem at all. The festival features abundant non-oyster menu options including hearty beef tendon miso stew, satisfying Yashadon udon, sweet churros, fresh waffles, and much more. My own kids initially avoided the oyster dishes entirely but happily filled up on the diverse alternative offerings—nobody went hungry or disappointed.
Q. How exactly do I participate in the Miyajima Fortune Lottery?
A. On the festival day itself, present same-day receipts totaling ¥3,000 or more from any purchases made anywhere on Miyajima Island (shops, restaurants, attractions—they all count) to receive your official lottery ticket. The drawing ceremony is held in the evening, so strategically plan your daytime island shopping and dining accordingly. Always verify the most current participation details and conditions through official event announcements before your visit.
Q. What are the absolute highlights of the stage performances?
A. The programming offers remarkable diversity: deeply traditional sacred kagura ritual dances and thunderous Miyajima taiko drumming, alongside contemporary dance performances, vocal showcases, and professional stand-up comedy. The nighttime lighting and professional sound systems dramatically boost the overall atmosphere and keep children thoroughly entertained throughout. The powerful, visceral taiko drum performances were an absolute standout favorite for our entire family.
Q. What’s the ideal itinerary and timing strategy?
A. We recommend arriving around 4:00 PM to catch the magical transition from daylight to dusk. Start by grabbing a light bite to eat, then explore a few hands-on experience booths with the kids, settle in to watch stage performances as the sun sets and lanterns begin glowing, participate in the evening lottery drawing, then cap off your night enjoying the hilarious comedy show finale. With the ferry pier located right next to the venue, the return journey is extremely easy and stress-free. We personally followed this flow and never once felt rushed or overwhelmed.
Q. Is alcohol available for purchase at the festival?
A. Yes, definitely. Look for sophisticated options like Calvados highballs and premium Japanese sake including the famous Dassai brand. For non-alcoholic preferences, festival-goers love the traditional amazake (sweet fermented rice drink) and warming, fragrant yuzu tea.
Q. What happens if there’s rain on the event days?
A. Certain outdoor activities and stage performances may be modified, moved, or potentially canceled depending on weather severity. Please check the event organizer’s most recent official announcements and updates immediately before your planned visit to avoid disappointment.
Q. Do you have any practical tips for avoiding the biggest crowds?
A. Visit hands-on experience booths earlier in the event schedule, then shift your focus to stage performances and food stalls after sunset when the atmosphere becomes most magical. The area around the lottery drawing booth tends to get particularly busy just before the evening ceremony, so grab your drinks and snacks well in advance and secure good viewing spots early. Generally speaking, the quietest window tends to be weekday afternoons between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, though do note this particular festival was held on weekend days.
Q. What if I want to try other famous Miyajima gourmet foods beyond the festival?
A. After thoroughly enjoying Hiroshima oysters at the Tsuki Festival, be sure to try Miyajima’s other signature dish: conger eel rice, known locally as “anago-meshi.” Anago refers to saltwater conger eel (different from freshwater unagi), typically grilled with a sweet-savory glaze and served elegantly over perfectly steamed rice—it’s one of the island’s most celebrated traditional flavors and offers a completely different taste experience from the festival stalls.
When it comes to Miyajima’s most representative and iconic gourmet specialty, conger eel rice absolutely tops the list. It provides a refined, elegant contrast to the casual festival foods and allows you to experience the full depth and sophistication of traditional Miyajima cuisine.
When you visit Hiroshima's enchanting island of Miyajima, one dish sta...
Summary
The Miyajima Tsuki Festival beautifully showcases the incredible range and creativity of Hiroshima oyster dishes while simultaneously revealing a fresh, vibrant side of “nighttime Miyajima” through engaging hands-on cultural activities and diverse live entertainment spanning traditional to contemporary arts.
As a Hiroshima-based parent raising my family here, I discovered travel happiness in the simplest, most genuine moments—seeing my children’s eyes light up watching the thunderous taiko performance, sharing warming cups of sweet amazake together, laughing as a family under the soft glow of paper lanterns. Next year, I’m determined to arrive even earlier in the day and help each family member discover their own personal “favorite moments and discoveries.”
It’s genuinely precious and rather rare to watch Miyajima—an island usually so peaceful and contemplative after evening falls—transform into something so wonderfully lively, warm, and welcoming to visitors. As a local resident who treasures this island, I sincerely hope international travelers take the opportunity to experience this special event. You’ll absolutely discover unexpected new charms and dimensions of Miyajima that daytime sightseeing alone simply cannot reveal.
For those visitors who want to dive even deeper into understanding Miyajima’s rich history, profound cultural significance, and sacred heritage, take time to explore the wider context of this entire UNESCO World Heritage site. The modern Tsuki Festival represents a fresh, evolving cultural tradition being born within Miyajima’s ancient, centuries-long story.
Miyajima is one of those rare places where Japan's ancient history and...
