Miyajima Breakfast: Cafe Shima’s Hand-Baked Bread

Looking for the perfect Miyajima breakfast to start your day of sightseeing? Cafe Shima on Omotesando Shopping Street is a hidden gem that locals love and visitors treasure. When you’re searching for breakfast in Miyajima, especially one available right after the early morning ferry arrives, this long-established cafe should be at the top of your list. Our family makes it a point to visit at least once a month—it’s genuinely become our go-to spot for mornings on the island. What makes it special? Hand-baked bread that’s made fresh daily, house-baked sweets with recipes passed down through generations, and deep-roasted coffee that’s been perfected over decades. The morning sets and light meals are ideal whether you’re fueling up before shrine visits or taking a peaceful mid-morning break. As one of Miyajima’s few cafes opening early, it’s perfectly positioned for breakfast just steps from the ferry terminal. Their takeout sandwiches and signature lemon sweets also make wonderful souvenirs to bring home.

Cafe Shima: A Miyajima Breakfast Tradition Since 1966

Founded in 1966, Cafe Shima has been welcoming travelers and locals for nearly six decades. Now lovingly run by second-generation owner Akiko Yamauchi, this charming coffee shop continues her grandfather’s tradition of carefully brewed coffee while adding her own touch with handmade bread and baked goods you could happily enjoy every single day. The location couldn’t be more convenient—right on Miyajima’s bustling Omotesando Shopping Street, just a short walk from where the ferry docks. What really sets this cafe apart for breakfast-seekers is the early opening time: doors open at 8:30 AM, and breakfast sets are served until 11:00 AM, making this a rare and valuable option on an island where many restaurants don’t open until later.

Last weekend, we brought the whole family for breakfast, and my younger daughter couldn’t stop talking about it. “The bread is so fluffy!” she kept saying, taking tiny bites to make it last longer. The interior is wonderfully compact and calm—just 14 seats that create an intimate, unhurried atmosphere. The shop is closed on Wednesdays, but otherwise welcomes guests with open arms. They accept a wide range of cashless payment options too, which makes stopping by during your Miyajima itinerary completely hassle-free. Many regulars come specifically for the island’s best hand-baked bread and that signature deep-roast coffee. The baked sweets during cafe hours have their own devoted following. According to locals we’ve chatted with, weekdays between 2 PM and 4 PM tend to be the quietest if you’re looking to avoid crowds, though honestly, the morning hours right after opening are wonderfully peaceful too.

Before you dive into shopping for souvenirs along Omotesando Shopping Street, fuel up properly! We’ve written a detailed guide about everything this vibrant street has to offer.

Step Inside: The Cafe’s Welcoming Atmosphere

The moment you walk in, you’ll notice the stylish white-accented space that manages to feel both modern and timeless. Everything is spotlessly clean and genuinely inviting. At the counter, you’ll see freshly baked bread and sweets beautifully displayed—these are all available for takeout, which is perfect if you’re planning to continue exploring Miyajima and want something delicious for later. My older daughter got genuinely excited about the interior design. “It’s like a real cafe!” she whispered (as if cafes in small towns couldn’t be stylish). The space works wonderfully even with children in tow, and on those inevitable rainy days that pop up during island visits, it makes an excellent cozy shelter where you can wait out a shower while enjoying excellent coffee.

Breakfast Sets: The Perfect Start to Your Miyajima Day

With doors opening at 8:30 AM, Cafe Shima is genuinely ideal for travelers who want to make the most of their morning on Miyajima. The breakfast service runs from opening until 11:00 AM, giving you plenty of time to catch an early ferry and still enjoy a proper sit-down meal before the crowds arrive at Itsukushima Shrine. Each morning set includes a generous toast plate paired with your choice of drink. The drink selection is more interesting than your typical cafe—you’ll find their signature blended coffee, refreshing homemade lemonade, and even matcha latte if you’re in the mood for something different. But what really catches your eye is the menu item called “Grandpa’s Deep Roast Coffee.” It’s named after the founder, and this house classic has been perfected over decades.

I tend to stick with what I know works, so I always order the Classic Set (¥1,000 including tax). It’s beautifully straightforward: thick-cut toast that arrives still warm, a perfectly fried egg with a runny yolk, a fresh salad with crisp mizuna greens and bright tomatoes, and that wonderful coffee. For an additional ¥200, you can add either honey or lemon jam to your toast. My older daughter has strong opinions about this—she absolutely loves the lemon jam and inevitably asks for the extra portion every single time.

The coffee is where this place really shines. The rich aroma hits you immediately, and you can truly taste the quality of the beans with each sip. My husband, who can be annoyingly particular about his coffee, always says the same thing: “This deep roast is absolutely irresistible!” The bread is another highlight—freshly toasted thick-cut slices that have a wonderful texture when paired with butter. The salad and fried egg provide just the right amount of protein and freshness without making you feel too full. It’s breakfast engineered specifically to energize your day so you can tackle all the walking and shrine-hopping that Miyajima offers.

After breakfast, why not experience the birthplace of momiji manju? Most visitors don’t realize you can actually eat freshly baked ones on the second floor of Yamadaya—it’s one of those insider secrets!

Location and How to Get There

Cafe Shima sits perfectly positioned about midway along Omotesando Shopping Street, making it an effortless stop as you walk toward Itsukushima Shrine. After you arrive by ferry from Miyajimaguchi on the mainland, the cafe fits naturally into your route through the shopping street—you’ll practically walk right past it. Here’s a little insider tip: the JR ferry actually gets you closer views of the Great Torii on the outbound journey compared to the other ferry company, so if you want those Instagram-worthy views, definitely take the JR ferry! Opening at 8:30 AM means you can typically grab a seat before the tourist crowds really build up, which is perfect for mapping out your day’s route over breakfast. Keep in mind that the interior is quite intimate with just 14 seats, so if you’re visiting during peak season or on weekends, arriving with a little extra time cushion is wise. The cafe is closed on Wednesdays. The timing of the morning service aligns beautifully with typical Miyajima sightseeing schedules—you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast and still have the entire day ahead of you.

Why not grab breakfast at Cafe Shima before or after your visit to Itsukushima Shrine? It’s the perfect complement to your morning itinerary.

Understanding the Breakfast Menu Options

The morning service window runs from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM sharp. At its core, every breakfast set features thick-cut toast paired with your choice of drink, but you can customize it to match your morning mood. The Classic Set (¥1,000) offers the timeless combination most people know and love: toast, a fried egg with perfectly runny yolk, fresh salad, and coffee. If you’re craving something with a citrus kick, try the Lemon Jam Set (¥1,200). The jam is made in-house using bright, aromatic lemons from the Setouchi region—the Seto Inland Sea area is genuinely famous throughout Japan for its exceptional citrus. The result is a refreshing sweet-tart balance that wakes up your taste buds. For those with a serious sweet tooth in the morning, the Miyajima Honey Set (¥1,200) comes generously drizzled with locally sourced honey that has a distinctive floral character. Whether you want something sweet to start your day or prefer keeping it simple and savory, there’s definitely an option that matches your morning cravings. Do keep in mind that seasonal availability might affect what’s on offer, so it’s always worth checking the current menu posted in the shop when you visit.

Toast, Sandwiches, and Grab-and-Go Options

If the full breakfast set feels like too much, the single-item toasts are extremely popular choices. You’ll find Three-Cheese Toast for cheese lovers, Butter Toast with Seto Inland Sea Lemon Jam for a citrusy twist, and both regular Honey Toast (¥550) and Honey Toast with Ice Cream (¥800) for those serious sweet cravings. When you order any toast with a drink, you’ll get a modest set discount, which is always appreciated. The sandwiches deserve special mention because they’re genuinely excellent for takeout. Options like BLT with crispy bacon, teriyaki chicken that’s surprisingly flavorful, and mixed varieties give you easy-to-eat choices that travel well while you’re exploring the island on foot. Inside the shop, you might find ham and cheese, bacon with fluffy scrambled eggs, fresh vegetable sandwiches, or those handy mixed sandwiches that give you two different flavors in one package. Prices typically range from ¥950 to ¥1,200 depending on what you choose. Just remember that both prices and specific offerings can shift with the seasons, so always check what’s actually available on the display when you visit.

If you’re a bread enthusiast, you absolutely must check out Shimauma Pan while you’re on the island! Locals swear by their chewy, artisan-style loaves.

Coffee Culture and Handcrafted Beverages

The signature “Grandpa’s Deep Roast Coffee” is what coffee lovers come back for again and again. It delivers a satisfying richness and complex aroma that pairs beautifully with any of the sweet baked goods. Depending on what you’re in the mood for, you can choose from the house blended coffee, refreshing handmade lemonade or lemon squash (perfect for hot summer days), and rotating seasonal creations like plum squash when it’s available. The cold drinks are absolute lifesavers after walking along the seaside in warm weather, while the hot beverages make cozy companions for cool mornings when you want to wrap your hands around a warm cup. Since seasonal items naturally vary throughout the year, it’s worth asking about the day’s special offerings when you order.

Baked Goods, Souvenir Options, and Online Shopping

One of the most popular items to take home is the “Miyajima Weekend Citron,” a beautifully moist cake made with Hiroshima’s famous lemons and honey. The texture is wonderfully tender, and it pairs equally well with coffee or tea, making it a versatile souvenir. You’ll also spot “Bambi Cookies,” which are delightfully portable—perfect for snacking during your island walks. Look for the breads featuring local touches like seaweed salt and lemon, which showcase regional ingredients. The specific lineup changes daily based on what’s been freshly baked, so each visit brings a little surprise. For those of you reading this from far away or who missed the chance to visit, the cafe actually maintains an online shop, meaning you can enjoy these Miyajima flavors at home even when your travel timing didn’t quite work out. Seasonal treats like apple pie and other fruit-based cakes sometimes make appearances, and many of these are available for mail order as well.

While you’re exploring Miyajima sweets, you absolutely cannot miss age-momiji, those crispy fried momiji manju! Momijido makes the crispiest ones, especially first thing in the morning.

The Experience: How to Spend Your Time Here

The interior’s bright, white-toned aesthetic is so charming that you’ll probably find yourself taking photos even before your food arrives. It creates the perfect little escape when you need to step away from the bustling energy of Omotesando Shopping Street and just breathe for a moment. Morning hours tend to be relatively peaceful, which is ideal if you’re the type of traveler who likes to linger thoughtfully over coffee rather than rushing through. The service style is gentle and attentive without being intrusive—time genuinely seems to move more slowly here. You can come solo for a quietly contemplative pause, or settle in with your partner or friends for unhurried conversation. On those days when rain threatens your outdoor plans or when the shopping street crowds feel overwhelming, consider grabbing takeout sandwiches instead. You can enjoy them down by the port watching the ferries come and go, or find a peaceful spot along the seaside. Families with small children will be glad to know that there’s a nursing room on the second floor of the Miyajima Tourist Information Center at Omotesando Shopping Street, so you can visit the area with complete peace of mind.

Payment Options: Completely Hassle-Free

Beyond accepting cash, Cafe Shima takes essentially every modern payment method you can think of. Major credit cards are all accepted—JCB, American Express, Diners Club, Visa, and Mastercard. If you prefer using transportation IC cards, those work too, along with Rakuten Edy, nanaco, and WAON. The cafe also accepts the full range of popular Japanese QR code payment systems: PayPay, d Payment, Rakuten Pay, and au PAY. There’s absolutely no need to worry about having exact change or finding an ATM. You can stop by seamlessly during your sightseeing without any payment friction.

What Other Travelers Are Saying

On major travel review sites, Cafe Shima consistently ranks near the top among Miyajima cafes and coffee shops. Reviewers repeatedly praise the distinctive flavor of the coffee, the moist and fragrant lemon cake, the perfectly balanced apple pie, and above all, the incredible aroma of the handmade bread that fills the shop. The steady stream of positive feedback suggests genuine support from both international travelers discovering it for the first time and local residents who return regularly. If avoiding crowds is important to you, target either the morning period right after opening at 8:30 AM, or the quieter afternoon window before the evening rush begins.

Making the Most of Takeout

The sandwich takeout option is genuinely convenient when you need to adjust to ferry schedules or want something to snack on while browsing through the shopping district. Choices like the BLT with its crispy bacon and the savory teriyaki chicken are specifically designed to be walk-friendly—they hold together well and aren’t messy to eat on the go. If you’re in the mood for something sweet instead, enjoy the honey toast at your table inside the cafe, then grab some of the baked goods to take with you. You can mix and match your approach based on the day’s weather and how crowded things feel. Here’s another insider tip: if you’re craving soft-serve ice cream along Omotesando Shopping Street, after 5 PM there’s typically no wait at all—it’s the perfect dessert timing after you’ve finished at Cafe Shima!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cafe Shima

Q1. What are the exact breakfast service hours?

A. Breakfast sets are served from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM, which lines up perfectly if you want a proper meal before starting your Miyajima sightseeing.

Q2. What breakfast set options are available?

A. Beyond the Classic Set with toast, egg, salad, and coffee, you can choose the Lemon Jam Set featuring handmade jam made with fragrant Setouchi lemons, or the Miyajima Honey Set that lets you enjoy locally sourced honey. Keep in mind that specific contents may vary slightly depending on ingredient availability on any given day.

Q3. Can I order sandwiches for takeout?

A. Absolutely. Options like BLT, teriyaki chicken, and mixed sandwiches are often available and are specifically designed to be easy to eat while walking around the island.

Q4. What payment methods do you accept?

A. The cafe accepts credit cards, transportation IC cards, various e-money options, and all major QR code payment systems. You don’t need to worry if you don’t have Japanese cash on hand.

Q5. Is the cafe comfortable for families with children or solo travelers?

A. While the shop is intimate with just 14 seats, the atmosphere is genuinely relaxed and welcomes everyone from solo travelers to families. During busy periods, seats do fill up quickly, so allowing a bit of extra time ensures a more comfortable visit. Families with small children will appreciate that diaper changing stations are available in virtually all public restrooms throughout Miyajima.

Q6. When can I try seasonal limited-time menu items?

A. Special drinks and cakes featuring seasonal ingredients like fresh lemon or plum vary throughout the year. Your best bet is to check the notice board inside the cafe when you visit to see what’s currently available.

Miyajima’s famous anago rice is just a short walk away from Cafe Shima—it’s the island’s signature dish you shouldn’t miss!

Q7. Do menu prices ever change?

A. Prices can fluctuate based on ingredient costs and whether you’re ordering for eat-in or takeout. For the most current pricing, always check the menu displayed inside the shop.

Q8. How easy is it to find and access?

A. After arriving at Miyajima Port by ferry, you simply walk along Omotesando Shopping Street—the cafe will be on your route. The location makes it an ideal first or last stop on any Miyajima sightseeing itinerary.

Why Cafe Shima Should Be on Your Miyajima Itinerary

While breakfast is certainly the star attraction here, don’t overlook the cafe’s appeal for afternoon visits. The sweets pair beautifully with coffee, making this an appealing stop for mid-day cafe time as well. The atmosphere maintains that cozy, homey quality throughout the day, and the dedication to quality in every cup of coffee and every slice of bread is evident. For coffee lovers in particular, this place is genuinely special. It’s become our family’s absolute favorite spot—we never visit Miyajima without stopping by, and honestly, it’s evolved into a cherished part of our island ritual.

Why not build in time to enjoy coffee and a light meal at this tranquil cafe as you explore Miyajima? We’re confident you’ll have a wonderful experience that adds something memorable to your visit.

For another established gourmet destination, Fujiiya comes highly recommended! Try what locals consider the classic Miyajima souvenir, prepared right on-site.