Miyajima Cafe: Tenshinkaku’s Scenic Views & Specialty Coffee

Looking for the perfect Miyajima cafe to escape the crowds? Tenshinkaku sits nestled in the primeval forest behind Itsukushima Shrine on a hillside where aristocrats once kept their summer villas. This elevated Miyajima cafe, affectionately nicknamed a “sky cafe” for its sweeping panoramic views, is produced by the owner of the renowned Itoji Coffee Group. My family visits at least once a month, and my husband insists, “This is the best coffee in Miyajima!” Here you can savor aromatic, house-roasted specialty coffee while gazing out at the scattered islands of the Seto Inland Sea and Miyajima’s historic landmarks from nearly the same eye level as the famous five-storied pagoda. It’s a beloved hideaway for travelers who want to step away from the bustling shopping streets, slow down time, and feel the world stand still for a moment. If you’re wondering what to eat in Miyajima beyond the famous grilled anago rice (local conger eel), this serene spot is absolutely perfect for a sweet break or a refreshing drink between sightseeing stops.

Savor house-roasted coffee amid lush greenery — a truly special experience at “Tenshinkaku”

Tenshinkaku, where you can linger over tea time with breathtaking views of Miyajima including Senjokaku (Toyokuni Shrine) and the iconic five-storied pagoda (Gojuto), is a salon-style branch produced by Itoji Coffee near Miyajima Pier. The cafe is tucked away on a peaceful hill just behind Itsukushima Shrine, creating a world that feels remarkably removed from the tourist bustle below. When we first visited last autumn, my younger daughter squealed with pure delight, “It’s like a cafe floating in the clouds!”

To reach “Tenshinkaku,” enter the grounds of Itsukushima Shrine, continue walking straight through, turn into the narrow lane beside the shop at the end of the shrine path, and climb the stone stairs that suddenly appear before you. A friendly local once told me these roughly 70 steps have earned the affectionate nickname “the stairway to heaven” among regular visitors—and after experiencing the views that await at the top, I completely understand why.

On sunny days, the expansive wooden-deck terrace feels wonderfully open and airy, almost as if you’re suspended between earth and sky. My husband handles the photography duties while I wrangle the kids, but this spot truly is enjoyable for both adults and children alike. Enjoying specialty coffee while feeling deeply connected to Miyajima’s natural environment is a genuine luxury. With no background music to interfere, the gentle sounds of wind rustling through the trees and birds calling to each other let you fully immerse yourself in Miyajima’s timeless natural beauty.

The five-storied pagoda was under renovation scaffolding when I visited, but even with that, the view was every bit as stunning as locals had promised me it would be. My older daughter was so absorbed in capturing the scenery that she ended up snapping over 100 photographs from different angles. On a clear day, the terrace is especially refreshing and the visibility extends far across the water.

Tenshinkaku charges a seating fee of 550 yen per person upon entry. During my visit, I ordered the Hiroshima lemon squash (330 yen including tax), which turned out to be an excellent choice. I visited in early April when the weather was pleasantly mild, and the chilled lemon squash—made with Hiroshima’s famous local lemons that are celebrated throughout Japan—was both incredibly refreshing and deliciously tart in just the right way.

The coffee (110 yen including tax) arrives elegantly presented in stylish tableware, with a remarkably smooth mouthfeel that highlights the richness and complexity of the deep roast. Both hot and iced versions are available at the same price, which is a thoughtful touch I appreciated. Among locals who know both locations, the word is that “Tenshinkaku has even better views than the Itoji main shop down by the pier.”

At “Tenshinkaku,” the food menu is intentionally kept simple to maintain focus on the coffee and views: lemon cake (660 yen including tax) and cheesecake (660 yen including tax) are your options. If you’re after a full breakfast, light meals, or the popular specialty coffee soft-serve ice cream, you’ll want to stop by Itoji Coffee near Miyajima Pier first before making the climb up.

After enjoying a leisurely cafe time at Tenshinkaku and soaking in the views, I highly recommend continuing with some souvenir shopping along the bustling Omotesando Shopping Street. The local favorite treat that you absolutely must try is deep-fried momiji manju (agemomiji)! Momijido’s version is crispiest and most delicious first thing in the morning when they’re freshly made.

As you can see in the photographs throughout this article, drinks are prepared with genuine care and attention to detail, and the sweeping views make lingering here feel effortless and natural. If you’re visiting Miyajima and appreciate quality coffee paired with stunning scenery, definitely include Tenshinkaku in your travel plans.

Please note that information may change over time. I recommend checking the official website for the most current details before your visit.

Overview and History of Tenshinkaku

Tenshinkaku is a carefully curated salon-style cafe created by Mr. Sasaki of Itoji Coffee with the mission of bringing an authentic specialty coffee experience to the historic island of Miyajima. Although it opened just last year, it has already become something of a “hidden gem scenic spot” among knowledgeable locals who appreciate fine coffee. Set on the site of a Meiji-era villa that once belonged to wealthy families, the architectural design thoughtfully incorporates the original stone walls and mature trees that have stood here for over a century. The name “Tenshinkaku” itself reflects the profound sense of looking upward toward the heavens and feeling one’s soul cleansed by the experience—and from the wooden deck, you can indeed admire the five-storied pagoda and Senjokaku at nearly the same eye level, creating an almost spiritual perspective on these historic structures.

The coffee beans are roasted in-house with meticulous attention, with at least five different roasting profiles on offer at any given time, ranging from bright light roasts to rich dark roasts. The sourcing focuses primarily on high-quality beans from Guatemala and Ethiopia, with seasonal rotations that bring in special lots from other origins. Each cup of coffee is hand-brewed using the careful pour-over method to draw out the layered aroma and complex flavor notes that make specialty coffee such a pleasure.

After visiting the magnificent Itsukushima Shrine and its famous floating torii gate, be sure to extend your stroll up the hillside to discover Tenshinkaku. The World Heritage shrine complex has plenty of family-friendly highlights to enjoy along the way as well.

Access & Directions

From Miyajima Pier, walk leisurely through the lively Omotesando Shopping Street until you reach the intersection in front of the former town hall building. From there, slip into the narrow alley that runs between Itoji Coffee Miyajima and the traditional tea house called “Mizuha,” then prepare yourself to climb the steep stone steps—about 70 in total—that will lead you up to the cafe entrance. My family once took a wrong turn and ended up accidentally heading toward the back-mountain hiking path instead… I should mention that Google Maps occasionally routes visitors to the back side of the mountain, so I strongly recommend using “Itoji Coffee” as your navigation landmark instead of searching directly for the cafe name to avoid unnecessary detours and confusion.

If the steep incline feels challenging, don’t hesitate to take breaks along the way—you’ll arrive at the top in about 5 to 7 minutes even with rest stops. For families with young children, strollers will need to be folded and carried up the stairs; however, the friendly staff can help bring your stroller to the deck area if you ask them when you arrive.

I highly recommend taking your time strolling through Omotesando Shopping Street on your way to or from the cafe. After 5:00 PM, the popular soft-serve ice cream stands tend to be significantly less crowded, so consider stopping by on your way back down the hill for a sweet treat.

Menu and Pricing System

Tenshinkaku has an entrance fee of 500 yen per person upon entry, but this amount is effectively waived and deducted from your bill when you order any drink or food item. The beverage options include carefully prepared drip coffee (660 yen), refreshing Hiroshima lemon soda (880 yen), and quality black tea (770 yen). You can also add a cake set featuring either the rich cheesecake or the tangy Hiroshima lemon cake for an additional 660 yen plus the price of your chosen drink.

For coffee enthusiasts who want to bring a taste of Miyajima home with them, dip-style coffee packs and freshly roasted beans (900 yen per 100 grams) are available for purchase as wonderful souvenirs. Several varieties of craft beer are also kept on hand, and many guests enjoy sipping a cold beer while watching the spectacular sunset paint the sky over the Seto Inland Sea in brilliant colors.

If you find yourself getting hungry during your Miyajima explorations, Shimauma Pan bakery is also a fantastic choice! All the locals know about this gem, but it remains somewhat of a hidden secret for most tourists visiting the island.

In-store atmosphere and facilities

The cafe thoughtfully offers approximately 30 seats in the cozy interior space and about 20 seats on the open-air terrace, for roughly 50 seats total throughout the property. The calm interior features beautiful antique display shelves and handmade tableware pieces, with comfortable bookstands positioned throughout for guests who want to settle in with reading material. All seating areas are completely non-smoking, creating a fresh and pleasant environment. Free Wi-Fi and convenient USB power outlets are available at selected seats for guests who need to charge devices or stay connected.

Payment is accepted in cash or via major Japanese QR code payment services including PayPay, d Barai, and others. For special occasions, private bookings for groups of 15 people or more and professional photo-shoot plans can be arranged upon request with advance notice.

Attractive views and location

From the elevated wooden deck terrace, the magnificent five-storied pagoda (designated as a national treasure) and the historic Toyokuni Shrine (known locally as Senjokaku) fill your view straight ahead in impressive detail, while the sparkling Seto Inland Sea, the mainland shore of Miyajimaguchi, and the charming townscape spread out to the right side. In spring, delicate cherry blossoms frame the scenery with soft pink petals; in autumn, vivid red and gold foliage glows brilliantly against the dark timbers of the pagoda. At dawn and dusk, the gentle gradation of colors across the sea and mountains becomes almost dreamlike in its beauty.

The coveted front row of the terrace has become a popular social media photo spot where visitors can capture the iconic landmarks from this unique elevated perspective that few tourists ever discover. Even on rainy days when the terrace might be less comfortable, the lush greens of the forest viewed through the cafe’s large windows make the visit absolutely worthwhile.

If you want to enjoy even more spectacular scenery from the summit of Mount Misen as well, taking the ropeway to the top is highly recommended for the experience. The round-trip ticket can be used for your return journey down the mountain, valid for the same day only, making it both convenient and a good value for your money.

Visiting Tips

The cafe typically opens around 1:00 PM, with last orders accepted around 5:00 PM, though these hours are subject to seasonal changes and occasional adjustments. Weekdays tend to be relatively calm and peaceful; the sweet spot for encountering fewer crowds is usually between 2:00 and 3:00 PM when most day-trippers are still exploring other parts of the island. On weekends and holidays, a small line of eager visitors may form even before the 1:00 PM opening time, so it’s wise to plan a bit of extra time into your schedule.

Late March, coinciding with Japan’s spring break season, tends to be the busiest time of the entire year, so keep this in mind when planning your visit. In spring and autumn, the terrace offers the most comfortable outdoor seating experience; in summer, consider coming during the cooler late afternoon hours to enjoy the refreshing sea breeze; in winter, you’ll appreciate the warmth of the cozy interior stove and the rich aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans filling the air.

While you’re exploring Miyajima’s culinary delights, don’t forget to try the classic momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes)! Fujiya’s fascinating factory tour is available to visitors without requiring an advance reservation, making it easy to drop in.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

What are Tenshinkaku’s business hours?

As of 2025, the cafe’s operating hours are approximately 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM, with last orders accepted at 5:00 PM. Please note that hours may vary depending on the season or for private events, so I recommend checking the official website for the most current and accurate information before your visit.

Is a seat fee required?

Yes, a 500 yen seating charge is applied upon entry to the cafe, but this amount will be fully deducted from your bill if you order any drink or food item, essentially making it free for paying customers.

Can I bring children?

Absolutely! Both the interior seating area and the terrace are fully accessible and welcoming to children of all ages, including those under school age. However, please be aware that the stone stairs leading up to the cafe are quite steep, so you’ll need to fold strollers at the entrance and carry them up. Don’t hesitate to consult with the staff upon arrival for assistance with a smoother experience. When our younger daughter was still small, we found using a baby carrier to be the most convenient option for the climb.

Can I bring pets?

Small dogs are welcome and allowed on the outdoor terrace only. Please keep your pet on a leash at all times and be considerate of other guests who may be sharing the space.

What payment methods are available?

In addition to cash, the cafe accepts major Japanese QR code payment services such as PayPay, d Pay, and Rakuten Pay. Please note that credit cards and transportation IC cards (like Suica or ICOCA) are not currently accepted.

How long is the average stay?

Most guests choose to relax and take in the peaceful views for approximately 30 to 45 minutes. If you’re planning to take photographs and really savor the experience, I recommend allowing about a full hour for your visit.

Summary

Tenshinkaku is a remarkable scenic cafe perched on a historic hillside in Miyajima that offers a truly memorable experience. Produced by the respected Itoji Coffee Group, it serves carefully selected, house-roasted specialty coffee and seasonal desserts alongside postcard-worthy panoramic views that will take your breath away. The hidden location—reached via a steep stone staircase that locals affectionately call “the stairway to heaven”—the open sightlines offering eye-level views of the five-storied pagoda and the shimmering Seto Inland Sea, and the tastefully antique-inspired interior all contribute to the cafe’s special appeal.

The seating fee is effectively waived with any order, making it excellent value, and the cafe maintains a welcoming atmosphere for families with children and even terrace-visiting pets. With handy cashless payment options available, it’s easy to enjoy your visit without worrying about having exact change. Drop by for a peaceful coffee break during your Miyajima sightseeing adventure near Itsukushima Shrine—you’ll be glad you made the climb.

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For those who want to learn more about Miyajima’s fascinating history and cultural heritage, the Miyajima Treasure Hall is also highly recommended. You can view national treasures and important cultural properties up close in a beautifully curated setting.

For a deeper dive into Miyajima’s culture and the daily life of island residents throughout history, the History and Folklore Museum is filled with interesting exhibits and artifacts. You’ll learn many fascinating things that even long-time locals don’t always know.