Miyajima “Fizz Glass” Handmade Glass Experience

Miyajima’s Glass Studio “Fizz Glass” on the Island Called “Island of the Gods”

Miyajima Glass Studio Fizz Glass is located about a 6–10 minute walk from Miyajima Pier, along quaint Machiya-dori, one street north of Omotesando Shopping Street. It’s a cozy studio run by a local couple living on the island.

Actually, locals all know this, but the 7-Eleven near Miyajima Pier is called “Japan’s most scenic convenience store.” The studio is right nearby, so you won’t get lost!

With the concept of “capturing your travel memories in Miyajima beads,” Fizz Glass offers three hands-on glass experiences: (1) lampworked glass beads that you assemble into accessories, (2) crystal-glass suncatchers that throw rainbow light, and (3) photo frames decorated with sea-glass-style parts. One-on-one, gentle instruction makes it approachable for beginners and families alike. While your pieces cool or dry, pop back to Omotesando for street food and cafés—perfect for building into a sightseeing itinerary.

The Fairy-Tale Shop Interior

The shop displays many stylish glass goods. Warm wooden furniture pairs beautifully with sparkling glass for a welcoming, storybook vibe.

My younger daughter got so excited, exclaiming “It’s like a sparkling room!” while my older daughter was absorbed in taking photos—she took over 30 shots!

Three Glass Experiences at “Fizz Glass”

1. Accessory Making with Lampworked Glass Beads (bracelets, necklaces, straps, etc.) — ¥3,900 (tax incl.)
2. Glass Photo Frame Making — ¥2,500 (tax incl.)
3. Crystal Glass Suncatcher Making — ¥3,600 (tax incl.)

Experience Menu Details & Key Points

• Glass Bead (Tonbo-dama) Experience: ~30 min making + ~60 min cooling; ages 13+. Make two Miyajima beads and assemble into a bracelet or earrings on-site; take home the same day. Options to upgrade (e.g., necklace/suncatcher) from +¥500.
• Suncatcher Experience: ~120 min; typically ages 6+. Combine crystal glass and Miyajima beads to create a window-side piece that reflects rainbows.
• Photo Frame Experience: ~30 min making + ~30 min drying; typically ages 6+. Design an original frame with sea-glass-style parts; ready soon after completion.

Payment: On-site payment (cash, major credit cards, PayPay) or online prepayment via booking platforms.
Cancellation (online payments): same-day 50% / no-show 100%.

Among the experiences, the accessory course is especially popular! ♪

I Tried Making a Bracelet with Glass Beads!

I decided to try the most popular experience—making a bracelet with two glass beads. Since glass experiences require reservations, it’s best to book through various booking sites, Instagram DM, or by phone before visiting. The glass accessory experience takes about 2 hours total, including the cooling time after you’ve finished creating.

I chose two bead colors—cool aquamarine and pale pink. There are many hues; ask the owner for suggestions if you’re torn.

Actually, when I went in mid-November last year, they had autumn-colored glass available too, which added a nice seasonal touch.

Rough Process (simplified)

1. Select your favorite colors from the glass rods.
2. With the instructor’s guidance and tools, heat the glass in a torch at a safe distance and wind the softened glass onto a coated mandrel (rod).
3. Shape the bead (round or square) using tools while it’s still workable.
4. Place the bead to cool/anneal (~60 minutes). You’re free to explore during this time—grab lunch or coffee!
5. After cooling, the mandrel is removed and you assemble your accessory (bracelet, earrings, etc.).

Here’s the finished bracelet. Choose gold or silver rings, plus a delicate chain or leather cord. You can also make a necklace or strap.

Participants can request an original pouch for gifting—an extra-cute way to take home a handmade memory from Miyajima.

During the cooling time, I recommend strolling around Omotesando Shopping Street. It’s perfect for food tasting, and you’re sure to find your family’s favorite spots!

Access, Business Hours, & Reservation Methods

Access: About a 6–10 minute walk from Miyajima Pier. From the pier, enter Omotesando Shopping Street and walk about 30 meters while browsing souvenir shops—you’ll see it on your right. Drivers should park near Miyajimaguchi Pier on the mainland and take the ferry over.

Among locals, it’s said that if you arrive before 8 AM, the parking lot behind “Momiji Honpo” at Miyajimaguchi usually has space available.

For ferry access, taking the JR Ferry on the outbound trip gets you closer to the Great Torii Gate, offering better views. That’s another local tip!

Business Hours: 10:00–17:00. Workshop start times are generally between 10:30 and 15:30 (varies by plan). Hours/closures can vary—check the official Instagram or booking page before visiting.

Reservations: Book by phone, Instagram DM, or online via Jalan or Asoview!. Indoor activity—great even on rainy days.

Unique Highlights Revealed in Reviews

Fizz Glass earns high guest satisfaction on major booking sites. For example, Jalan lists a 4.9/5 average (24 reviews), and Asoview! shows 75+ reviews with ratings around 4.8–4.9/5, with many praising the kind, thorough instruction and the convenience of exploring Miyajima during the cooling time.

Actually, I once got the low-tide timing wrong and was disappointed when I couldn’t see the Great Torii Gate properly. A local told me that for accurate tide times, the Miyajima Tourist Association’s website is more reliable than the Japan Meteorological Agency (fisherman’s tip). You can check it during your glass experience wait time!

Speaking of Miyajima, Itsukushima Shrine is a must-see! It shows completely different faces at high tide and low tide, so I recommend visiting twice at different times.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can I participate without a reservation on the day of?

A. If seats are available, same-day participation may be possible, but advance booking is recommended—popular time slots often fill up.

Q2. Can young children participate?

A. Age guidelines vary by plan. Photo frames and many suncatcher plans welcome ages 6+, while glass bead (lampworking) plans are typically ages 13+. Children under 12 require guardian supervision. My older daughter first tried it when she was in 5th grade, and the one-on-one instruction made it safe and reassuring.

Q3. Can you ship the finished product?

A. Yes—same-day take-home is common, and shipping can be arranged nationwide with actual shipping costs plus packaging fees.

Q4. Is it okay on rainy days?

A. Yes. All experiences are indoors, so they’re ideal for rainy-day itineraries. Actually, Mount Misen can be practically empty on rainy days, so why not combine it with a ropeway experience?

Easy ropeway access to Mount Misen! The spectacular views will definitely excite kids too.

Q5. What payment methods can I use?

A. On-site: cash, major credit cards, and PayPay are accepted.

Q6. Can I leave luggage during the cooling time?

A. Staff will store non-valuable items for free. This is reassuring when my husband and I split duties—him as photographer, me watching the kids—while sightseeing.

Nearby Daisho-in Temple is also great for families with kids. The 504 steps are affectionately called “go-rei-shi-san” by locals!

Related Articles We Recommend

For families, Miyajima Aquarium is a must! There’s even a rumor that 80% of locals have annual passes—that’s how beloved this facility is.

Senjokaku Pavilion is actually a hidden gem where Edo-period graffiti remains under the floorboards—a spot only those in the know visit.

For those wanting to learn more about Miyajima’s World Heritage sites, check this out too.

Summary

If you’re thinking “I want to try something” in Miyajima, the Fizz Glass experience is perfect. Create a one-of-a-kind piece in a warm, couple-run studio, then use the cooling time to explore the island. With easy access, clear guidance, and multiple plan options, it suits couples, families, friend trips, and solo travelers alike.

Weekdays between 2–4 PM tend to be the quietest times, so if you want a relaxed experience, that’s the recommended time slot. Book early!