The Miyajima Tsuki Festival 2025 is a spring night market that lets families experience Miyajima after dark. Over two days, we were swept up in the unique magic of “nighttime Miyajima”—the sea and the silhouette of Itsukushima Shrine shifting from dusk into night, the aroma of oyster broth drifting from food stalls, and the echo of taiko drums and kagura across the island.
This year, I brought my eldest daughter (3rd grade) and youngest (kindergarten) to the Miyajima Tsuki Festival. “Nighttime Miyajima is totally different from daytime!” they exclaimed. I felt it too—Miyajima takes on a new personality after sunset. In that moment of sipping a warming yuzu tea, I could feel our family travel memories stacking gently, one by one.
Event Overview and Key Enjoyment Tips
The Miyajima Tsuki Festival is a night market-style event held at Miyajima Pier Plaza. From afternoon to evening and into night, you can sample Hiroshima oyster dishes, explore diverse food stalls, try hands-on activity booths, and catch spectacular stage performances—all in one convenient spot.
After sunset, red lanterns and stall lights glow against the sea breeze—an irresistible atmosphere that’s perfect for photos and for soaking up Miyajima at night. The layout is easy to navigate with kids, and because the venue is right by the pier, getting around with a stroller is simple.
On-site, I found the design genuinely stroller-friendly. The venue strikes a good balance between food/drink, experience, and stage zones, making it easy to plan your route: “Grab a light bite before trying activities,” or “Pick up drinks and secure seats before the lottery.”
Its prime location at Miyajima Pier Plaza is ideal. Since it’s right off the ferry, we recommend arriving via the JR Ferry to enjoy views of the Great Torii Gate.
The Miyajima Ferry is more than simple transport—it's a short scenic c...
As one of the few night events where you can leisurely savor Miyajima after dark, it offers a fresh way to sightsee. As a local, I can say it’s rare to see Miyajima—usually quiet after dusk—become so lively and welcoming.
Oyster-Focused Gourmet & Drinks
The lineup features Miyajima and Hiroshima oyster favorites like oyster tempura, oyster with ponzu, oyster okonomiyaki, and miso ramen with rich oyster broth—top picks if you’re searching “what to eat in Miyajima.” Many stalls offer kid-friendly portions. The just-fried tempura is crisp outside, creamy and savory inside.
My kids initially said, “We don’t like oysters…” but after one bite of oyster tempura they lit up: “We can eat this!” When the air turns chilly, hearty “warm” dishes like beef tendon miso stew and Yashagiri udon become instant comfort.
For sweets, waffles and churros are popular and perfect for snacking on the go—my younger daughter devoured a churro with sugar all over her smile. Drinks range from Calvados highballs and Dassai sake to gently sweet amazake (a low- or non-alcoholic rice drink) and warm yuzu tea, so there’s something for every taste.
Finding each family member’s “favorite food” is part of the night market fun. Insider tip: for everyday grilled oysters, locals often head to “Yakigaki no Hayashi” rather than “Oyster House,” but at the festival the different seasonings and styles are a tasty change of pace for oyster lovers.
Experience Booths: Time for Families to “Create & Play”
Hands-on booths abound, from pottery wheel experiences to create small plates, and Kumano brush calligraphy with water, to strikeout games and local farmers selling tomatoes. Bringing home a handmade plate as a souvenir lets the glow of your trip return at your dinner table.
My eldest was totally absorbed at the pottery wheel, declaring, “I want to make one at home too!” Activities like the kendama (traditional cup-and-ball toy) experience are easy for all ages to try. Dipping in between stage performances naturally sparks conversation and laughter.
My husband handled photos while I supported the kids. Our younger daughter worked hard at the Kumano brush calligraphy, proudly saying, “I’m writing Mom’s name!” Beyond eating and drinking, that blend of discovery and hands-on fun is a big draw for families.
Stage Event Highlights
The program spans two days of entertainment—from traditional arts like kagura (Shinto ritual dance) and Miyajima taiko drumming, to high school dance and vocal performances, and laugh-out-loud live shows by TV-famous comedians.
After dusk, lighting and sound elevate the mood, amplifying the venue’s energy. Adults and kids alike stay hooked, wondering, “What’s next?” My eldest’s eyes sparkled at the thunder of the taiko, her shoulders bouncing to the rhythm.
The comedy stage brought a star-studded lineup both nights, keeping the audience entertained right up to the finale. While last August’s fireworks festival drew crowds so huge even islanders stayed away, this spring night market felt lively yet comfortable—the sweet spot for families with children.
Miyajima Fortune Lottery: The Thrill of “Buying and Winning” on the Island
The signature “Miyajima Fortune Lottery” is unique: you join the drawing by bringing same-day receipts (combined totals accepted) from purchases made on Miyajima. It nudges you to browse souvenir shops and restaurants before the evening draw—suddenly the whole island is part of the excitement.
We shopped along Omotesando Shopping Street and collected our receipts. The kids buzzed, “What if we win a PlayStation 5?” Watching their hopeful calculations was half the fun for us parents.
Shopping in Omotesando Shopping Street is also part of the lottery fun. You can pick souvenirs like momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes) and Miyajima wood carvings.
Omotesando Shopping Street stretches from Miyajima Pier to Itsukushima...
Prizes include luxe items like PlayStation 5 consoles and robot vacuums. That moment huddled together, eyes on the numbers, becomes a tiny family drama—tension, giggles, and cheers. Even if you don’t win, you’ll walk away thinking, “Next year for sure!”
Always check the latest precautions and participation details on-site or via organizer announcements. Also note: a ¥100 entrance tax began in October 2023, so factor that into your budget.
The 3rd “Miyajima Tsuki Festival” Has Been Held
The Miyajima night market “Miyajima Tsuki Festival” was held over two days, Saturday, March 8, 2025, and Sunday, March 9, 2025, in Miyajima. Continuing from last year, this festival serves as a fresh replacement for the canceled Miyajima Oyster Festival. Here are the highlights.
The Miyajima Tsuki Festival invites visitors to rediscover the flavor of Miyajima oysters through creative dishes, alongside unique foods and drinks available only here—perfect for travelers searching “Hiroshima oysters” or “Miyajima night market.”
The event packs in all-ages fun: kendama experiences, pottery wheel sessions to create small plates, Kumano brush water calligraphy, and plenty of sales booths. The food scene rivaled any gourmet festival, with stalls like Yashadon Udon (Kagura Monzen Yujimura) and Beef Tendon Miso Stew & Yuzu Tea (Roadside Station Miyano Sato Akitakata).
The stage featured the annual kagura dance and Miyajima Taiko drumming, plus dazzling dance performances. The popular “Miyajima Fortune Lottery” returned, and both nights closed with comedy shows by top-tier Yoshimoto Kogyo comedians—a crowd-pleasing finale.
Simply put, you won’t be able to take your eyes off the stage
The event kicked off at 1 PM, and the stage was so engaging I found myself glued to it. Here’s a moment during PR by Kitahiroshima Town’s tourism ambassador. I didn’t know the mascot character, but the costume craftsmanship and bouncy movements were adorable. The kids were hooked too: “What’s that character?”
My First Time Attending the Tsuki Festival
The program was so strong I could have stayed from 1 PM to the finale and still wanted more. I regretted arriving in the evening—next time I’ll come early and make a day of it.
The Yoshimoto Kogyo comedy lineup was impressive. Performances by Kitahiroshima Town’s tourism ambassador and the local Hatsukaichi Nishi High School dance club were fresh and inspiring. My eldest watched the high schoolers’ earnest dancing and said, “I want to dance like that too!”
Here’s how the “Miyajima Fortune Lottery” worked: show same-day receipts totaling ¥3,000 or more at the venue (first-come, first-served) to receive a lottery ticket for the evening drawing. With luxe prizes on the line, the crowd was electric! ♪
The finale was a hilarious comedy show with a star-studded guest list that sent the energy through the roof—an unforgettable way to close. This festival wrapped so many Miyajima charms into one night: up-close performances, delicious food and drinks, hands-on experiences, and even a raffle with prizes like a PlayStation 5 and robot vacuum. It really had it all.
I’m already looking forward to next year. Next time, I want to arrive from early afternoon and experience even more together as a family.
After the Tsuki Festival, Itsukushima Shrine at night is stunning. The illuminated corridors feel solemn and otherworldly compared to daytime, and our children fell silent, just taking it in.
When you think of Miyajima, you think of Itsukushima Shrine. Cradled b...
Access and Basic Information
The venue is a short walk from Miyajima Pier. After you step off the ferry, follow the waterfront and you’ll be greeted by the glow of food stalls and the sound of the stage. It’s easy to navigate with strollers and small children, and arriving early makes for a more relaxed experience.
Admission is free. The event runs from around 1:00 PM to 7:30 PM. If you want that after-sunset atmosphere, arriving around 4:00 PM works well. For inquiries, contact the Miyajima Tourism Association (TEL: 0829-44-2011).
Tip for moms with little ones: If you need to breastfeed, there’s a nursing room on the 2nd floor of the Miyajima Tourist Information Center on Omotesando Shopping Street. Also, Miyaji Marine offers free stroller rentals to lighten your load.
Note that participation conditions, precautions, performers, and booths for the Fortune Lottery may change. Please reconfirm the latest information in official announcements before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q. Is it enjoyable for families with children?
A. Yes. The venue is close to the pier and has lots of kid-friendly touches, from experience booths to amazake and yuzu tea. To avoid the biggest crowds, late afternoon to early evening is comfortable. Our 5- and 8-year-olds stayed engaged right to the end.
Q. Is it okay if some family members don’t like oysters?
A. Absolutely. There are plenty of non-oyster options like beef tendon miso stew, Yashadon udon, churros, and waffles. My kids skipped oysters at first but happily enjoyed the other dishes.
Q. How do I participate in the lottery?
A. On the day, present same-day receipts totaling ¥3,000 or more for purchases made on Miyajima Island to receive a lottery ticket. The draw is held in the evening, so plan your daytime shopping accordingly. Check official announcements for the latest details.
Q. What are the highlights of the stage performances?
A. A diverse lineup: traditional kagura and Miyajima taiko, plus dance, singing, and comedy. Nighttime lighting boosts the atmosphere and keeps kids entertained. The powerful taiko drums were a standout for our family.
Q. What’s the best itinerary?
A. Arrive around 4 PM, grab a light bite, try a few experiences, watch the stage against the sunset, join the lottery, then enjoy the comedy show. With the pier nearby, the return trip is easy. We followed this flow and never felt rushed.
Q. Is alcohol available?
A. Yes. Look for Calvados highballs and premium sake like Dassai. Non-alcoholic favorites include amazake and yuzu tea.
Q. What happens in case of rain?
A. Activities may be modified or canceled. Please check the organizer’s latest announcements just before your visit.
Q. Any tips for avoiding crowds?
A. Visit experience booths early, then focus on stage performances after sunset. It gets busier around the lottery drawing, so grab drinks in advance. Weekdays are quietest between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, though note this event was held on weekends.
Q. What if I want to try other Miyajima gourmet foods?
A. After enjoying oysters at the Tsuki Festival, try Miyajima’s famous conger eel rice (anago-meshi). “Anago” is saltwater conger eel, often grilled and served over rice—one of the island’s signature flavors.
When it comes to Miyajima’s representative gourmet, it’s conger eel rice. It offers a different taste from the festival stalls and lets you experience the depth of Miyajima cuisine.
When visiting Miyajima, you absolutely must try anago-meshi (anago ric...
Summary
The Miyajima Tsuki Festival showcases the charm of Hiroshima oysters through a wide range of dishes while revealing a new side of “nighttime Miyajima” with hands-on activities and live entertainment.
As a Hiroshima-based parent, I felt travel happiness in simple moments—seeing my children’s eyes light up at the taiko, sharing warm amazake, laughing together under lantern light. Next year, I want to start earlier in the day and help each family member discover even more personal “favorites.”
It’s truly precious to watch Miyajima—usually calm after evening—become so lively and warm. As a local, I hope visitors experience this event. You’ll surely discover a new charm of Miyajima.
For those who want to dive deeper into Miyajima’s history and culture, explore the wider context of the entire World Heritage site. The Tsuki Festival is a fresh cultural tradition born within Miyajima’s long story.
Miyajima is beloved by many travelers as a place to experience Japan's...
