Miyajima Glass Workshop: Fizz Glass Craft Experience

Discover Fizz Glass: A Charming Miyajima Glass Workshop on the Sacred Island

Looking for a hands-on activity during your Miyajima visit? Fizz Glass is a delightful Miyajima glass workshop tucked along the charming Machiya-dori street, just one block north of the bustling Omotesando Shopping Street. Located about a 6-10 minute walk from Miyajima Pier, this cozy studio is run by a welcoming local couple who have made the island their home.

Here’s a local secret: the 7-Eleven near Miyajima Pier is fondly known as “Japan’s most scenic convenience store,” and Fizz Glass is right in the neighborhood, making it easy to find during your island explorations.

With the heartwarming concept of “capturing your travel memories in Miyajima beads,” this intimate glass workshop offers three distinct hands-on experiences that let you create lasting mementos of your journey. Choose from (1) lampworked glass beads that you can transform into beautiful accessories like bracelets or necklaces, (2) sparkling crystal-glass suncatchers that cast rainbow light through your windows back home, or (3) decorative photo frames adorned with sea-glass-inspired pieces. What makes Fizz Glass special is the personalized, one-on-one instruction that makes even first-timers feel confident and creative. The best part? While your glass pieces cool or dry, you have time to explore Omotesando’s food stalls and cafés, making this activity seamlessly fit into your sightseeing plans.

Step Into a Sparkling, Fairy-Tale Shop

The moment you enter Fizz Glass, you’ll be greeted by a treasure trove of handcrafted glass goods that catch the light beautifully. The warm wooden furniture creates a perfect backdrop for the glittering glass creations, giving the whole space an enchanting, storybook atmosphere that immediately puts visitors at ease.

When I brought my daughters here, their reactions said it all. My younger one gasped, “It’s like a sparkling room from a fairy tale!” while my older daughter couldn’t stop taking photos—she must have snapped over 30 pictures, trying to capture every beautiful angle and display.

Three Glass-Making Experiences to Choose From at Fizz Glass

1. Glass Bead Accessory Making (bracelets, necklaces, phone straps, and more) — ¥3,900 (tax included)
2. Glass Photo Frame Decorating — ¥2,500 (tax included)
3. Crystal Glass Suncatcher Creation — ¥3,600 (tax included)

Detailed Experience Information & Important Points

• Glass Bead (Tonbo-dama) Experience: Approximately 30 minutes of hands-on creation time plus 60 minutes cooling period; recommended for ages 13 and up. You’ll create two beautiful Miyajima beads using traditional lampworking techniques, then assemble them into a bracelet or pair of earrings right there in the studio. Your finished piece is ready to take home the same day! If you’d like to upgrade to a necklace or incorporate your beads into a suncatcher, additional options start from ¥500.
• Suncatcher Experience: Approximately 120 minutes total; typically suitable for ages 6 and up. Combine sparkling crystal glass with handmade Miyajima beads to create a stunning window decoration that will cast dancing rainbows in your home and remind you of your Miyajima adventure.
• Photo Frame Experience: About 30 minutes of decorating time plus 30 minutes drying; generally appropriate for ages 6 and up. Design your own original frame using colorful sea-glass-style pieces, creating a perfect holder for your favorite Miyajima photos. Your frame will be ready to take with you shortly after completion.

Payment Options: You can pay on-site using cash, major credit cards, or PayPay, or prepay online through booking platforms for convenience.
Cancellation Policy (for online prepayments): Same-day cancellations incur a 50% fee; no-shows are charged 100%.

Among all the creative options, the glass bead accessory-making experience is by far the most popular choice with visitors! ♪

My Experience: Creating a One-of-a-Kind Glass Bead Bracelet

I decided to try the most popular experience—creating a bracelet featuring two custom glass beads. Since glass-making experiences require advance reservations, I recommend booking ahead through online platforms, Instagram direct message, or by phone before your visit. The complete glass accessory experience takes approximately 2 hours from start to finish, including the essential cooling time after you’ve finished your creative work.

I selected two gorgeous colors for my beads—a refreshing aquamarine that reminded me of Miyajima’s coastal waters and a delicate pale pink. The studio offers an impressive variety of color options, and if you’re having trouble deciding, the knowledgeable owner is always happy to offer suggestions based on what combinations work beautifully together.

Here’s something interesting: when I visited in mid-November last year, they had special autumn-colored glass available, which added a lovely seasonal dimension to the experience and made me think about returning in different seasons to capture those unique colors.

The Glass Bead Making Process (simplified overview)

1. Begin by selecting your favorite colors from an array of glass rods displayed in the studio.
2. Under the patient guidance of your instructor, you’ll heat the glass in a specialized torch flame at a safe, comfortable distance. As the glass softens and glows, you’ll carefully wind the molten glass around a coated mandrel (a metal rod) to form the bead’s core.
3. While the glass is still workable and warm, you’ll shape your bead into your preferred form—rounded or more squared—using simple tools and techniques your instructor demonstrates.
4. Your finished beads are then carefully placed in a controlled cooling environment for approximately 60 minutes to prevent cracking. This is your time to explore—grab lunch at one of Miyajima’s famous restaurants, enjoy a coffee, or browse the local shops!
5. Once your beads have cooled completely, the mandrel is removed, revealing the hollow center, and you’ll assemble your chosen accessory style, whether that’s a bracelet, pair of earrings, or another option.

Here’s the beautiful finished bracelet I created. During assembly, you’ll choose between elegant gold or silver connecting rings, plus select either a delicate chain for a refined look or a leather cord for a more casual, earthy style. You can also transform your beads into a necklace, phone strap, or other accessory types depending on your preference.

For those creating gifts, participants can request a special original pouch for presenting your handmade treasure—it’s an extra-thoughtful touch that makes your Miyajima memory even more special to share with loved ones.

During the cooling period, I highly recommend taking advantage of your free time to explore Omotesando Shopping Street nearby. It’s the perfect opportunity for sampling local specialties like momiji manju (maple leaf cakes) and fresh oysters, and you’re almost certain to discover your family’s new favorite treats!

Getting There: Access, Hours, and How to Book Your Experience

Access from Miyajima Pier: Fizz Glass is located approximately a 6-10 minute walk from Miyajima Pier. After disembarking from the ferry, head toward Omotesando Shopping Street and walk about 30 meters while browsing the charming souvenir shops lining the street—you’ll spot Fizz Glass on your right side. If you’re driving, remember that cars aren’t allowed on Miyajima island itself, so you’ll need to park near Miyajimaguchi Pier on the mainland and take the ferry across.

Here’s a valuable local tip: if you arrive before 8:00 AM, the parking lot behind “Momiji Honpo” at Miyajimaguchi typically still has available spaces—this is insider knowledge shared among island regulars.

For the ferry ride over, there’s another local recommendation worth knowing: taking the JR Ferry on your outbound journey positions you closer to the iconic Great Torii Gate, offering superior views during the crossing. It’s these little details that can make your experience even more memorable!

Business Hours: The studio is open 10:00 AM–5:00 PM. Workshop sessions generally begin between 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM, though exact timing varies by experience type. Please note that hours and occasional closures can change, so it’s wise to verify current information on their official Instagram account or booking page before making the trip.

Making Reservations: You can book your experience by phone, through Instagram direct message, or online via popular platforms like Jalan or Asoview!. Since this is an indoor activity, it’s perfect even on rainy days when outdoor sightseeing might be limited.

What Past Visitors Are Saying: Reviews and Unique Insights

Fizz Glass consistently earns outstanding guest satisfaction ratings across major booking platforms. For instance, on Jalan it holds an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 24 reviews, while Asoview! features over 75 reviews with ratings hovering around 4.8–4.9 out of 5 stars. Visitors particularly praise the kind, patient, and thorough instruction provided by the owners, as well as the brilliant convenience of being able to explore Miyajima’s attractions during the cooling period.

Speaking of timing, here’s a hard-learned lesson from my own experience: I once got the tide timing completely wrong and was disappointed when the iconic Great Torii Gate was awkwardly half-exposed at an in-between tide level. A kind local fisherman shared valuable advice—for the most accurate tide predictions, the Miyajima Tourist Association’s website is actually more reliable than the Japan Meteorological Agency’s general forecasts. You can check these tide times right from your phone while waiting for your glass piece to cool!

While we’re on the subject of Miyajima must-sees, Itsukushima Shrine absolutely deserves a spot on your itinerary. The shrine reveals completely different personalities at high tide versus low tide—it’s almost like visiting two different places. I strongly recommend planning to visit the shrine twice during your day trip, once at high tide when it appears to float on water, and once at low tide when you can walk right up to the Great Torii Gate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fizz Glass

Q1. Can I participate without making a reservation in advance?

A. While same-day walk-in participation may be possible if there are open slots, advance booking is strongly recommended. The most popular time slots, especially on weekends and during peak tourist seasons, tend to fill up quickly, so reserving ahead ensures you won’t be disappointed.

Q2. Are young children able to participate in the glass-making experiences?

A. Age recommendations vary depending on which experience you choose. The photo frame decorating and most suncatcher plans welcome participants ages 6 and up, while the glass bead lampworking experience is typically recommended for ages 13 and up due to the use of torch flames. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a guardian throughout the activity. My older daughter first tried the glass bead experience when she was in 5th grade, and the attentive one-on-one instruction made the experience both safe and confidence-building for her.

Q3. Can you ship my finished piece if I can’t carry it with me?

A. Yes, absolutely! While most pieces are ready for same-day take-home, the studio can arrange shipping anywhere in Japan. You’ll pay the actual shipping costs plus a small packaging fee to ensure your handmade treasure arrives safely at your destination.

Q4. Is Fizz Glass a good rainy day activity in Miyajima?

A. Definitely! All experiences take place completely indoors, making this an ideal addition to your rainy-day itinerary in Miyajima. In fact, here’s an interesting observation—Mount Misen can be practically empty on rainy days, so if you’re feeling adventurous, why not combine your glass-making experience with a ropeway ride up the mountain? The misty views have their own mysterious charm.

The ropeway offers easy access to Mount Misen’s summit, and the spectacular panoramic views will definitely excite both kids and adults—plus you’ll avoid the crowds that gather on sunny days!

Q5. What payment methods does Fizz Glass accept?

A. For on-site payment, the studio accepts cash, major credit cards, and PayPay. Online booking platforms also offer prepayment options for added convenience.

Q6. Can I leave my bags at the studio during the cooling period?

A. Yes, the friendly staff will store non-valuable items for you free of charge while you explore. This is especially reassuring when my husband and I split up our duties during family trips—he takes on photographer duty while I keep an eye on the kids—and we don’t have to lug everything around the island with us.

While you’re nearby, I highly recommend visiting Daisho-in Temple with children. The 504 steps leading up are affectionately nicknamed “go-rei-shi-san” by locals (a playful Japanese wordplay on the number), and kids often enjoy counting them as they climb!

More Miyajima Experiences We Think You’ll Love

If you’re traveling with family, the Miyajima Public Aquarium is an absolute must-visit. There’s even a local rumor that about 80% of island residents have annual passes—that’s how beloved and well-designed this facility is. It offers engaging exhibits and daily shows that captivate visitors of all ages.

Senjokaku Pavilion is something of a hidden gem that even many tourists miss. Here’s a fascinating detail: authentic Edo-period graffiti remains preserved under the wooden floorboards—it’s become a secret spot for history enthusiasts and those in the know who want to see this unique piece of the past.

For visitors who want to deepen their understanding of Miyajima’s cultural and historical significance as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know.

Final Thoughts: Why Fizz Glass Belongs on Your Miyajima Itinerary

If you find yourself thinking “I want to try something hands-on and creative” during your Miyajima visit, the Fizz Glass experience is an excellent choice that delivers both fun and meaningful memories. You’ll create a truly one-of-a-kind piece in the warm, welcoming atmosphere of this couple-run studio, then take advantage of the cooling time to continue exploring the island’s attractions—it’s the perfect balance of creativity and sightseeing.

With convenient access from the ferry pier, clear and patient instruction suitable for beginners, and multiple plan options to match different interests and age groups, Fizz Glass works beautifully for couples, families, friend groups, and even solo travelers looking for a personal memento of their journey.

Here’s a final insider tip: weekdays between 2:00–4:00 PM tend to be the quietest periods at the studio, so if you prefer a more relaxed, unhurried experience with extra attention from the instructors, that’s your ideal time window. Book your spot early to secure your preferred date and time!