Fizz Glass: Miyajima Glass Workshop Guide

Fizz Glass: Miyajima’s Charming Glass Workshop

Just a five-minute walk from the Miyajima ferry pier, tucked near the island’s famous Omotesando Shopping Street, is one of Miyajima’s most beloved hidden gems: Fizz Glass, a boutique glass workshop run by a local husband-and-wife team. Located steps from Itsukushima Shrine — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — Fizz Glass offers visitors a hands-on Miyajima glass workshop experience that doubles as the perfect souvenir. You leave with a one-of-a-kind piece you made yourself, and memories that outlast any shop-bought gift.

The studio’s concept is beautifully simple: capture your travel memories in Miyajima glass beads. Using traditional lampwork techniques — melting glass rods over a flame — guests craft their own jewelry, sun-catching window ornaments, or decorative photo frames. One-on-one instruction from the owner means even complete beginners feel right at home, and the consistently glowing reviews (rated 4.8–4.9 out of 5 on Asoview!) speak for themselves.

A Magical Little Studio

Walking into Fizz Glass feels like stepping into a fairy tale. The shop is filled with glittering glass accessories and handmade pieces displayed against warm wooden furniture — a combination that makes the whole space shimmer. My younger daughter immediately declared it “a room full of sparkles,” while my older one started taking photos and didn’t stop for quite some time. Even if you’re not planning to do a workshop, it’s worth popping in just to browse the gorgeous glass items for sale.

The Three Glass Experiences at Fizz Glass

Fizz Glass offers three distinct workshop options, each suited to different interests and age groups:

1. Lampwork Bead Accessory Making — Create two handmade glass beads and have them crafted into a bracelet, necklace, pierced earrings, or strap. (¥3,900 including tax)
2. Glass Photo Frame Making — Decorate an original picture frame with sea-glass-style glass pieces. (¥2,500 including tax)
3. Crystal Glass Suncatcher Making — Combine crystal glass and handmade Miyajima beads into a rainbow-casting window ornament. (¥3,600 including tax)

Experience Details at a Glance

• Lampwork Bead Jewelry: About 30 minutes of hands-on work, plus 60 minutes of cooling time. Recommended for middle school age and above (13+). You make two glass beads and assemble them into jewelry on the spot. Add ¥500 or more to upgrade to a necklace or suncatcher style. Same-day pickup.
• Suncatcher: About 120 minutes total. Suitable for upper elementary school age and above. Combine crystal glass with your handmade Miyajima beads to create a beautiful piece that scatters rainbow light through a window.
• Photo Frame: About 30 minutes of work, plus 30 minutes drying time. Open to elementary school students and above. Design your own frame using sea-glass-style glass pieces. Ready to take home the same day.

All experiences accept on-site payment (cash, credit card, or PayPay) as well as online payment. Please note that online bookings carry a 50% cancellation fee for same-day cancellations and a 100% fee for no-shows, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Of the three options, the lampwork bead jewelry experience is by far the most popular — and after trying it myself, it’s easy to see why.

Trying the Bracelet-Making Experience

I decided to go with the most popular option: making two lampwork beads and turning them into a bracelet. Keep in mind that a reservation is required, so book in advance via one of the booking platforms, Instagram DM, or phone before you arrive. The whole experience — from bead-making to cooling — takes about two hours.

Here’s roughly how it works (the finer details are the owner’s trade secret, naturally):

1. Choose your glass rod colors. I was drawn to a soft aquamarine and a pale pink — pretty easy decision for me. The studio offers a wide range of shades, so take your time and ask the owner for advice if you’re not sure. When I visited in mid-November one year, there were even seasonal autumn-toned glass colors available, which was a lovely touch.
2. Carefully hold the glass rod and heat about 3 cm of it over the flame with bare hands — it sounds daunting, but the owner guides you through every step.
3. Wind the softened glass around a thin metal rod to form the bead shape.
4. Use a small tool to press and shape the bead — round or square, whichever you prefer.
5. Place the shaped bead in sand to cool slowly for about an hour. During this time, you’re free to head out and explore the island — grab lunch, browse the shopping street, or visit the shrine.
6. Once cooled, the metal rod is removed, and your bead is finished and assembled into your chosen accessory style.

Here’s the finished bracelet. You can choose a gold or silver ring setting, and there are also delicate chain and leather cord options depending on your style. The studio also offers to convert your beads into a necklace or strap if you change your mind.

One especially nice touch: jewelry workshop participants receive their finished piece in a charming original pouch printed with an adorable deer character — a sweet nod to Miyajima’s famously friendly wild deer. It makes the whole package feel like a real keepsake.

What to Do During the Cooling Time

One of the cleverly designed aspects of this experience is that the cooling period — typically around an hour — gives you a built-in window to explore Miyajima. Omotesando Shopping Street runs right through the heart of the island, and it’s perfect for snacking on local street food, browsing souvenir shops, or stopping at a café. My family loves wandering through the street together; it’s become one of our favorite parts of any Miyajima visit.

Access, Hours, and How to Book

Fizz Glass is located about a 6-minute walk from the Miyajima ferry pier. After disembarking, head into Omotesando Shopping Street and continue about 30 meters — the studio will appear on your right. It’s easy to find and very close to the main tourist flow.

If you’re driving, the most convenient approach is to park at one of the parking facilities near Miyajimaguchi pier on the mainland and take the ferry across. Local knowledge tip: if you arrive at Miyajimaguchi before 8:00 AM, parking near the back of the Momijihonpo building tends to be available.

Opening hours: 10:00–17:00 (workshop check-in: 10:30–15:30)
Closed: Irregular holidays — check the official Instagram or booking sites for the latest schedule.

Reservations can be made 24 hours a day through Jalan or Asoview!, or by phone. Rainy days are no problem at all — this is a fully indoor experience, making it a great wet-weather option for your Miyajima itinerary.

One more insider tip for the ferry ride over: take the JR Ferry on the way to Miyajima — it passes closer to the Great Torii Gate, so you get a better view from the water.

What Visitors Are Saying

On Asoview!, Fizz Glass holds an impressive rating of 4.8–4.9 out of 5 based on 75 reviews. The most common praise? Guests highlight how the owner’s patient, personalized instruction makes the experience accessible even for people who consider themselves “not crafty.” Many reviewers also love the clever design of having the cooling time coincide with a walk around the island — it transforms what might otherwise be a wait into extra sightseeing time.

The experience draws a wide mix of visitors: couples, groups of friends, solo travelers, and families alike. The personal, one-on-one teaching style is especially reassuring for those who’ve never worked with glass before.

While your piece is cooling, it’s also a great moment to check the tide schedule for Itsukushima Shrine. The shrine looks completely different at high tide (when the torii gate appears to float) versus low tide (when you can walk right up to it). The Miyajima Tourism Association website reportedly gives more precise tide times than the official meteorological agency — a tip passed along by a local fisherman that I’ve found useful ever since.

Itsukushima Shrine is just a short walk away and absolutely worth visiting at both high and low tide if your schedule allows.

FAQ

Do I need a reservation, or can I walk in?

Walk-ins are sometimes possible if there’s an open slot, but the studio fills up regularly — especially on weekends and holidays. It’s strongly recommended to book in advance through Jalan, Asoview!, Instagram DM, or phone to guarantee your spot.

What age is appropriate for each experience?

The photo frame workshop is open to elementary school students and older. The lampwork bead jewelry experience is recommended for middle school students and above (13+), and children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The suncatcher workshop is suitable for upper elementary school age and older. The owner provides one-on-one instruction throughout, so younger participants feel well supported.

How long does the whole experience take?

The jewelry and photo frame workshops involve about 30 minutes of hands-on work. The jewelry experience then requires approximately 60 minutes of cooling time, while the photo frame needs about 30 minutes to dry. The suncatcher experience runs about 120 minutes in total. During cooling or drying time, you’re free to explore the island.

What payment methods are accepted?

On-site, Fizz Glass accepts cash, credit cards, and PayPay. Online payment is also available when booking through reservation platforms. Note that online bookings have a 50% cancellation fee for same-day cancellations and 100% for no-shows.

Can my finished piece be shipped to me?

Yes. Nationwide shipping within Japan is available at cost, with a small additional packaging fee. This is a convenient option if you’re continuing your travels and don’t want to carry the piece with you.

Is the experience possible on a rainy day?

Absolutely. The workshop is entirely indoors, which makes it one of the best rainy-day activities on Miyajima. In fact, rainy days tend to bring fewer crowds across the island — so if you’re feeling adventurous, you might even pair your glass workshop with a quieter-than-usual hike up Mount Misen via the ropeway.

Can I leave my bags at the studio during the cooling time?

Yes — staff will look after non-valuables free of charge while you’re out exploring. It’s a thoughtful touch that makes it much easier to wander the shopping street or visit the shrine without lugging everything around.

More Miyajima Experiences to Explore

While you’re on the island, Daishoin Temple is well worth a visit — especially with kids. The stone-paved approach is lined with 500 stone lanterns and Jizo statues, and locals affectionately call the 504-step climb “goreshi-san.”

Miyajima Aquarium is another family favorite that locals adore — it’s said that a remarkable number of island residents hold annual passes.

Senjokaku (the Hall of a Thousand Mats) is a surprisingly atmospheric spot just steps from Itsukushima Shrine, with centuries of history hidden literally beneath your feet.

For a deeper look at why Miyajima holds UNESCO World Heritage status, this overview covers everything you need to know.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for something more meaningful than a souvenir from a shelf, the Miyajima glass workshop at Fizz Glass is an experience worth carving out time for. You’ll create something genuinely unique — a piece of glass jewelry, a rainbow-scattering ornament, or a personalized photo frame — guided every step of the way by the warm and patient owners. The genius of the setup is that the cooling time sends you right back out into the island, so the whole visit weaves naturally into your day.

The quietest time to visit is generally between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM on weekdays, so if you prefer a more relaxed pace, aim for that window. And whenever you decide to go, book early — this little studio has clearly earned its place as one of Miyajima’s most beloved hidden gems.

Hours, prices, and availability are subject to change. Please verify the latest details via the official Fizz Glass Instagram or booking platforms before your visit.