MIYAJIMA ISLAND WITH KIDS

I rarely meet people who don’t say that Miyajima was one of their favourite places to visit in Japan.
Its a place you will see deer and monkeys and some gorgeous foliage and flowers too, depending on the season, of course.

Miyajima Island is easily reached from Hiroshima by ferry.   See my Hiroshima with kids tips.

In a perfect world, you will arrive early when the tide is out and walk right out to the famous tori gates ( to then see them “far at sea” later in the day.)  Then you will explore on foot and start thinking about lunch around 11-12 when the little shops and restaurants are open for business.
The hike up Misen is so spectacular and you can take a ropeway / cable car up if the walk if a bit beyond what your family can manage.

Just a word when planning your trip to Miyajima Island in Hiroshima.
Another tip to keep in mind when traveling to Miyajima.  Even though the ferries run late into the night, the island almost completely closes down around 5pm so you may struggle to find somewhere for dinner. Most people who stay on the island, have their dinner provided by their accommodation.

Lunch and snack recommendations on Miyajima :
Miyajima Brewery  – famous for their craft beer options and oysters (steamed or grilled.) They also have a vegetarian pasta option.
Iwamura Momijiya – the oldest Momiji Manjyu ( traditional Japanese red bean paste filled sweets in the shape of Japanese maple leaves) shop on the island

The cutest Miyajima themed ice-creams are sold at a cafe called Miyajima Umaimono-kan.  The wafers and candy decorations are all Miyajima themed (little deer and leaves etc, it’s so cute! You can see a picture here.)  Please note that this shop takes cash only and is only open from midday – 4pm daily. 

A restaurant where kids can play and run around on Miyajima 
Kiyomori Chaya serves udon,  and oysters.  There is also a swing set here.   It’s next to the Shrine and 15 mins walk from the Ferry Port. 
Open from 11am-5pm daily.  Meals here are between 1000-2000 yen.  You can take in the water views while eating here.   Food is casual food. 

Gluten free food on Miyajima Island:
Just 6 mins walk from Itsukushima Shrine is gluten free cafe Miyajima Base.  They serve gluten free Japanese (karage) chicken, curry and donuts. They also have gluten free soy sauce.  For a meal here, I would budget approximately 2000 yen per adult.  This cafe also has a co-working space.  This cafe does not take reservations. Miyajima Base accept most major credit cards and Apple Pay. Portions are big here so be careful not to over order!
MIYAJIMA BASE
広島県廿日市市宮島町310
310 MIYAJIMA-CHO, HATSUKAICHI, HIROSHIMA
OPEN MONDAY-THURSDAY 9AM-5:45PM (LAST ORDER AT 5;15PM)
OPEN FRIDAY-SUNDAY 9AM-7:45PM (LAST ORDER AT 7:15PM)

Another Gluten Free option, Miyajima Coffee have a matcha parfait and they don’t use cakes or cookies inside the parfait but, instead, use cornflakes (it’s still best to double check though, of course, each time.)
For those who are not gluten free, the cafe also sells soft-serve ice cream and cakes. This cafe doesn’t take reservations.  This cafe accepts most major credit cards. The entire cafe is non-smoking.
MIYAJIMA COFFEE
OPEN EVERYDAY 9AM-6PM

Also,  you know that deer roam freely on Miyajima Island?

Where to stay on Miyajima with kids?
Miyajima Seaside Hotel is a ryokan with kids meals a play corner and very welcoming for families.  

I have heard amazing things about Miyajima Guest House Mikuniya.   
They do a basic toast and cereal breakfast too.