An evening view of Itsukushima Shrine. Reference photo: Tabiyaka Hiroshima.
Miyajima has a reason to linger after sunset this fall. On Saturday, November 21, 2026, Miyajima Night Market runs from 3 to 9 p.m. Japan Standard Time, with the plaza in front of the ferry pier serving as a starting point for activities around the island. The event is part of the celebrations marking 30 years since Itsukushima Shrine’s World Heritage listing. Entry to the night market is free; the bookable experiences below have separate charges.
Start at the waterfront market
Start with the food and shopping booths at the pier plaza, then follow the lanterns into town for a different view of Miyajima after dark.
Make a charm to take home
At the temple charm-making workshop, you write a wish on a blessed miniature rice paddle and combine it with a fabric pouch and cord to make your own Japanese good-luck charm. The pouches are made from repurposed kimono fabric, with at least 500 to choose from and cords in 20 colors. Matcha and Miyajima Chocolate are included after the workshop. Sessions start at 5, 6 and 7 p.m., last about 30 minutes, and are limited to 15 people each. The price is ¥3,800 per person, including tax, and advance booking is required through the tourist association’s online shop. Check availability and cancellation terms before paying.
Book a ride through the evening streets
Special evening rickshaw rides offer another way to explore. Course A connects the pier plaza and the entrance to Momijidani Park, with outward and return rides booked separately at ¥2,000 per rickshaw each way. Course B loops from the pier plaza past Itsukushima Shrine and back through town for ¥3,000 per rickshaw. Both prices include tax, and the advertised ride time is about 25 minutes. Departures are scheduled every 30 minutes from 5 to 7:30 p.m., with limited booking slots. A rickshaw can carry up to two adults and two small children. For rickshaw booking details and current availability, contact the Miyajima Tourist Association.
Registration for the separate meditation and bamboo-flute program has closed because it has reached capacity.
Leave time for the shrine—and the trip back
Itsukushima Shrine is extending its opening hours until 7:30 p.m. on November 21–23, with an admission fee of ¥300 listed in the official anniversary program. Seasonal illuminations are also planned at Momijidani Park. These activities keep their own hours, so plan the evening around the experiences you want to join. For a day trip, check your return ferry and onward train or streetcar connections before you go. Ferries between Miyajimaguchi and Miyajima are operated by JR West Miyajima Ferry and Miyajima Matsudai Kisen. Bring a warm layer for an evening outdoors, and check the latest organizer notice for weather-related changes.
Plan your evening with the official event announcement, charm-making reservations and official transport links.
Adapted from Tabiyaka Hiroshima using AI-assisted translation, with factual details confirmed by the publisher.
