The Miyajima Night Market (Miyajima Yoichi, 宮島夜市) will be held on Miyajima in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, on Saturday, November 21, 2026. Organized by the Miyajima Tourism Association (一般社団法人 宮島観光協会), this one-night special event lets visitors enjoy autumn on Miyajima late into the evening.
Background and Purpose
From a "Pass-Through" Destination to a "Stay-Over" Destination
Daytime crowds on Miyajima are concentrated in various spots around the island, which lowers visitor satisfaction. The event aims to ease this daytime congestion while encouraging overnight stays and longer visits, with the goal of increasing tourism spending and improving visitor satisfaction.
Sharing the Appeal of Miyajima at Night and in the Early Morning
Miyajima has many attractions from night through early morning that have not yet been fully communicated. These include illuminations, night views from Miyajima, hospitality at more than 20 hotels and ryokan on the island, and Itsukushima Shrine, where visitors can pray in the calm morning air. By sharing these attractions and raising awareness of them, the organizers aim to develop Miyajima into a more sustainable tourist destination.
Holding the Event in the Busy Season and Continuing in Future Years
This year, the event is deliberately held during the busy season, when many visitors come to the island, to raise awareness of the Miyajima Night Market. Photos and videos will be used to convey its appeal, and the organizers hope to encourage sharing on social media and word of mouth. From next year onward, they plan to expand the event into multiple editions, including the off-season, so that it becomes a regular event.
Main Programs and Highlights
Miyajima Pier Square (Entrance and Base)
- Food and shopping booths: More than 20 booths, including food trucks, activities, and merchandise, will liven up the venue.
- Symbolic displays and a self-powered project: Miyajima's traditional giant rice paddle (大杓子, 5 shaku 5 sun) and a large lantern will be set up. In a participatory project, electricity generated by pedaling bicycles during the day will be used to light the lantern at night.
Programs Around the Island
- Omamori charm-making experience with matcha, at Tokuju-ji Temple (徳寿寺): Visitors can make an omamori (protective charm) at a temple in a quiet corner of Miyajima.
- Special zazen experience and shinobue performance, at Zonko-ji Temple (存光寺): The zazen (seated meditation) experience includes momiji manju and matcha, and a shinobue (bamboo flute) performance will also be held.
- Rickshaw special night service: Rickshaws will run between the pier and Itsukushima Shrine, making it easier to get around and adding to the experience.
- Miyajima Night Walking Guided Tour: A tour that explores Miyajima at night will be led by the Miyajima Registered Guide Liaison Association (宮島登録ガイド連絡会).
Special Night Events for the World Heritage 30th Anniversary
On the day, special night programs marking the 30th anniversary of World Heritage registration will be held at various places on the island at the same time as the Miyajima Night Market programs.
- Special night opening of Itsukushima Shrine (until 7:30 PM): As part of the commemorative projects for the 30th anniversary of its World Heritage registration, Itsukushima Shrine will be opened to visitors at night. Visitors can see the shrine buildings floating on the dark sea in a quiet atmosphere.
- Illumination of Momijidani Park (紅葉谷公園) and Daisho-in Temple (大聖院): Momijidani Park, where the autumn leaves are colorful, and the historic Daisho-in Temple will be lit up at night.
- Chuue Marche (ちゅうえマルシェ): The regular Chuue Marche will be held at night as a special edition of the Miyajima Night Market, at Guest House Mikuniya (ゲストハウス三國屋) in 中江町, Miyajima.
Event Information
- Event name: Miyajima Night Market (Miyajima Yoichi, 宮島夜市)
- Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
- Hours: 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Venue: Miyajima Pier Square and various locations on Miyajima
- Organizer: Miyajima Tourism Association (一般社団法人 宮島観光協会)
- Cooperation: Itsukushima Shrine World Heritage 30th Anniversary Commemorative Project Executive Committee (嚴島神社世界遺産登録30周年記念事業実行委員会), Itsukushima Shrine, Hatsukaichi City, Hatsukaichi Miyajima Tourism (はつかいち宮島ツーリズム)
- Details: https://www.miyajima.or.jp/new/mibunrui/%e3%80%9011%e6%9c%8821%e6%97%a5%ef%bc%88%e5%9c%9f%ef%bc%89%e9%96%8b%e5%82%ac%e3%80%91%e7%89%b9%e5%88%a5%e3%81%aa%e5%a4%9c%e3%81%ae%e5%ae%ae%e5%b3%b6%e3%82%92%e6%a5%bd%e3%81%97%e3%82%80%e3%80%8c/
