Miyajima's Artisan Treasures: Shopping Guide to Japan's Sacred Island

If shopping in Miyajima were a hockey game, Omotesando Street would be your first period – setting the tone for everything that follows. This bustling shopping arcade stretches from the ferry terminal toward Itsukushima Shrine, creating a natural progression that eases you into the island's commercial offerings.

What distinguishes Omotesando from typical tourist traps is the surprising authenticity maintained despite its popularity. Yes, you'll find shops selling mass-produced keychains and magnets, but look closer and you'll discover family-run establishments that have operated for generations. These storefronts typically display craftspeople working in full view – a transparency I appreciate in both business and shopping experiences.

My strategy here is similar to hunting: patience yields better results than rushing. The most authentic shops tend to be situated slightly off the main drag or toward the middle section of the street where rents are presumably lower. Look for stores with artisans actively working on their crafts rather than just selling finished products.

For couples looking to enhance their home tea ritual, I recommend investing in a proper tea set from one of the ceramic shops. After visiting countless tea rooms across Japan and Scotland (my two tea obsessions), I've found that the traditional Japanese tea set enhances the entire experience. The craftsmanship in Miyajima's handmade versions is exceptional, with glazes that often incorporate local elements and techniques passed down through generations.

If you know anything about Japanese craftsmanship, you've likely heard of Miyajima's wooden products. What hockey sticks are to Canada, wooden crafts are to this island – a point of national pride and exceptional skill. The island's woodworkers have perfected their craft using primarily maple and cherry from the surrounding mountains.

The signature product is the rice scoop (shamoji), which has an interesting origin story tied to a Buddhist monk's dream. Legend aside, these handcrafted utensils are both beautiful and functional – I've been using mine for years at home, and they've become conversation starters during dinner parties. While machine-made versions are available everywhere for a few hundred yen, invest in a hand-carved piece from Miyajima Shamoji Workshop or one of the smaller family-run studios.

Beyond rice scoops, look for intricate wooden puzzle boxes (himitsu-bako), which make exceptional gifts. These require anywhere from 4 to 66 precise movements to open, with craftspeople carefully embedding different woods to create stunning geometric patterns. I purchased one on my first visit to Miyajima and still enjoy the mechanical satisfaction of solving it while on conference calls (camera off, of course).

For couples looking to invest in a truly special piece, consider the wooden chopstick rests (hashioki) or serving trays made from single pieces of maple. These items elevate any dining experience and develop a beautiful patina over years of use. I recommend Miyachiku workshop, where third-generation craftsman Hayashi-san creates pieces that balance traditional techniques with contemporary design sensibilities.

Every region in Japan has its signature sweet, and Miyajima's claim to fame is the momiji manju – maple leaf-shaped cakes typically filled with sweet red bean paste. While technically an edible souvenir, the presentation and packaging of these treats elevates them to gift status.

If you're looking for the quintessential Miyajima experience, head to Fumimaro, where you can watch the entire production process through glass windows. The mesmerizing efficiency of their traditional cast iron molds reminds me of a well-executed power play – precise movements with perfect timing.

What makes shopping for momiji manju interesting for couples is the variety of flavors beyond the traditional anko (red bean paste). Modern variations include chocolate, custard, cheese, and my personal favorite, matcha. Most shops offer sampling, so you can conduct your own tasting tournament before committing to a box.

For a luxury experience, seek out Yamadaya near the five-story pagoda. Their limited edition seasonal flavors use premium ingredients like sakura in spring and chestnut in autumn. The elegant packaging makes these perfect gifts for colleagues or family back home.

If you're staying overnight on the island (which I highly recommend), consider picking up a Japanese tea set to properly enjoy your momiji manju back at your ryokan. There's something magical about sipping properly prepared matcha from handcrafted ceramics while overlooking the bay as the evening ferry traffic winds down.

As someone who's equally comfortable discussing the merits of a perfect body check and the subtle notes in a properly brewed gyokuro, Miyajima's tea culture speaks to me on a profound level. The island offers several specialty tea shops that provide experiences well beyond what you'll find in tourist centers like Kyoto or Tokyo.

My top recommendation is Itsuki Tea House, tucked away on a side street near Daisho-in Temple. What makes this shop special isn't just their selection (though it's impressive) but their approach to education. The owner, Itsuki-san, spent years studying tea cultivation before opening his shop and offers tasting sessions for couples that transform how you'll think about Japanese tea forever.

For those serious about elevating their tea experience, invest in proper teaware while here. The island's ceramic traditions shine in the tea utensils available, particularly the handcrafted chawan (tea bowls) that capture the wabi-sabi aesthetic perfectly. I purchased my matcha set here three years ago, and it remains one of my most treasured souvenirs – both functional and beautiful.

Couples should consider booking the private tea ceremony and shopping experience at Kyonoya. For around ¥5,000 per person, you'll participate in a traditional ceremony followed by a guided shopping experience where the tea master helps you select utensils that complement your personal tea preferences. It's like having a professional scout help draft your perfect team of tea implements.

What I appreciate most about Miyajima's approach to tea culture is how it balances tradition with accessibility. Unlike some of Kyoto's more intimidating establishments, the island's tea merchants welcome questions and curiosity, making it perfect for couples at any knowledge level.

Most day-trippers clear out of Miyajima by late afternoon, catching the last ferries back to Hiroshima. This mass exodus creates my favorite shopping window – the golden hours when the island reclaims its serene atmosphere and shops transition from daytime hustle to evening intimacy.

For couples staying overnight (which I cannot recommend strongly enough), the shopping experience transforms after 5pm. Many of the family-run businesses along the back streets near Machiya Street offer evening hours with a completely different ambiance. Lanterns illuminate storefronts, and without the crowds, proprietors have time for meaningful conversations about their crafts.

My favorite evening discovery is Miyajima Glass Studio, which keeps its furnaces running until 8pm. Watching the glassblowers create delicate sake cups and ornaments against the backdrop of night is mesmerizing. They offer a couples' experience where you can blow your own matching cups – a memorable souvenir that's worth the splurge at ¥8,000 per couple.

Another evening gem is Miyajima Bokusendo, specializing in traditional calligraphy supplies. The owner, Tanaka-san, offers impromptu demonstrations after hours and can create personalized name seals (hanko) while you wait. I've found that the traditional calligraphy set makes both an excellent souvenir and a meditative hobby to develop together as a couple.

Don't miss the small sake shop near Itsukushima Shrine that transitions into a tasting room after 6pm. For ¥1,500 per person, you can sample regional varieties paired with local snacks – the perfect prelude to dinner reservations at one of the island's ryokans.