Food In Itsukushima Shrine

Food History of Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima, Japan

The Itsukushima Shrine, located on the island of Miyajima, is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site but also a place with a rich culinary heritage. For centuries, this Shinto shrine has been a site of pilgrimage, where visitors engage in both spiritual visits and enjoy the local fare. The food culture here is significantly influenced by the Buddhist tradition of shojin ryori (devotion cuisine), which is primarily vegetarian. However, since Itsukushima is an island, seafood also plays a vital role in its cuisine. The area is known for anago (saltwater eels) and oysters, which are believed to have been offerings to the gods, ensuring a bountiful harvest from the sea.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima, Japan

1. Momiji Manju: A sweet maple leaf-shaped cake filled with red bean paste, typically vegetarian.
2. Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki: A savory pancake containing layers of ingredients like cabbage, noodles, and often seafood or eggs, non-veg.
3. Anago Meshi: Grilled saltwater eel over rice, a flavorful non-veg dish.
4. Oysters: These are either grilled, fried, or served raw, Hiroshima is famous for them, non-veg.
5. Shakushi Manju: Another sweet treat similar to Momiji Manju but with a different shape, vegetarian.
6. Kaki-no-Dotenabe: Oyster hotpot, a comforting non-veg dish ideal for colder months.
7. Shojin Ryori: Traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine consisting of seasonal vegetables and tofu, entirely vegetarian.
8. Tsukemen: Noodles served cold alongside a separate dipping sauce, can be vegetarian or non-veg depending on the ingredients.
9. Maple Leaf Tempura: Actual maple leaves that are preserved in salt barrels for a year and then deep-fried, an unusual but vegetarian snack.
10. Iwakuni Sushi: A type of pressed sushi unique to the region, often with layers of ingredients, non-veg when it contains seafood.

Top Famous Restaurants in Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima, Japan

Kakiya

Address: 539 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0558, Japan

Famous for: Hiroshima Oysters, non-veg

Yamadaya

Address: 517 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0558, Japan

Famous for: Anago Meshi, non-veg

Iwaso

Address: Momijidani, Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0522, Japan

Famous for: Shojin Ryori, vegetarian

Okonomiyaki Kishibe

Address: 849-4 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0588, Japan

Famous for: Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki, available in vegetarian and non-veg options

Maple

Address: 505 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan

Famous for: Maple Leaf Tempura, vegetarian