Machiya Street

This is one of three streets which connect the Miyajima ferry pier and Itsukushima Shrine. This particular street was the main thoroughfare when Miyajima was at its most prosperous. The traditional townhomes along the street have had modern touches added onto them, and the street is dotted with old-fashioned mom-and-pop businesses and private homes, as well as retro-modern lodging facilities, shops, and galleries. Itsukushima Shine’s magnificent five-story pagoda stands at the end of the street. Today, the street is primarily used by local residents as part of everyday life. At night, the street is illuminated by the light of paper lanterns installed under the eaves of the various establishments along its length, engendering a romantic atmosphere quite different from how the street feels in the daytime.