On a clear afternoon, the Seto Inland Sea is crystal clear, its surface shimmering quietly in the gentle light. Across the water, Miyajima Island lies majestically, casting deep, rich green shadows across the sea. Hiroshima's Miyajimaguchi has long welcomed travelers as the gateway to the World Heritage site, Itsukushima Shrine. In March 2026, a new hotel, "HOTEL FORK & KNIFE Miyajima," quietly but with a strong presence, was born in this very location.
The hotel is located just a few minutes' drive from Miyajimaguchi. With the motto "Don't consume Japanese culture and food," it proposes a stay where guests can "quietly and deeply savor" Japanese traditions, culture, food, and architectural beauty. The design is by architect Fumihiko Sano, who gained experience at Nakamura Sotoji Construction, a master of sukiya-style architecture. Natural materials such as cedar and cypress, along with skilled craftsmanship, are incorporated throughout, expressing a modern take on Japanese aesthetics.
The entrance features a gallery space inspired by the Noh stage of Itsukushima Shrine, displaying art that reinterprets traditional Japanese beauty with a modern sensibility, including calligraphy, ink paintings, and ceramics. The reddish color of the walls throughout the building is said to be inspired by the vermilion torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.
Across the sea lies Miyajima Island, behind Itsukushima Shrine, stretching the primeval forest of Mount Misen. Giant evergreen trees overlap, their shade deepening with age. This forest, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been an object of worship across generations. Looking at its form from Miyajimaguchi, one is reminded that the island across the bay is not merely a tourist destination, but a sacred place marked by thousands of years of history. And one realizes that this hotel, too, deeply embodies that spirit.
Guest rooms—amidst the morning calm, the sound of the waves, and the scent of cypress
The guest rooms are named after the nature and scenery of Hiroshima, such as "Morning Calm," "Sound of the Waves," "Evening Moon," and "Sound of the Rapids." At the entrance, there is a plaque shaped like the ridge of Mt. Misen, and its gentle curves are said to be designed to resemble the reclining figure of the Great Buddha. The hotel's philosophy is evident in every detail.
The room features a modern Japanese design incorporating a raised platform and shoji screens, and the soft light filtering through the screens gently soothes away the fatigue of travel. From the sheets and towels to the pajamas and amenities, every detail shows meticulous care, allowing both mind and body to slowly unwind. This is truly what a comfortable stay means.
The "Yūei" (Sunset) room offers a view of the Seto Inland Sea.
"Evening Moon" - when sunlight streams in, the whiteness of the shoji screens stands out.
The "Sui" suite boasts a hot spring bath and sauna room, as well as an open-air bath.
Food—Stories of the Seto Inland Sea Told Through Woodfires
At the heart of this hotel is"It's food.The hotel's restaurant is supervised by Chef Aya Ishihama, who served as sous chef at the Michelin-starred French restaurant "Abysse." Centered around wood-fired cooking, it offers "local gastronomy" that modernizes French and Japanese cuisine, as well as Hiroshima's traditional food culture.
The aroma and heat generated by the wood fire bring out the best in the ingredients. For dinner, they offer an 11-course meal that depicts the natural beauty of Hiroshima, from the mountains to the sea. Oysters, conger eel, sea bream, Hiroshima beef, lemon, Miyajima salt, and other bounty from the Seto Inland Sea come alive in each dish, evoking the landscapes of this region.
With its exquisite cooking method, somewhere between rare and medium-rare, you'll encounter an unknown umami flavor. This fish dish is a must-try.
Miyajima is famous for its conger eels. Conger eel rice cooked in an earthenware pot.
The wine list also features many Japanese wines. On this particular day, we had wines from Hiroshima Prefecture.We started with "Semillon Sparkling," a sparkling wine from the "Vinoble Vineyard" winery.
The paired drink is "Semillon Sparkling," brewed at Vinoble Vineyard, a winery in Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. The rich body, minerality, and citrus aroma of Semillon are delightful and complement the food perfectly.
The Japanese breakfast, featuring fluffy rice made from Hiroshima rice milled in-house, is a popular choice.
Breakfast is also appealing, featuring a beautiful Japanese meal consisting of rice cooked in an earthenware pot using rice milled in-house, combined with local ingredients. The sound of burning wood, the aroma of rising steam—the act of "eating" transforms into a delight for all five senses.
Experience—a multi-layered space that unleashes the senses
The facility includes a restaurant, bar, natural hot spring, sauna, heritage library, select shop, and fitness gym.The hotel has a fully equipped laundry facility. On the top floor, there is a mixed-gender hot spring bath where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Miyajima while soaking in the water. From the terrace, you can see Mount Misen and Itsukushima.You can also see the large torii gate of the shrine, which further enhances the enjoyment of your trip.
This hotel boasts a prime location where you can soak in natural hot springs while overlooking Miyajima Island. A sauna is also available to help you unwind and relieve your travel fatigue.
The library houses "HIROSHIMA 1958," a collection of photographs of Hiroshima taken by actress Emmanuelle Riva, who starred in Alain René's film "Hiroshima Mon Amour" (Japanese title: "24-Hour Affair").
The Heritage Library houses books on Hiroshima's history, the culture of the Seto Inland Sea, and traditional Japanese art, enriching the quiet evening hours. Among them is "Hiroshima 1958," a collection of photographs taken by French actress Emmanuelle Riva during her visit to Hiroshima for the filming of the movie "Hiroshima Mon Amour," offering a valuable opportunity to reflect on the city of Hiroshima.
During a night of travel, perhaps while sipping a drink at a bar or in quiet moments of reading, the intellectual journey also deepens.
Additionally, "ref.", a popular select shop originating from Hiroshima, has opened a store within the building. The space, filled with tools and products by artisans from Japan and abroad, resembles another gallery.
Miyajimaguchi is not the end of the road. It's the place that signals the beginning of a new journey. A short ferry ride will bring the vermilion torii gate to the horizon. From the summit of Mount Misen, the islands of the Seto Inland Sea unfold before your eyes. And back at your hotel, a quiet room, wood-fired cooking, and a relaxing hot spring bath await you.
On the ferry ride to Miyajima, you can get very close to the torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. In this place where knowledge and beauty quietly resonate with each other, the journey becomes a deeper and richer experience.
3-3-15 Miyajimaguchi, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Text by Mariko Awano
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