Savoring Pakistani Curry at a Renovated Traditional House Cafe on Machiya Street, Where Time Flows Gently / Gallery Miyagou
#History#Iconic Architecture#Traditional Crafts
A Cafe Renovated from a Former Ladle Wholesaler, Blending into the Townscape
Miyajima boasts many charming cafes, but my personal favorite is 'Gallery Miyagou' on Machiya Street.
It's a gallery cafe that revitalized a 250-year-old merchant's house that used to be a ladle wholesaler, and the building, retaining traces of the Edo period, is absolutely wonderful! It stands blending into the atmospheric townscape, and there's even a retro round post box in front of the shop.
A Healing Moment in a Prime Seat Facing the Courtyard Garden
Upon entering the shop, the staff greet you with kind smiles.
There are various seats, including counter seats and large tables, but we recommend the four-person table seats facing the courtyard garden.
While gazing at the changing scenery each season, you can enjoy hand-drip coffee, homemade chiffon cake, fluffy shaved ice (summer limited), and more.
The gallery space hosts a variety of exhibitions, including paintings, calligraphy, and photography, making it an appealing place to experience art. In this space where time flows gently, both your mind and body are sure to be healed.
Once You Try It, You'll Be Hooked ♡ Spice-Scented Pakistani Curry
For lunch, be sure to try the Pakistani Curry (1000 yen).
You might think, 'Spice curry in Miyajima!?' but its authentic taste has many people getting hooked after just one bite. I'm one of them; I ate it many times when I visited Miyajima for interviews.
It is said to be slowly simmered with chicken, vegetables, and many spices in olive oil. The umami is intensely concentrated, and a spicy aroma and deep richness spread throughout your mouth. The carrot rappe is perfect as a palate cleanser.
Publishes 'Miyajima Machiya Street Newsletter', Featuring Articles Written from a Local Perspective
Tetsuya Miyagou, the owner of 'Gallery Miyagou', publishes a newspaper with Wataru Kubota of 'Sake & Utensils Kubota' and others.
'Miyajima Machiya Street Newsletter' is a kawaraban (tile-block print newsletter) full of love for Miyajima, introducing its history, culture, and events from a local perspective. It has been published four times a year since 2015 and reached its 43rd issue with the Spring 2026 edition.
Mr. Miyagou says, 'We strive for a unique local perspective and rich content, and we're particular about using nostalgic paper reminiscent of old mimeograph prints.'
It is distributed for free at shops on Machiya Street and tourist information centers at Miyajima Pier and Miyajimaguchi, so please pick up a copy and read it.
After working at a publishing company, she became a freelance writer. Based mainly in Hiroshima Prefecture, she covers and writes about restaurants, tourist attractions, and local businesses. As the editor in charge of Rurubu FREE Hiroshima, she spent many years covering Miyajima, which sparked her deep love for the island. She is also fond of picture books, manga, and cafés. When traveling, she prefers taking things slow rather than packing her itinerary with too many plans.
