Rokaku Tea House (Hexagon Cafe) — Restaurant in Hatsukaichi

Just inside Daishoin Temple on the left-hand side, you’ll find this cozy temple café. With only three tables inside and a terrace with benches available, it’s a peaceful spot to take a break while exploring Miyajima.

The menu is simple but everything is so good, especially featuring delicious drinks and desserts—the lemon cake and matcha latte are absolute must-tries! But beyond the café menu, they also serve food options, with the vegan curry and vegan ramen being especially popular.

I tried the vegan ramen and it was so good that I know I’ll be coming back for it every time I visit Miyajima. The soy milk-based broth is rich and flavorful, and the thoughtful toppings like bean sprouts and kikurage mushrooms add a great mix of textures. It’s the kind of bowl you just can’t help but finish to the last drop!

The owner is incredibly kind and welcoming, making this one of the friendliest spots on Miyajima. Whether you're visiting alone or with a group, you’ll be warmly greeted. Plus, if you bring your own bottle, you can get a free water refill, which is such a nice touch.

Since the café is run by just owner herself, it can get busy at times but takeout is also available. If you stop by, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and show some patience and support—this hidden gem is truly...

Rokaku is more than a cafe, it is a peaceful experience. Located inside the gates of the Daisho-in Temple, this cafe gives you a tranquil rest from the otherwise busyness of Miyajima Island. The cafe is small and cozy. In the background, you hear gentle piano music playing. From out the windows you see out to the grounds of the temple. The vibe, the view and the sounds, there's not a better way to replenish the soul.

Then there's the food itself. My partner and I ordered the cold ramen noodles (which is based off an old zen recipe). I had never eaten ramen cold before, so I was a little bit apprehensive about whether I would enjoy it. But the taste was incredible. It was a dish that had many subtle flavours, which made it very moreish. We were also given a separate dish of chili oil so that we could tailor the spice to our desired level.

Then there's the wonderful owner. From the second we walked in, we were greeted with the warmest smile we've received in Japan. She was telling us how she was involved in the 80th anniversary events which commemorated the atomic bombing. The owner is a strong advocate of promoting peace and harmony. The world needs more people like this.

It was such a wonderful to eat here, one that I...

It was 97 degrees on Miyajima. The temple grounds are stunning, the coolest I've seen in Japan. At the entrance of the temple, at the foot of the long steps lies a small hexagonal structure with a cafe sign. The sign for fresh lemonade caught our eye in the oppressive heat. Walking in was like finding an oasis in the desert. Air conditioned to perfection, the cool air alone would have made it worth the stop. As it would turn out, I would have one of the best frozen treats I have ever had. A mountain of shaved ice, condensed milk, and little bits and pieces of delicious Hiroshima lemons was served to us. It was like eating a cloud in heaven. I seriously do not know how or why I've never had something so good. We had our treat and our delicious lemonade and had a lovely conversation with the friendly and wonderful owners of the shop. We want to find a way to make...