Iwakuniya Sobei, the founder of "Iwaso" Inn in Miyajima who observed the busy market for a month before and after Kangensai (the Orchestra Festival held on June 17 by the lunar calendar) and requested permission to open up Momijidani (presently Momijidani Park) from the local magistrate's office. Permission was granted and he proceeded to build a bridge across the Momiji River and teahouses serving refreshments for visitors resting along the river. Thus Iwaso was founded. Iwaso is an abbreviation of Iwakuniya Sobei. After the foundation of the inn, it became popular with many visitors and it was rebuilt as a modern Japanese style hotel just after the Meiji era. Since then, many visitors have come to love the relaxing atmosphere of Miyajima.