Miyajima Island day trip from Hiroshima | Japan’s shrine island

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When our autumn itinerary for Japan included a few days in Hiroshima, I knew we needed to include a day trip to Miyajima. While we’d seen those iconic images of the floating vermillion torii gate rising from the waters of the Inland Sea of Japan, the rest of the island took us by surprise.

While Itsukushima Shrine is the most well-known site on the island, the panoramic views from Mount Misen are beyond what I had imagined we’d find. There’s a certain tranquillity about the island. A place where deer wander the streets as locals and machiya houses are the architectural style of choice.

The island is large, though easy to navigate in a single day as the sites are concentrated in two main areas; around the seafront near Itsukushima Shrine and Mount Misen. Blanketed by dense primeval forest, much of the island remains uninhabited, creating a sense of spiritual zen.

Evidence suggests the island was first inhabited in the sixth century, but wasn’t commonly visited due to the sacred nature of the island until the end of the Kamakura period around the 14th century. Throughout history, Itsukushima Shrine has been the centre of religious celebration, worshipped by merchants, sailors, and fisherman as well as people of nobility.

When you visit Miyajima Island, I urge you to go beyond the sea front and the floating torii gate. Explore the hatted Budha’s at Daisho-in Temple, marvel at the sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea, and walk through the magical maples in Momijidani Park in autumn.

To help you make the most of your day trip, I’ve outlined everything you need to know - from how to get there and the best time to visit, to whether the island is worth paying a visit. Make the most of this guide when planning your day trip to Miyajima Island.

Is Miyajima worth visiting?

Miyajima is worth visiting as a day trip from Hiroshima for its beautiful landscapes, historic shrines, and wealth of history and culture. Easy access to the island makes it a must-do on any Japan itinerary with a few days based in Hiroshima.

With a range of things to do including visiting various shrines and temples across the island, hiking Mt Misen or hanging out with local deer, it’s a great way to see another side of Japan within easy reach of a major city.

Why is Miyajima famous?

Miyajima, also known as Itsukushima, is a profoundly sacred place most famous for its floating torii gate. Miyajima translates to ‘shrine island’, notable because it is home to a series of remarkable Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, many featuring impressive views across the inland sea which surround the Miyajima.

The most famous shrine on the island is Itsukushima-jinja, built in the 12th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

floating torii gate istukushima shrine miyajima

Where is Miyajima Island?

Miyajima is a small island located around 45 minutes from Hiroshima. Set within the western region of the Inland Sea of Japan, it occupies the northwestern part of Hiroshima Bay. Its convenient location makes it a popular day trip destination from Hiroshima.

How to get to Miyajima Island from Hiroshima

There are two main options when it comes to getting from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island. You can either choose a direct ferry, or if you prefer a cheaper alternative then you can catch the train and connect with a short ferry to the island.

From Hiroshima by direct ferry

You can catch a direct boat operated by Aqua Net from Hiroshima Peace Park to Miyajima. The journey takes 45 minutes with one to two services operating per hour, starting from 8:30am. This is the fastest route to Miyajima from Hiroshima.

The cost for an adult is ¥2200 one way or ¥4000 for a round trip. The JR Pass is not eligible on these ferry routes. You can pre-purchase tickets online or at the ticket gate. It is recommended to pre-book if you want to travel at a specific time, as seats are limited for each service.

By train and ferry from Hiroshima

You can also reach Miyajima from Hiroshima by a combined journey of train and ferry travel. This is a cheaper alternative, especially if you are using a JR Rail Pass, but it does take a little longer sometimes.

Take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station from Hiroshima Station or another station along this route from the city. The journey takes 25 minutes and is covered by the JR Rail Pass or ¥420 one way otherwise. You can also take tram line number 2 from central Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi, but it is slower. It costs only ¥270 one way, but is not covered by the JR Rail Pass.

From Miyajimaguchi Station take a short 5-minute walk to Miyajimaguchi pier to catch the ferry. Two ferry companies operate from this port - JR and Matsudai - but the JR Rail Pass only covers travel on JR ferries. Both ferry rides take 10 minutes and cost ¥180 one way, so if you aren’t using a rail pass, then you can choose either option.

Ferries run frequently between Miyajimaguchi pier and the island, with timetables starting from 6:25am until 10pm. Service is infrequent before 7:30am and after 7pm.

How long does the ferry to Miyajima take?

If you take the direct ferry from Hiroshima Peace Park to Miyajima, the journey takes approximately 45 minutes and no connections are required. However, if you take the train to Miyajimaguchi, the short ferry ride from the nearby port to Miyajima Island takes 10 minutes.

How much time do you need on Miyajima?

You can easily visit Miyajima in one day if you are based in Hiroshima or nearby. I recommend departing on one of the ferries within the first hour of the daily timetable and staying until sunset when possible.This will allow you plenty of time to make the most of everything to see and do on the island.

Some guides make the suggestion that you could visit Miyajima Island in half a day, but I really don’t recommend this. You’ll either find yourself completely rushed or missing much of what this stunning isle has to offer.

You can choose to stay overnight if you’d prefer to see the island at its quietest, but accommodation options are limited so you should book in advance. An overnight stay isn’t absolutely necessary however if slow travel is your preferred pace, then this may be the ideal option for you.

When is the best time to visit Miyajima?

Miyajima Island is a year round destination, but it’s exceptionally wonderful in autumn. This is when the maple leaves transform into shades of red, orange, and yellow, turning parts of the island, including Momijidani Park, into a destination all of its own.

Spring and autumn are also a great time to visit if you plan on hiking the trails on the island, especially to the top of Mount Misen. In summer, the weather is hot and humid which can make hiking uncomfortable.

What to do on Miyajima Island

I’ve prepared a comprehensive list of things to do on the island, but if you’re looking for the can’t-be-missed sights and activities, I recommend these top your list.

Itsukushima Shrine

The most famous site on the island is Itsukushima Shrine, and is the namesake for the traditional label for the island. The Shinto shrine features a complex of vermillion wooden structures, including the iconic floating torii gate that has earned the island much of its international reputation.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the shrine is a popular place for Shinto weddings. During high tide, the torii gate appears as if it is floating on the sea, while at low tide visitors can walk out across the sand flats to visit the gate.

Itsukushima Shrine was previously undergoing restoration work since 2019, but the works have recently been completed as of December 2022 and there is no longer scaffolding obstructing the view of the torii gate.

Daisho-in Temple

One of the most famous Japanese temples, Daisho-in is the 14th temple in the Chūgoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage. A series of smaller temples are spread across the complex at the foot of Mount Misen.

Featuring 500 statues of Buddha, many with small knitted hats, you can explore various moss-clad staircases upon which they’re perched. Worshippers can pay tribute to the Gods from various sites throughout the temples, leaving their wishes on small decorated wooden boards, known as Ema.

Mount Misen Ropeway

For spectacular views over the Seto Inland Sea, take the Mount Misen Ropeway up the hilly terrain of Miyajima. The two-part journey first stops at Kayadani Station, before the final leg to Shishi-iwa Station. From here you can continue the walk 30 minutes through the primeval forest to the highest point on the island - Mount Misen.

The ropeway operates from 9am-4pm daily and costs ¥1,100 one way or ¥2,000 return. The ropeway entrance is located at the top of Momijidani Park and offers an alternative to hiking one of the three trails to Mount Misen available.

Momijidani Park

One of the most famous maple leaf valleys in Japan, Momijidani Park is exceptionally beautiful in autumn when the leaves turn various shades of red and orange. Located at the foot of Mt Misen, it signposts the starting point for one of the hiking trails on the island.

A 20-minute walk from Miyajima Pier, the park runs along the Momijidani River and is a major drawcard for visitors to the island. The local deer can often be found grazing around the park and it can be much more peaceful than trying to watch the deer on the waterfront.

Eat Momiji Manju

A sweet dessert, momiji manju are maple leaf-shaped treats made of buckwheat and typically filled with red bean paste. A local speciality made on Miyajima Island, you can choose from a variety of fillings nowadays from custard and matcha to berry and chocolate.

You can buy boxes of freshly made momiji manju, or try a deep fried version that is coated in a crispy batter for something different. You’ll find plenty of stores along Omoto Sando Shotengai to buy momiji manju, just don’t forget to grab a box to go as well!

WHERE TO STAY IN MIYAJIMA

While you can easily enjoy the best of the island during a day trip, you may prefer to stay for the night. This will give you the opportunity to enjoy the serenity of the island once the day visitors have departed. Whether you get up early to catch sunrise or stroll along the beach for sunset, if you want to spend the night here, that’s absolutely possible.

Kikunoya | One of the more budget-friendly options on the island and just a 7-minute walk from Itsukushima Shrine. Featuring Japanese and Western-style rooms, you’ll also have access to the on-site onsen. Check availability and pricing.

Hotel Miyajima Villa | Complete with a garden, on-site restaurant and bar, and free parking, this hotel is just a short walk from Omotesando shopping street and Miyajima Pier. Shared onsen facilities are available and rooms come with modern features throughout. Check availability and pricing.

Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto | This luxury hotel offers large rooms with traditional futon beds on tatami, a public onsen for guests, and a free shuttle service to Miyajima Pier. The hotel also includes three restaurants and a karaoke bar. Check availability and pricing.