The mid-February air was thin and cold; I couldn’t feel my cheeks. A few minutes after our ferry began to sail, I immediately found it. My hands were getting numb, but I kept on clicking lest I miss out on one of Japan’s three many celebrated beautiful views — the Itsukushima Shrine.
Even from a distance, it’s not hard to see why it’s also included in the list of special places of beautiful Beauty. The shrine and its equally well-known huge torii gate against the lush mountainous background were a striking sight. I couldn’t wait to get a closer look.
WHAT’S covered IN THIS GUIDE?
UNDERSTANDING MIYAJIMA
BEST TIME TO visit MIYAJIMAMIYAJIMA IN AUTUMN
MIYAJIMA IN SPRING
MIYAJIMA IN SUMMER
MIYAJIMA IN WINTER
HOW TO get TO MIYAJIMAFukuoka to Hiroshima
Hiroshima to Miyajima by local Train
Hiroshima to Miyajima by Tram
Hiroshima to Miyajima by direct Boat
HOW TO get around MIYAJIMA
WHERE TO stay IN MIYAJIMATop Miyajima Hotels
Top Hatsukaichi Hotels
Top budget hotels in Hiroshima City
Search for much more Hiroshima Hotels
THINGS TO do in MIYAJIMAItsukushima Shrine and the huge Torii Gate
Momijidani Park
Mount Misen
Daisho-in Temple
Senjokaku and Gojunoto
Omotesando Street
Other Miyajima Attractions
SAMPLE MIYAJIMA ITINERARY
MORE MIYAJIMA suggestions FOR THE poor TRAVELER
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UNDERSTANDING MIYAJIMA
Miyajima literally implies “shrine island”. The island is officially named Itsukushima, but it is much more popularly called by its nickname, Miyajima. It is situated in the southwest of Hiroshima Bay in the western portion of the Seto Inland Sea. Itsukushima Island is under the jurisdiction of Hatsukaichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture.
Miyajima is quite big, but the residential town is located on the northwest part of the island, dotting the area around Itsukushima Shrine. The shrine is included in the list of UNESCO’s world Heritage Site; therefore, becoming the island’s emblem. another popular feature is the sacred mount Misen, the highest top on the island at 535 meters. The other two mountains are Komagabayashi (506m), and mount Iwafunedake (466m).
The island is also home to a few much more temples, shrines, monuments, and parks. You will also notice several deer roaming around the island; you might even see one or two as soon as you enter the vicinity, best after you pass through the information center from the ferry terminal.
BEST TIME TO visit MIYAJIMA
October to November. Hiroshima Prefecture is known for its autumn foliage, which typically happens from late October to mid-November.
Depending on how you want to experience the huge Itsukushima Torii Gate, whether you want to see it “floating” on water or you want to have a closer look, knowing the condition of the tide will come in handy. To know the schedule of high tide and low tide, you may check it here.
MIYAJIMA IN AUTUMN
Temperature can go as low as 12°C and rarely go beyond 20°C. There’s little chance of rain, but wear a sweater or a light jacket. Miyajima is one of the recommended spots for autumn leaves seeing or “momijigari“, particularly Momijidani Park. The park is located near mount Misen, at the foot of Misen Primeval Forest.
MIYAJIMA IN SPRING
Spring is also a good time to visit. The cherry blossoms, which Japan is well-known for, are typically in full bloom between late March to early April. While on the island, the suggested spots for seeing party or “hanami” are around the Goju-no-to (five-storied pagoda), Tanigahara (along Uguisu Alley), Yatsugahara, and Tahoto (two-storied pagoda). If you want fewer crowds, prepare to walk a little bit much more to Omoto Park.
MIYAJIMA IN SUMMER
Summer is very hot and humid. The temperature can reach up to 35°C. The popular events during this time are the Kangen festival in July and Miyajima fireworks by the sea in August. Kangen festival is one of Japan’s three major boat rituals and Miyajima’s most significant annual festival. Miyajima in winter season has fewer crowds. You can delight in the fresh Hiroshima oysters any way you want — raw, grilled, baked, and deep-fried. unwinding in hot springs is also a good idea.
MIYAJIMA IN WINTER
This is the least crowded season and for a reason. The colors of the adjacent mountains are gone, and it can get cold, averaging 4°C in January. It is the driest period of the year, but there’s still a chance of rain or snow. If it snows, it typically just makes a very thin dusting and does not stick.
HOW TO get TO MIYAJIMA
Miyajima (Itsukushima) Island is located in Hiroshima Prefecture. The nearest airport is the Hiroshima airport (HIJ), but it serves mostly domestic flights. There are select international routes, linking Hiroshima directly to Hong Kong, Taipei, Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, and Seoul.
Hiroshima City is the typical jumping-off point to Miyajima and other nearby attractions. The island is about an hour from the city and can be accessed by local train, tram, and boat from the city center. If you are coming from Hiroshima City, here’s how to get there.
Fukuoka to Hiroshima
Fukuoka airport is the major international terminal closest to Hiroshima. From the airport, you need to make your way to Hakata station or Hakata Bus Center, and travel to Hiroshima by bus or by train. We created a separate, much more comprehensive short article here: how TO get FROM FUKUOKA TO HIROSHIMA.
Hiroshima to Miyajima by local Train
From JR Hiroshima Station, take a train on the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station.
From there, take a short walk to the ferry pier (either JR ferry or Matsudai).
Purchase a ticket to Miyajima Island and board the ferry.
Fare: ¥410 (train) + ¥180 (ferry)
Travel Time: roughly 35 minutes (train + ferry)
Hiroshima to Miyajima by Tram
From downtown Hiroshima, take Tram 2 to Miyajimaguchi Station.
From there, take a short walk to the ferry pier (either JR ferry or Matsudai).
Purchase a ticket to Miyajima Island and board the ferry.
Fare: ¥260 (tram) + ¥180 (ferry)
Travel Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes (tram + ferry)
Hiroshima to Miyajima by direct Boat
From Hiroshima peace Memorial Park or Hiroshima Port, board a boat to Miyajima Island.
Fare: ¥2,000 (from peace Park); ¥1,850 (from Hiroshima Port)
Travel Time: 45 minutes (from peace Park); 30 minutes (from Hiroshima Port)
Notes:
There are two ferry companies serving the Miyajimaguchi-Miyajima Island route: JR Nishinihon Miyajima Ferry and Miyajima Matsudai Kisen.
JR Pass can be used for the ferry rides.
For foreign tourists, you might want to avail the visit Hiroshima traveler Pass. It provides limitless rides on all Hiroden (streetcar/tram) lines, expressway buses, and ferries to Miyajima. There are three types of passes, but if you just want to visit Hiroshima City and Miyajima, the City Pass (Small area Pass) covers these two destinations. However, JR trains are not included, only JR buses and ferries. The City Pass price is ¥1,000, good for three (3) days.
HOW TO get around MIYAJIMA
The island itself is big and lush, but it is pedestrian friendly. You can reach many of the attractions on foot because they are primarily concentrated in two areas — the small town on the northwest portion of the island and mount Misen. From the pier, it will only take you about ten minutes on foot to reach Itsukushima Shrine and the huge torii gate. The Ropeway’s Momijidani station to mount Misen summit (Shishiiwa Station) is also a ten-minute walk from the pier. here are the other transportation options.
The Maple Liner. These are shared taxis which depart from the pier to locations like Tsutsumigaura and Kamisuginoura. It can accommodate up to nine (9) passengers. The fare is ¥300 for adult and ¥150 for children.
Ropeway station shuttle Bus. The bus runs between the pier and the Ropeway’s Momijidani Station. The ride is totally free of charge.
Miyajima Ropeway. If you want to go to the summit of mount Daisen but hiking is not your thing, you can have an equally picturesque view of the island and the Seto Inland Sea through the ropeway. Momijidani Line has 8-seater gondolas that run every minute, while Shishiiwa Line has 30-seater gondolas that run every 15 minutes. The roundtrip fare is ¥1,800 for adults and ¥900 for children. One-way fare is ¥1,000 for adults and ¥500 for children.
Taxi. There are a few taxi units, so expect to wait. operating hours: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM.
WHERE TO stay IN MIYAJIMA
Most visitors only stay for a few hours on Miyajima, just a day trip from Hiroshima City. Some like to stay longer to make the most of one of the cultural heritage sites in Japan.
Miyajima is bustling with tourists by day. The streets near the Onoseto Strait, separating the island from the mainland, are lined with commercial establishments such as souvenir shops, restaurants, and hotels. By night, Miyajima is quite different — peaceful and calm. many of the shops are closed in the evening.
Being recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site, it has become a well-known traveler destination, drawing in tons of visitor yearly. Consequently, the rates of the hotels on the island are much, much higher than in Hatsukaichi City and Hiroshima City. If you’re traveling on a budget, we don’t recommend staying overnight in the island.
Top Miyajima Hotels
If you have extra dough and money isn’t a problem, then by all means, spend a night or two in the island. here are the top-rated hotels as ranked by Agoda users.
Miyajima guest house Mikuniya. check rates & Availability.
Ryoso Kawaguchi. check rates & Availability.
Sakuraya. check rates & Availability.
Nakaya B&B. check rates & Availability.
Top Hatsukaichi Hotels
If you want to spend two or much more days exploring Miyajima but you can’t afford to stay in a resort in the island, a workaround is to stay at a hotel in Hatsukaichi City, near the port. here are the top-rated properties in the area.
Simple stay Miyajima – Hostel.check rates & Availability.
Miyajima Coral Hotel. check rates & Availability.
GLOBAL resort ONO de LUNE. check rates & Availability.
Top budget hotels in Hiroshima City
Most travelers spend their nights in Hiroshima City instead and just visit Miyajima on a day trip only. If this is your plan too, here are the best budget properties in the city, as scored by Agoda users.
Mange Tak. check rates & Availability.
APA hotel Hiroshima-Ekimae Ohashi. check rates & Availability.
Mitsui garden hotel Hiroshima. check rates & Availability.
Hotel flex Hiroshima. check rates & Availability.
Photos above were offered by the resorts through Agoda.
Search for much more Hiroshima Hotels
THINGS TO do in MIYAJIMA
Itsukushima Shrine and the huge Torii Gate
Without a doubt, this UNESCO world Heritage site is the most popular and many essential attraction on the island. It defines Miyajima; it has become its identity. With the mountains standing guard behind it, the centuries-old Itsukushima Shrine and its huge torii gate welcome visitors and pilgrims to the island. From a distance, it looks stylish and transcendent. Up close, it’s overwhelmingly spectacular and commanding. It’s beautiful any way you view it — from the ferry, up close, and even from the summit of mount Misen.
When the tide is up, both the shrine and the torii gate seem to be floating on water. At night, the whole Itsukushima shrine complex, including the torii gate, is illuminated until 11 PM. You can even go on a night cruise and get a chance to pass through the huge torii gate (high tide only). The cruise duration is thirty minutes.
Entrance Fee: ¥300; ¥500 (Itsukushima Shrine + Treasure Hall entrance)
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM (March to October 14); 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM (October 15 to November, January to February); 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM (December)
Momijidani Park
If you are concerning the island in autumn, Momijidani Park is one of the most well-known places to view the autumn foliage in Japan and the best on Miyajima. It is located at the foot of mount Misen and is known for its various Japanese maple trees that set the forest aglow with their red leaves against the greens of the Evergreen trees.
If you are going to the summit of mount Misen, you would pass through the park going to the ropeway’s base station, the Momijidani Station.
Entrance Fee: FREE
Opening Hours: 24/7
Mount Misen
Towering at much more than 500 meters above sea level, mount Misen is the highest mountain on Miyajima. It is considered sacred by the locals and there are temples and shrines dotting the lush forest and walking paths of the mountain. From the summit, you will be treated to a breathtaking sight of the Itsukushima Shrine and the torii gate, Miyajima’s verdant forest, the Seto Inland Sea, and the nearby islands.
Reaching the summit can be done in two ways: by taking the ropeway and by hiking. The former is the most convenient and provides a panoramic view of the mountain’s forest landscape, while the latter is quite challenging but provides a thorough experience of the mountain. If you want to hike your way up to the summit, there are three courses: Daisho-in Course, Momijidani Course, and Omoto Course. Daisho-in is not too steep and grants you the most picturesque views. Momijidani is the shortest course, but it’s also the steepest among the three courses.
You can also do both by purchasing a one-way ticket for the ropeway on your way up to the summit, then trek down through any of the three courses discussed above.
Entrance Fee: FREE
Note: See how to get around section for the ropeway fares. When you reach the Shishiiwa Station, you still need to hike for thirty minutes to the actual summit where you will find the Shishiiwa Observatory.
Shrines & Temples on the Summit: Misen Hondo Hall, Reikado Hall, Sankido Hall, Kannondo and Monjudo Halls, Mizu-kake Jizo, Dainichido Hall, Miyajima-jinja Shrine, Akaido Hall, and Bonsho.
Daisho-in Temple
This essential Shingon Buddhism temple is located at the foot of mount Misen. It h
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