Japan is filled with beautiful and interesting places, and Miyajima Island is certainly one them.
Miyajima, also known as Itsukushima, is a sacred island located in the Seto Inland Sea near Hiroshima. Famous for its iconic “floating” torii gate and historical shrines, Miyajima offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions.
It is located just a short boat ride away from Hiroshima, and can easily be visited on a day trip. This guide will detail exactly how to get there, and what you should see and do once you arrive to its shores.
Introduction to Miyajima
Miyajima, translating to ‘Shrine Island’, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of Japan’s most picturesque and sacred destinations. The island has a long history as a holy site of Shinto, an indigenous faith of the Japanese people.
Most famous for Itsukushima Shrine, a huge and iconic torii gate, visitors come to Miyajima to witness the illusion of the giant torii gates floating on the water during high tide.
Furthermore, Mount Misen, the tallest peak on Miyajima, has been worshiped by the locals as early as the 6th century. It is said that Buddhism was first practiced on Mount Misen by Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Shingon sect and one of Japan’s holiest religious persons. (If you want to know more about Shingon Buddhism, I recommend visiting Mount Koyasan and Okunoin Cemetery).
Perhaps the most memorable thing about Miyajima, however, is the abundance of deer. They roam freely everywhere and are extremely tame since they have shared this island with locals and visitors for hundreds of years. Though watch out if you’re eating, they’ll insist for a slice of the action!
Best time of year to go to Miyajima
The best time to visit Miyajima depends on your preferences and the experiences you’re seeking.
Here are some considerations for different seasons:
- Spring (Mid March to typically the end of April) is a popular time to visit Miyajima due to the cherry blossom season. The island is adorned with beautiful cherry blossoms, creating a picturesque and romantic atmosphere. However, this is probably the busiest time, so I’d probably avoid going on the weekend if you planning trip.
- Summer brings festivals and events to Miyajima, including the Miyajima Water Fireworks Festival in August. Temperatures can be warm and humid, but you’re fine with that then it would be a good time to go.
- Autumn is a great time to go, especially if you appreciate vibrant colours of red, orange and yellow in nature. The weather is generally mild and pleasant.
Ultimately, regardless of what time of year you go, Miyajima is always beautiful and worth visiting. There’s always plenty to do, including a mixture of hiking routes, temples, scenic views, greenery and the surrounding Seto Inland sea.
How to get to Miyajima Island from Hiroshima
There are two ways to reach Miyashima from Hiroshima:
Ferry from Miyajimaguchi Station
To get to the ferry port you first need to head to Hiroshima Station. From there board the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station. The ride takes half an hour and is included in the Japanese Rail Pass. Once you get Miyajimaguchi Station the ferry pier is just a quick walk away.
There are two competing ferry companies (JR and Matsudai) to Miyajima. You can take either, but the JR ferry will be free for those with a JR Pass. The journey from Hiroshima to Miyajima takes only 10 minutes.
Ferry from the Peace Park
I took this option because I was staying only a few minutes’ walk from the park. I also recommend this option if you want to get up early and visit the park before hopping onboard. (It’s a beautiful park and well worth the visit).
Aqua Net Ferry runs a direct express ferry between Motoyasu Pier and Miyajima pier. Motoyasu Pier is on the east bank of the river just south of Motoyasu-bashi Bridge.
Ferries depart every half an hour and take 45 minutes at a cost of Y2,000/3,600 one-way/return. I bought a return, but if you’re not staying near the Peace Park and would otherwise need to get the train back to your hotel, you should grab a single ticket and follow the 1st option for directions back.
If time allows, stay overnight
After visiting Miyajima, I do regret not staying overnight.
As I was walking back to the pier to catch the last ferry back to Hiroshima, I began wishing I’d booked a night on the island to experience what it’s like with hardly anyone around. As I was leaving, the sunset was absolutely stunning, and the whole place around Itsukushima Shrine turned gold, including the sea, before transforming to red and purple. The sense of peace and quietness and closeness to nature must become even more pronounced once most people have left.
It must feel super romantic and peace at night (though I was alone so that didn’t exactly matter – but a shout out to all the couples reading this!).
After sunset, the shrine and the torii gate are illuminated daily until 23:00. So if you are staying overnight take an evening stroll and enjoy this beautiful sight.
Accommodation on Miyajima
Miyajima Island offers a range of accommodation options, providing visitors with the opportunity to stay in a serene and picturesque setting.
I recommend staying in a Ryokan for an authentic Japanese experience. I’ve selected two for you to look at, one for budget travel, and one if you want to splurge a little.
Ryoso Kawaguchi: This ryokan is known for its welcoming atmosphere, delicious food, and superb value for money.
Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto: With a prime location near the waterfront, this hotel offers traditional Japanese hospitality to the highest standard. Guests can enjoy ocean views, delicious meals, and a relaxing atmosphere.
What can you see and do on Miyajima Island?
Ok, now that you’ve hopped off the ferry, it’s time to explore! A pleasant and relaxing way to see the island is to take a stroll along one of its many charming walking trails.
Miyajima is quite a large island, but its main attractions are concentrated in two main areas: the small town around Itsukushima Shrine and the summit of Mount Misen.
Explore the town and temples
Itsukushima Temple
Itsukushima Shrine is a complex of buildings, including a prayer hall, the main hall, Noh theater stage, and of course, the iconic torii gate. All buildings are connected by boardwalks and rest on pillars, seemingly floating above the sea.
The centuries-old Itsukushima Shrine is one of Japan’s most famed and photographed attractions. The shrine is located in a small inlet, while the torii gate is set out slightly further in the Seto Inland sea.
Daisho-in Temple
The second most important temple on Miyajima Island is the Daisho-in Temple.
It is know as the temple with over 500 Buddhist statues. As you walk around the site, you will see countless statues in many different shapes and sizes.
As well as the temple complex, these statues make the site very unique, and somewhat quirky when you climb the stairs and see hundreds of tiny statues of guardian deity of children wearing little woolly hats!
I have no idea what significance these woolly hats have, but if you know I’d love you to share your answer in the comment box below! Also, within the temple grounds, is a cave filled with 88 icons representing the temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
Reach the summit of Mount Misen
Mount Misen (弥山) is the highest peak on Miyajima and reaches heights of 500 meters above sea level. The summit offers spectacular views across the island and the Sea. On a clear day you can see as far as Hiroshima.
There are three paths from the summit to the base of Mount Misen: the Momijidani Course, the Daisho-in Course and the Omoto Course. I ‘d read that the Daisho-in Course has the best views of Miyajima so I took this course and it took approximately 1.5 hours.
During your walk you’ll see lots of deer and there’s also a chance to see monkeys but unfortunately they didn’t come out to play whilst I was around! I also came across these Japanese women wearing beautiful traditional clothing.
Miyajima Ropeway Station
If you’re pushed for time or don’t fancy such a long walk, then I have the perfect alternative for you – the Miyajima Ropeway! The ride up the mountain takes about 20 minutes, costs 1000 yen (Approx. £5) for one way and 1800 yen for a round trip.
However, please note, that even if you take the ropeway, you will still need to walk another 30-minutes to reach Mount Misen’s Summit. From the Ropeway’s upper station, you will have to follow a fairly steep hiking trail that leads to the Shishi-iwa Observatory which affords magnificent views across the island.
What to eat on Miyajima Island
Oysters! It’s all about the oysters, and you can try them in a variety of ways.
As soon as I stepped off the ferry I noticed one of the vendors selling nothing but oyster buns. They were all perfectly round in shape, each inscribed with beautiful Japanese characters. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a perfect-looking bun, and they tasted just as delicious as they looked.
I also savoured the taste of freshly grilled oysters. You’ll find a few stalls selling them by the pier for a few hundred yen each. They were among some of the best I had in Japan so don’t miss trying them.
On Miyajima Island, you’ll also be able to find oyster okonomiyaki at Okonomiyaki Mato Chan. I’m sad to report that I didn’t get to try it for myself. I can only imagine how scrumptious it must be. Okonomiyaki is a popular savoury pancake that is a must-try Japanese dish when visiting Japan. I had this much-love dish several times during my visit, but never with oysters, alas!
Miyajima is also famous for its anago meshi, a dish featuring grilled conger eel served over a bed of rice. The eel is typically basted with a sweet soy-based sauce and grilled to perfection.
Sweet snacks
For a sweet snack head to Omotesando Street, which is the main shopping, restaurant, and snack area. It’s touristy, but it also features an incredibly high concentration of great street food and desserts.
If you have a sweet tooth, a Momoji Manju should do the trick. It’s a maple leaf cake filled either with custard, matcha or chocolate!
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