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Miyajima
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
city · JP

Miyajima

Recommended stay: 1 day
Getting around: Miyajima is reached by a short JR or Miyajima Matsudai ferry ride (about 10 minutes) from Miyajimaguchi, itself accessible by JR train or tram from Hiroshima; the JR ferry is covered by the JR Pass. The island itself has no cars for tourist use in the town area, and everything — the shrine, the shopping street, and the base of the ropeway up Mt. Misen — is walkable from the ferry terminal.
Hours: Itsukushima Shrine's floating torii gate is only actually surrounded by water at high tide; at low tide visitors can walk out to the gate on the exposed sand, so check tide tables in advance depending on which experience you want, and note the shrine itself has set opening hours (roughly 6:30am-6pm, varying seasonally) while the torii and beach are viewable anytime.

Miyajima's floating torii gate, appearing to rise directly out of the sea at high tide in front of Itsukushima Shrine, is one of Japan's most photographed sights and one of its officially designated Three Views (alongside Amanohashidate and Matsushima). The shrine itself is built on stilts over the water and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, distinctive for its vermillion-and-white pier-and-pavilion architecture designed to appear to float regardless of tide.

The island's other well-known feature is its population of wild, tame deer that wander freely through the town and shopping streets, similar to Nara's — approach them with the same caution about not letting them grab food or paper. Beyond the shrine, a ropeway climbs partway up Mt. Misen, with a hiking trail covering the rest to the summit for good views over the Seto Inland Sea. Momiji Manju, a maple-leaf-shaped cake filled with sweet bean paste or custard, is the island's signature snack, sold throughout the main street. Miyajima is almost always visited as a day trip combined with Hiroshima, though an overnight stay lets you see the torii lit up at night and walk the shrine grounds without day-trip crowds.

Miyajima FAQs

Should I visit at high tide or low tide?

Both offer a different experience — high tide gives the classic 'floating' torii photo, while low tide lets you walk out onto the sand right up to the gate; check tide tables and, if you have time, try to see both.

Is Miyajima a day trip or worth staying overnight?

Most visitors do it as a day trip from Hiroshima, but staying overnight lets you see the torii illuminated after dark and enjoy the island once the day-trip crowds leave on the last ferry.

Are the deer on Miyajima safe to be around?

Generally yes, they're used to people, but they will try to grab food, paper (including maps and tickets), and bags, so keep such items secured and don't feed them, which is officially discouraged.

Is the ferry to Miyajima covered by the JR Pass?

Yes, the JR-operated ferry between Miyajimaguchi and Miyajima is covered by the JR Pass; the separate Matsudai ferry is not.

Is hiking Mt. Misen worth it?

Yes for the views over the Inland Sea, though it's a genuine hike (a couple of hours round trip if walking the whole way) — most visitors take the ropeway partway up and walk only the final stretch to the summit.

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