Miyajima is widely considered one of the top 10 destinations in Japan. The sacred island off the coast of Hiroshima appears in almost every list of recommended places to visit in Japan, and for a good reason; it is extremely beautiful and charming. The world famous Itsukushima Shrine (UNESCO world Heritage), the tame Miyajima deer freely roaming the streets like they were humans, the dramatic mountains covered in virgin forest and the numerous hiking trails and temples all make Miyajima so fantastic.
Miyajima Hotels Hiroshima Hotels Miyajima & Hiroshima Tour Japan Rail Pass
Miyajima has been a sacred island for centuries, and still today remains a very important location for both Shinto and Buddhist religions. The island stands as a stark contrast to the modern and busy Hiroshima City which sits in a flat river delta on the coast of the mainland. While the atomic bomb in 1945 robbed Hiroshima of nearly all traces of it’s ancient history, Miyajima survived and all ancient temples and shrines have been well preserved. Though located a 10 min ferry ride off the coast, Miyajima has in some way turned into the historic district that Hiroshima no longer has.
1-day itinerary Miyajima
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 09:00 | Senjokaku Pavilion |
| 09:30 | Itsukushima Shrine |
| 10:00 | Miyajima Museum of History or Miyajima Public Aquarium |
| 12:00 | Lunch |
| 13:00 | Daisho-in Temple |
| 14:30 | Ropeway or Hike to Mount Misen |
| 15:30 | Mount Misen Observatory |
| 17:00 | Last ropeway down |
Details of itinerary
Senjokaku PavilionSenjokaku Pavilion (千畳閣,), literally meaning “1000 tatami mat pavilion” is a large, unfinished 16th century wooden hall. The hall’s construction was initiated by the former Shogun Hideyoshi who died before it was finished. The sparse hall with it’s many paintings has a mystical atmosphere to it. Near the hall is a beautiful, red 5-story pagoda from 1405. It’s a good place to start the day, before heading on to the ever famous Itsukushima Shrine. Entrance fee: ¥100 |
Itsukushima ShrineItsukushima Shrine is one of the best known shrines in all of Japan, and a UNESCO world heritage site. The shrine is built in a small cove on Miyajima, and stands on pillars, almost entirely over the water. The iconic torii gate located in the water in front of the shrine is known around the world. Itsukushima Shrine is by many visitors considered the primary attraction of the island – and with good reason. It is a stunningly beautiful shrine. Entrance fee: ¥300 |
Miyajima Museum of HistoryThe time plan should permit you to visit either the museum or the aquarium – pick the one you are most interested in. Miyajima History and Folklore Museum introduces visitors to the history of Miyajima, with it’s main focus being on the edo-period (1603-1868). The museum, which is housed in a classic 1800’s house, is centered around a nice garden. There are many interesting objects on display which relate to the history of the sacred island. Visiting the museum provides a good basis for understanding the historic locations you visit during your stay in Miyajima. If you are following this itinerary, then it is recommended to find a lunch restaurant between the museum and Daisho-in Temple. There are a few to chose from. Entrance fee: ¥300 |
Miyajima Public AquariumThe time plan should permit you to visit either the museum or the aquarium – pick the one you are most interested in. Miyajima aquarium, also called “Miyajimarine” is a municipal aquarium located on the western edge of Miyajima‘s port town. The aquarium focuses mainly on the sea life found in the Seto Inland Sea and the general area around Miyajima. There are, however, also creatures from around the globe. The sea plays a huge role in the daily life on and around Miyajima, so studying the marine life is a valuable insight into the areas culture. The aquarium is highly suitable for travelers with children. Entrance fee: ¥1420 If you are following this itinerary, then it is recommended to find a lunch restaurant between the aquarium and Daisho-in Temple. There are a few to chose from. |
Daisho-in TempleDaisho-in (大聖院) temple is an important temple in the Shingon Buddhist sect, and a highly important temple on Miyajima. The temple, which was founded by Kukai in 806, is known for it’s beautiful fall foliage and for keeping the same flame burning since the temple was established 1200 years ago (the flame is kept in a building near the peak of Mount Misen). Daisho-in temple is one of the most beautiful locations on Miyajima, and well worth a visit. Entrance fee: free Next stop: If you are following this itinerary, then consider the time before you decide if you want to hike or take the ropeway to Mount Misen. The Daisho-in Hiking Course starts right next to Daisho-in temple, but it takes around 1.5 – 2 hours to hike to the top. Keep in mind that last ropeway down the mountain leaves around 17:30. |
Mount Misen ObservatoryThe highest point of the sacred island of Miyajima is Mount Misen (弥山) at 535 meters (1755 ft.). At the very top of the mountain is an observatory, called Mount Misen Observatory, with a stunning view over Hiroshima Bay. The top of the mountain can be reached either by hiking or by taking the ropeway. From Daisho-in it is a 90 minute hike to the top. The ropeway takes around 30 minutes and requires a 20-30 minute hike after arriving near the top. Entrance fee: free (ropeway is not free) |
Suggested Hotels in Miyajima
Planning your stay on Miyajima
Tours, tickets and experiences
Miyajima and the prefecture of Hiroshima are full of amazing experiences. Adding a couple of experiences or tours could enhance your experience further and let you dive deeper into the local culture of the historic and nature rich Chugoku Region. Below is a selection of tours, itineraries and experiences which you may find interesting.
Experiences
- 3 Cultural Experiences at a 300-year-old Miyajima Zen Temple
- Experience a Tea Ceremony on Miyajima’s oldest temple
- Flower Arrangement Experience at Oldest Temple in Miyajima
- Guided Mountain Hiking Tour to Mount Misen, Miyajima
- Itsukushima Shrine Stand Up Paddleboard Experience
- Oyster Farm Experience with Visit to Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima
- Tea Ceremony, Calligraphy, & Higashi Dessert Making Experience in Miyajima
Tours
- Explore Miyajima and Hiroshima on a Full Day Tour
- Hiroshima Tour: 1-day City Tour and Miyajima Island
- See the A-Bomb Dome in Hiroshima and Visit Miyajima
- Luxury Guntû Setouchi Cruise (1-3 nights), including Miyajima
- Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Tour from Osaka, Kyoto, or Hiroshima
Internet on the go
Having an internet connection can help you a great deal when navigating the streets of a new place. Booking Pocket Wi-Fi or getting a Japanese SIM-card for your phone can be a great way to help yourself out of a tricky situation or help you get the most out of your day.
Transport on Miyajima
The public transport on Miyajima is strongly limited. There is a shuttle bus, called the “Maple Liner”, which is a minibus operated by the local taxi company Carp Taxi. If you require transport, then taking a taxi may also be an option. Most attractions for one-day visitors of Miyajima are within walking distance of each other, so there may not be a big need for transportation for most people.
? Miyajima Carp Taxi (operator of Maple Liner)
The maple liner is a shared mini-taxi which runs like a bus.
There is also a ropeway which operates between the town and the top of Mount Misen.
? Miyajima Ropeway official website
Getting to Miyajima
By ferry: the ferry to Miyajima leaves from Miyajimaguchi port. The ferry takes 10 minutes and costs ¥180. There are two companies operating the route, Matsudai and Japan Rail. If you take the Japan Rail (JR) ferry, then the fare is covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
Train to Miyajimaguchi port: take the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima station to Miyajimaguchi station. The ride takes around 30 minutes and the fare is ¥420 (covered by the Japan Rail Pass). Alternatively it’s possible to take tram no.2 from Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi. The fare is lower at ¥270, but the tram takes around 70 minutes from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi. From the station, there is a 5 minute walk to the ferry port.
Hiroshima direct ferry: there are direct ferries from Hiroshima to Miyajima. If you have limited time in Hiroshima, this might be the most efficient option. The direct boat leaves from Hiroshima Peace Park (show pier on map), and the ride takes about 45 minutes. The one-way fare is ¥2’200, and a return ticket is ¥4’000. There are 17 daily departures in each direction.
