Ultimate Guide to Miyajima Island Japan: How to Get There and Top Things to See and Do
- japansophy
- Dec 11
- 6 min read
If you've ever more than 2 minutes googling Japan or scrolling through Japan-related social media, you're sure to have come across what must surely be one of the most iconic images of Japan: the "floating" torii gate of Miyajima island, also known as Itsukushima. This little island off Hiroshima is also famous for its serene natural beauty and offers a unique blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventure. This guide will help you plan your trip, explain how to get there, and highlight the best things to see and do on Miyajima.
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How to Get to Miyajima
Miyajima is located in the Seto Inland Sea, near Hiroshima. The island is accessible by ferry, which is the most common and scenic way to arrive.
From Hiroshima City
Train/tram to Miyajimaguchi Station plus ferry from Miyajimaguchi Port
Take the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station. The journey takes about 25 minutes and costs around 420 yen (covered by the Japan Rail Pass, if you have one). You can also take the No. 2 tram from Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi (around 240 yen; takes around an hour). From the station, it’s a short walk to the ferry terminal. Ferries run frequently, approximately every 15 minutes, and the ride takes about 10 minutes. Two ferry companies operate here: JR West and Matsudai. A one-way ticket costs around 200 yen: Japan Rail Pass holders will pay 100 yen.
All prices are as at December 2025 and are subject to change.
Boat from Hiroshima Peace Park
You can also take a direct boat from Hiroshima Peace Park to Miyajima. The trip takes around 45 mins from the Peace Park and costs around 2200 yen, so you won't save time or money but it's a bit less hassle and you get to see Hiroshima from the river on the way. The pier at the Peace Park is right beside the Motoyasubashi Bridge (about 150m from the Atomic bomb Dome). The boat company also offers "light-up" cruises to Miyajima, so you can see the famous torii and Itsukushima Shrine illuminated at night. This cruise is pretty popular so it's best to reserve tickets in advance.
Top things to see and do on Miyajima
The first thing you're going to notice when you get off the ferry are all the friendly free-roaming deer, just like in Nara Park. This is no surprise, since Miyajima is considered a sacred island and deer are thought to be the messengers of the gods. Unlike in Nara, you are not allowed to feed the deer on Miyajima.
Itsukushima Shrine and the Floating Torii Gate
This Shinto shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the island’s most famous attraction. The torii gate appears to float on water during high tide, creating a stunning photo opportunity. Walk along the shrine’s boardwalks built over the sea and admire the traditional architecture.
Daisho-in Temple
Located at the base of Mount Misen, Daisho-in is one of the most important Buddhist temples in the region and has an eternal flame that is said to have been burning since 806. The temple is also considered to be a hotspot for good fortune.
Mount Misen
For outdoor lovers, hiking Mount Misen is a must. The mountain offers several trails ranging from easy to challenging. At the summit, you’ll find panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and surrounding islands. There is also a ropeway for those who prefer a less strenuous ascent.
Momijidani Park
This park is famous for its maple trees, especially vibrant in autumn. It’s a peaceful spot for a stroll or picnic, with walking paths that lead to waterfalls and small shrines.
Beyond sightseeing, Miyajima offers activities that let you engage with the island’s culture and nature.
Try local food
Miyajima is known for its fresh oysters, grilled over charcoal and served with lemon or soy sauce. Another specialty is momiji manju, a maple leaf-shaped cake filled with sweet red bean paste. You can find these treats at street stalls and local shops near the ferry terminal.
Visit the Miyajima Aquarium
The aquarium showcases marine life from the Seto Inland Sea and beyond. It’s a family-friendly attraction with interactive exhibits and feeding shows.
Explore the shopping streets
Omotesando Street is lined with souvenir shops, cafes, and traditional craft stores. It’s a great place to pick up handmade goods, local snacks, and unique gifts.
Best time to visit Miyajima
In terms of season, the most popular time of year to visit Miyajima would have to be spring and autumn, for the cherry blossoms (Miyajima is a bit of a hotspot for sakura fans) and the fall colour. But, of course, this is also when the island will be most crowded. The crisp blue skies of winter will also make for gorgeous photos, contrasted against the reds of Itsukushima Shrine and its torii.
Since Miyajima is beloved by day-trippers from Hiroshima, you can expect weekends and public holidays to be especially busy and the heaviest crowds from late morning to late afternoon.
If it happens to coincide with your itinerary, the Miyajima Water Fireworks Festival in August lights up the night sky over the bay, while the Kangen-sai Festival in June features traditional music and boat processions.
You should also be aware that the floating torii only floats with the tide is in. At low tide, the torii on on (semi-)dry land and you can even walk out to it, but you'll have to time you visit with the tides if you want that iconic shot of the torii surrounded with water out in the bay.
Staying on Miyajima: hotels and other accommodation
While, as we said above, Miyajima is typically a day-trip destination, you could consider an overnight stay if your itinerary allows and enjoy the peace and tranquility of this magical place early in the morning before the crowds arrive or late at night when the day-trippers have gone and Itsukushima shrine and its torii are illuminated against the dark bay. An overnight stay will also give you more time to explore - Miyajima is bigger than you would think! - and maybe go on a hike into the island's unspoilt nature.
Miyajima offers a range of accommodation for every budget and preference, including ryokans, spa hotels and private guest houses. Add your dates into the link below for suggestions and prices (affiliate link):
Miyajima island Japan FAQ
What is Miyajima island famous for?
Miyajima is probably best known for its "floating torii", a huge wooden Shinto gate out in the bay to mark the entrance to this sacred island. But visitors also come for the beautiful and UNESCO-designated Itsukushima Shrine, the free-roaming shika deer and the island's gorgeous natural landscape with super hiking trails.
How much time do I need to spend on Miyajima?
The ferries from the mainland operate every 15 minutes or so, so it's completely up to you how much time you spend on the island. Most day-trippers will spend 3-4 hours on Miyajima, but you can easily pass the whole day here, if you want to explore more (for example climbing Misen for stunning views). An overnight stay is recommended for those with a little more time to spare, since Miyajima is a fantastic retreat from the bustle of the mainland and you can enjoy having the place (almost) to yourself when the day-trippers have gone.
Is it possible to do Hiroshima and Miyajima in one day?
It is! We've done it ourselves! We would recommend spending the morning exploring Hiroshima before taking the direct boat to Miyajima from the Peace Park (see "Getting to Miyajima" above), enjoying riverside views of Hiroshima on the way, before spending the afternoon visiting the sights of Miyajima. If you want to take the hassle out of planning a day-trip yourself, Klook has a guided 1-day tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima, even from Osaka or Kyoto!
Is it better to stay in Hiroshima or Miyajima?
If your idea of a good night is an amazing Japanese dinner, a soak in an onsen and a night-time wander through quiet streets with stunning natural scenery, then spending the night on Miyajima might just turn out to be the highlight of your Japan trip. If you prefer to hit the bars, grab that karaoke mic and boogie on down (sorry, child of the 70s and 80s here), you'll regret not jumping on that last ferry back to Hiroshima.
Where to stay on Miyajima Japan?
The vast majority of the accommodation on Miyajima is in the vicinity of the port so it's a question of what rather than where. The island offers a wide range of accommodation, from luxury hotels with spas, to traditional ryokan, to airbnb-style apartments.