Visit Miyajima – A Complete Guide to Japan’s Iconic Island

If you’ve ever seen a photo of a floating red torii gate rising from the sea, then you’ve already caught a glimpse of Miyajima Island—also known as Itsukushima (厳島). Located in Hiroshima Bay, this sacred island has been a place of worship and natural beauty for centuries.
 

As a licensed tour guide, I always tell my guests: “Miyajima isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience of harmony between humans, gods, and nature.”

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know before visiting this enchanting island—from its spiritual roots to hiking trails, food, and seasonal wonders.

🗺️ Where is Miyajima Island?

Miyajima lies in the Seto Inland Sea, just off the coast of Hatsukaichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture.

🛥️ Accessible via ferry from Miyajimaguchi Station (JR or tram from Hiroshima)

⏱️ Travel time from Hiroshima: ~30–45 minutes total

🚉 How to Get to Miyajima Island

From Hiroshima Station:

Take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station (30 min)

Walk ~5 minutes to the ferry terminal

Take the JR Miyajima Ferry or Matsudai Ferry to Miyajima Island (10 min)

🎫 Note: JR Pass covers the JR Ferry

⛩️ Top Attractions on Miyajima Island

1. Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社)

The heart of Miyajima, this 12th-century Shinto shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and appears to float on water during high tide.

💴 Admission: ¥300 (Shrine), ¥500 with Treasure Hall

⛩️ Highlight: The iconic Floating Torii Gate, especially dramatic at high tide or sunset

Pro Tip: Check the tide schedule before you go! At low tide, you can walk right up to the torii gate.

2. Mount Misen (弥山)

Rising 535 meters above sea level, Mount Misen offers panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and is considered a spiritual site associated with Buddhism.

🗻 How to get up:

Ropeway + Hike (Ropeway to Shishiiwa Station, then 30-min walk to summit)

Full hike from Daisho-in Temple trail (~1.5–2 hours)

🔭 On the summit:

Misen Observatory – panoramic views

Reikado Hall – home of the Eternal Flame

Buddhist halls & statues along the way

3. Daisho-in Temple (大聖院)

Nestled at the base of Mount Misen, this esoteric Shingon Buddhist temple is one of the oldest and most important on the island.

🪔 Don’t miss: Hundreds of Rakan statues, the cave of mandalas, and spinning sutras

4. Five-Story Pagoda & Toyokuni Shrine

Next to Itsukushima Shrine, these historic structures showcase beautiful architecture and views over the island.

🎏 Great photo spot, especially during cherry blossom season

5. Omotesando Shopping Street

Lined with souvenir shops and street food vendors, this is Miyajima’s bustling hub for snacks and shopping.

🛍️ Try:

Momiji Manju (maple-leaf shaped sweet cakes)

Grilled oysters (a local delicacy)

Lemon-based snacks from nearby Hiroshima

🦌 Meet the Friendly Deer of Miyajima

Much like Nara, Miyajima’s deer roam freely, considered messengers of the gods. While they’re used to humans, it’s best not to feed them.

⚠️ Note: They will try to eat your map or food—keep your bags zipped!

🍱 What to Eat on Miyajima

Miyajima is a foodie paradise with local specialties that reflect its maritime and spiritual heritage.

🦪 Grilled Oysters (Kaki)

Hiroshima is Japan’s top oyster producer, and Miyajima serves them fresh—grilled, fried, or raw.

🍽️ Try at: Kakiya, Yakigaki no Hayashi

🍥 Momiji Manju

Iconic maple-leaf-shaped sponge cakes filled with:

Red bean paste

Matcha cream

Chocolate, cheese, and more

Perfect as souvenirs and hot snacks.

🍛 Anago Meshi (Grilled Sea Eel over Rice)

Less famous than unagi but deeply flavorful—smoky, tender, and satisfying.

🍱 Try at: Anagomeshi Ueno (near ferry port)

🏨 Where to Stay on Miyajima

While many visit Miyajima as a day trip, staying overnight lets you experience its peaceful atmosphere after the crowds leave.

⛩️ Ryokan & Traditional Inns

Iwaso – historic inn with views of the shrine

Jukeiso – on the hillside, traditional rooms with meals

Kinsuikan – onsen ryokan near the ferry terminal

🛁 Most ryokan offer kaiseki meals and public baths (onsen).

📸 Seasonal Highlights

🌸 Spring (March–April)

Cherry blossoms bloom around the shrine and parks

Mild weather, fewer crowds than fall

🌞 Summer (June–August)

Lush forests, hot but good for ropeway hiking

Miyajima Water Fireworks Festival (August)

🍁 Autumn (October–November)

Peak foliage on Mount Misen and Momijidani Park

One of the most photogenic times to visit

❄️ Winter (December–February)

Quiet, peaceful atmosphere

Fewer visitors and beautiful ocean views on clear days

🧭 Suggested Itinerary

🕘 Day Trip from Hiroshima

8:00 AM: Travel from Hiroshima to Miyajima

9:30 AM: Visit Itsukushima Shrine and torii gate

11:00 AM: Explore Daisho-in Temple

12:30 PM: Lunch (oysters or anago meshi)

1:30 PM: Ropeway to Mount Misen

4:00 PM: Souvenir shopping and street snacks

5:00 PM: Ferry back to the mainland

🏨 Overnight Stay Plan

Day 1: Shrine, shopping, ryokan stay

Day 2: Early morning hike, peaceful shrine photos, return

🎒 Travel Tips for Miyajima Island

📷 Tide Check: Plan your shrine visit based on high/low tide

🏮 Stay overnight if you want a quiet, magical experience

🌿 Bring water & good shoes for Mount Misen hiking

🚫 Do not feed the deer

☁️ Weather: Can be humid in summer; check for typhoons during late summer/early fall

🌟 Why Visit Miyajima?

Miyajima is more than just a postcard-perfect photo of a torii gate. It’s a place where spirituality, history, and natural beauty converge.

Whether you’re watching the sun set behind the floating gate, walking barefoot along the forested trails of Mount Misen, or savoring grilled oysters with the sea breeze in your hair—Miyajima will move you.

🏁 Conclusion

Miyajima Island is one of Japan’s most unforgettable destinations. Its powerful combination of cultural heritage, sacred landscapes, and gourmet experiences makes it perfect for spiritual travelers, nature lovers, and foodies alike.

From the majestic Itsukushima Shrine to the summit of Mount Misen, every step on this island feels like walking through a living legend. So, whether you're planning a short day trip or a meditative overnight stay—Miyajima awaits.