The Best Things To Do In Miyajima Island

Most people visiting Miyajima Island near Hiroshima do it to see the beautiful and super famous floating torii gate. However, since you’ve made all the effort to get here, you should explore everything this island has to offer. Don’t know what else there is to do here? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. In this blog, I’ll share the best things to do in Miyajima Island.

Being such a relatively small island, I was surprised about the amount of things to do here. The floating Torii Gate is mesmerizing, of course. However, here you will be able to explore beautiful temples and shrines, walk next to beautiful deer, eat some delicious food, and be impressed by the natural beauty of this island. Sounds appealing, right? Then keep reading to find out more!

MIYAJIMA ISLAND

Miyajima is a small island located less than an hour away from Hiroshima. The island is mostly famous for having a beautiful and big floating Torii Gate that has been ranked as one of the three best views in Japan.

If you’re planning on visiting this little island, here are some interesting facts about it, that you might not know about.

The island’s real name is not Miyajima but Itsukushima after the shrine, home to the famous gate. However, everyone calls it Miyajima, which translates into English as “shrine island”.
There are many wild deer that walk freely around the island. These deer, have become used to being near humans. However, contrary to the Nara ones, they should not be fed!
The island is mostly inhabited and covered by forests and trees which makes it a paradise for nature lovers.

GETTING TO MIYAJIMA ISLAND

There are different ways to get to Miyajima from Hiroshima. You can choose the one that suits you better depending on where you are and whether you have the JR Pass or not.

From Hiroshima Station. The easiest way to reach the island from Hiroshima Station is to get a local JR Sanyo train to Miyajimaguchi Station. This ride takes approximately 25 minutes. At Miyajimaguchi, you can take a short ferry ride (approximately 10 minutes) to Miyajima. At Miyajimaguchi ferry terminal, two different companies offer this ride. If you have an active JR Pass, make sure to get the JR Ferry which is also included with your pass. The ferry to Hiroshima operates until 22:00.
From Peace Memorial Park. From the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, you can get the Hiroden tram (line number 2) to Miyajimaguchi Station. Once there, you can take the 10-minute ferry ride to Miyajima island. This is a good option if you don’t have the JR Pass or even if you do, you don’t want to go back to the train station.
From Hiroshima Port. This option is less common but you can also get a high-speed ferry from Hiroshima Port to Miyajima Island. The ride will take you approximately 25 minutes.

Miyajima Tourist Tax: As of the 1st of October 2023, every person visiting Miyajima must pay a 100 yen tourist tax whenever they board a ferry to Miyajima Island. Even if you have a JR Pass, you will still have to pay for it.

Moving around the island

Once you are at Miyajima, you will mostly move around the island on foot. From the ferry terminal to the floating torii gate, it will take you approximately 15 minutes. From there, all the main sites in the small town located on the island are within walking distance.

The only public transport you might take is the Miyajima Ropeway if you want to go to Mt Misen. However, if you are in good shape and enjoy being in nature, it is also possible to hike there.

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED TO VISIT MIYAJIMA?

In my opinion, the ideal amount of time you need to explore Miyajima in a good and relaxed way is one day. Some people combine a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka with a quick visit to Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park. However, I recommend spending a complete day on the island. There is more to see and do than you would think.

In addition, if you’re planning (and budget) allows for it, I recommend spending at least one night on the island. Yes, accommodation in Miyajima is scarce and on the expensive side. However, nothing beats enjoying the beauty of this island before or after the packed ferry boats arrive.

THE MOST EPIC PLACES TO VISIT & THINGS TO DO IN MIYAJIMA ISLAND

Let’s not wait any longer. Here is the list of the most epic places to visit and the best things to do in this beautiful small. Remember that at the end of this blog, there is a map where I have tagged all these places.

1. Admire The Floating Torii

The number one thing to do on the island is to admire the famous Miyajima floating Torii Gate. This Torii Gate is part of the Itsukushima Shrine, which gives the name to the island. However, you don’t need to visit the shrine to see it. In fact, the best view of the Torii gate (in my opinion) and the one you see in my photos below is from outside the shrine.

Just by looking at it, you can understand why it is considered one of the best three views in Japan. We visited this spot several times throughout the day and every time, I could not stop looking at it.

Tip: If you want to enjoy this spot peacefully and without many people around you, visit as early as you can. We were here at 6 am and we were here almost alone. There was only another couple next to us. It was so worth it to enjoy this place in such a peaceful way.

2. Visit Itsukushima Shrine

Now that you’ve seen the famous Floating Red Torii Gate and taken as many photos as you want, it’s time to explore Itsukushima Shrine, dedicated to the guardian of the sea. According to the historical records, this shrine was founded in the year 811 and these days it is composed of 37 buildings, many built over the sea.

The shrine was built over the water because the island was believed to be sacred and only monks could access it. People wanting to worship could only reach it by boat but not step onto the island.

The best moment to visit the shrine is during high tide. At this moment, both the shrine and the torii gate look like they are floating on the water. This makes it quite a unique place to visit.

We visited the shrine as soon as it opened, during the high tide and it was just magical. There were only 2 or 3 other people there so we enjoyed this shrine and all its beauty almost alone. I definitely recommend doing this if you can.

Practical information

The shrine is open daily all year round. However, the opening hours vary depending on the time of the year. During January, February, the second half of October, and November, it is open between 6:30 and 17:30. From March to mid-October, it is open between 6:30 and 18:00. In December between 6:30 and 17:00.
Entry fee to the shrine is 300 yen and if you want to enter the treasure hall it is another 300 yen. Alternatively, you can buy a combo ticket for 500 yen. Always check the latest updated information on the official shrine website.
You can check the status of the tides during your visit at this website.
Even though the shrine closes between 17:00 and 18:00. The main building and torii gate remain lit up until 23:00. If you’re staying overnight on the island, it is definitely something to do as well.

3. Walk To The Torii Gate During Low Tide

Another must-do thing in Miyajima is to walk to the 16-meter-high iconic Torii Gate during the low tide. It is impressive to walk under this huge gate. You will be able to walk to it and even touch it. This is another of the advantages of spending a full day on the island.

Good to know: This is a very popular thing to do on the island so unless you choose to do this during the low tide that takes place during the middle of the night, you will not be able to visit this place alone. Of course, the tides change throughout the year, so this will depend on the month you visit.

4. Be impressed by Hokoku Shrine (Senjokaku)

Not far from Itsukushima Shrine, located on top of a hill, you will find Hokoku Shrine. Hokoku Shrine’s most famous building is a big wooden pavilion popularly known as Senjokaku. The term Senjokaku translates into English as “pavilion of 1000 tatami mats”, which gives a very literal description of how spacious it is.

The pavilion was really impressive to visit. The photos don’t do it any justice to how big it was. In addition, since the pavilion is located on top of a hill, the views from it were also quite breathtaking.

Practical Information:

Entering the Shrine costs 100 yen per person.
Opening hours are between 8:30 and 16:30.

5. Admire the 5-Storied Pagoda

Right across Senjokaku pavilion, you will find the iconic 5-Storied Pagoda from Miyajima. This pagoda is in fact, one of the 37 buildings that compose Itsuskushima Shrine.

Even though you can’t visit the pagoda it is worth admiring it up close. Plus, there are barely any people in this part of the island since most visitors only focus on the main shrine buildings.

6. Walk Peacefully Among Deer

On Miyajima Island, approximately 500 “Japanese Deer” live freely. So it will be a very common site to see them roaming freely while you walk the main streets or parks. These deer are used to being around human beings.

However, you should always remember that these are wild animals so please don’t bother them. In addition, unlike the deer in Nara, these deer should not be fed.

7. Admire the Autumn Colours at Momijidani Park

Located at the bottom of Mt Misen, Momijidani Park, or “The Valley of Momiji” is a beautiful park with approximately 700 Japanese Maple Trees. Walking through this park during the peak of autumn is a dream for photographers

When we visited, the Momiji was still not at its best moment but it was, nevertheless, quite special to explore it.

8. Take the Miyajima Ropeway To Reach The Top Of Mt Misen

The Miyajima Ropeway will take approximately 15 minutes to get you to the top of Mt Misen. The ropeway has two sections, so you have to change gondolas halfway. The first section has a circulating gondola system and the second one has a funicular system.

The ropeway was an amazing experience. As you get higher in altitude, you start to get amazing views of the bay and the Seto sea.

Practical information

The price for the ropeway is 1100 yen per person for a one-way trip and 2000 yen for a round trip.
Operating hours are between 9:00 and 16:30
You can find the latest updated information at the Miyajima Ropeway official website.
In case of bad weather conditions, the ropeway might stop its service and you might be asked to return on foot.

9. Enjoy Breathtaking Views From Mt Misen

Mt Misen is the highest peak on Miyajima Island at 535 m above sea level. It is considered a sacred mountain, so its nature is protected and not urbanized.

At the top of Mt Misen, you will find several small temples and Miyajima Shrine. But the best part is the beautiful views of the Seto Sea and Hiroshima that you can get on a clear day. This was without a doubt, our favorite part of our day. Don’t get me wrong, I loved Itsukushima Shrine and the Torii gate but this was a beautiful unexpected experience.

As soon as you get out of the ropeway you find Shishiiwa Observatory, with some great bay views.

Once you’re done admiring the view, it is time to go on a short “hike” to the top of Mt Misen. On your way, you will find several temple halls and many small and cute Jizo statues. In one of the halls, you will find the “Eternal Flame”, which was used to light the peace flame in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

The cherry on top of this short trail is the views you get to experience from the top of Mt Misen Observatory. From there you will get 360-degree views of the sea and nearby islands. We could have stayed up here for hours.

10. Hike Mt Misen

In our case, we only hiked down to Miyajima town since we used the ropeway to get to the top of Mt Misen. However, if you’re fit and want to save some money, you can hike both ways. There are three different hiking routes so you don’t have to go up and down the same way.

Momijidani trail: This is the shortest trail to reach Mt Misen but it’s also the steepest one. The trail goes through the forest and it will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the top.
Omoto trail: This is the longest trail and it can take up to 3 hours to reach Mt Misen depending on your pace.
Daisho-in trail: This trail is the easiest one and the least steep one of the 3. This is the one we chose to hike on our way down and we really enjoyed the experience. Along the trail, we found smaller temples and shrines which made the hike quite special. The trail ends at Daisho-in Temple and it took us approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete it.

11. Visit Daisho-In Temple

Daisho-in Temple, located at the base of Mt Misen, is one of the most important temples of Shingon Buddhism. Kobo Daishi, the founder of the temple and Shingon Buddhism, began practicing this religion here on the island of Miyajima.

This temple was impressive to visit, with its many buildings located at different heights, and the many statues of bodhisattvas that you can find everywhere on the temple grounds.

Practical information:

Entry to the temple is free.
Opening hours are between 8:00 and 17:00.

12. Go Shopping in Omotesando Street

Omotesando Street is the main commercial street in Miyajima. Here you will find many shops where you can buy local products and food. It is the perfect place to get a little souvenir from Miyajima.

While walking along Omotesando Street, you must try Momiji Manju. These are small cakes shaped like maple leaves with different fillings. The traditional filling is red bean paste but these days you can find many others such as custard, match, apple, apricot, etc. They were so delicious we ate a whole bunch of them!

13. Watch Sunset By The Torii Gate

There is no better way to finish your day on Miyajima Island than watching the sunset by the Torii Gate. The sun goes down behind the island creating a magical effect with the light.

By the time the sun sets, many of the visitors have already left the island so the only people watching the sunset were those who were spending the night here. It was the perfect way to end our day.

EATING IN MIYAJIMA

A visit to Miyajima Island is not complete without trying these local delicacies.

Oysters. 60% of Japan’s oyster production comes from this region, making them a typical dish. They can be eaten raw with soy sauce or grilled. I am not a fan of raw oysters, but I did try them grilled and they were delicious!
Momijimanju. These are little cakes baked in the shape of maple leaves with a filling of sweet red bean paste dating from the 1900s.
Eel. Another typical food of this area is eel. You will find dishes with eel in almost every restaurant.
Okonomiyaki (Hiroshima Style). This dish is more typical of Hiroshima, but you can also eat it in Miyajima.

As for the places to eat, there are many restaurants to choose from. However, you should know that many of them close quite early. If you are arriving late on the island, I recommend having dinner in Hiroshima before you get on the ferry. Otherwise, there is a Lawson’s combini near the port in Miyajima.

During our stay, we tried Niwa Cafe Miyajima by recommendation of our hotel and it was delicious! To make it even better, they have the most beautiful garden where you enjoy your meal.

ACCOMMODATION IN MIYAJIMA

Accommodation in Miyajima is not cheap. The hotels are limited and available rooms run out fast. However, it is worth spending at least one night on the island if you can. You will not regret enjoying the most touristy places with fewer people around you during the early morning and late afternoon.

During our stay in Miyajima, we booked two nights at Sakuraya Hotel and it was just perfect. This is a traditional ryokan hotel, located near the water. The people at the reception were very nice and helpful making sure we had everything we needed.

MAP WITH ALL LOCATIONS

And that’s it for this week’s blog. I hope you liked it and found it useful. Let me know what you think in the comments!

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