Foreigners planning to take a trip to Hiroshima City should consider including a visit to Miyajima into their itineraries. The small island can be accessed from the city in less than an hour and offers a lot of scenic views and interesting attractions.
Overview of Miyajima, Japan – History, Floating Shrine, Deer, Etc.
The island of Miyajima is located just a little off the coast of Japan’s Hiroshima Prefecture. It is considered to be one of Japan’s most scenic places and houses countless attractions for tourists to explore.
Other than a strictly maintained look that dates back to the Edo Period, the island also exhibits tons of untouched, natural beauty. In fact, a lot of Miyajima’s iconic structures, such as the floating shrine, are built in such a way that they harmoniously blend in with the environment.
Furthermore, wild animals such as deer and monkeys freely roam the parks, streets, and towns of Miyajima so tourists should not be surprised to come across them at least once throughout their trip. Fortunately, these animals have grown accustomed to the presence of humans and rarely show aggressive behaviors.
Typical Climate and Weather of Miyajima, Japan
Tourists will be glad to know that Miyajima features a temperate climate and weather pattern similar to Hiroshima. Although taking a trip to the island any time of the year is fine, the best seasons to comfortably explore it would have to be fall and spring.
Places to Visit in Miyajima, Japan
Itsukushima Shrine
The Itsukushima Shrine is considered to be Miyajima’s most prized structure and is the main attraction many tourists come to the island to see. The shrine’s name, Itsukushima, which also serves as the formal name of the island, literally translates to mean “shrine island” in English.
One of the most iconic structures of the complex is the vermilion torii gate located out in the sea which is included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. During high tide, visitors are provided with a stunning view of what seems to be a gate floating over water.
Similarly, the rest of the shrine is also held above the sea by pillars and is connected to each other through boardwalks.
Boat cruises are available for tourists who want to explore the bay and get a closer look of the torii gate during high tide.
Hours: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM, daily
Admission Fee: 300 yen per person
Address: 1-1 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi 739-0588, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
Senjokaku Hall
The Senjokaku Hall, which means “the pavilion of a thousand mats” in English, is also known as the Hokoku Shrine. It is aptly named for its massive and spacious building that is believed to measure 1,000 tatami mats in terms of floor size. The shrine is located near the Itsukushima Shrine and is situated on a hill.
In 1587, the construction of the shrine was commissioned by Toyotomi Hideyoshi to serve as a place where Buddhist sutras may be chanted for fallen warriors. After Hideyoshi’s death, the shrine was never completed and currently lacks a front entrance as well as proper ceilings. A five-storey pagoda that dates back to 1407 stands beside the Senjokaku Hall.
Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, daily
Admission Fee: 100 yen per person
Address: Miyajimacho | Itsukushima Shrine, Hatsukaichi 739-0588, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
Daisho-in Temple
The Daisho-in Temple belongs to the Shingon Sect of Japanese Buddhism and is among its most significant temples. It is situated at the foot of Mount Misen where Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Shingon Sect, started practicing the religion’s doctrines on the island.
Among the many interesting structures and artifacts for tourists to appreciate are the Maniden Hall, Kannon-do Hall, a tea room, a sand mandala created by Tibet monks, and a cave that houses various icons which represent the 88 temples that make up Shikoku Pilgrimage.
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, daily
Admission Fee: N/A
Address: 210 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi 739-0592, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
Museum of History and Folklore
The Museum of History and Folklore, or known as Miyajima Rekishi Mizoku Shiryokan to the locals, is dedicated to informing the public of the island’s historical and cultural importance to the everyday lives of its residents. It houses a large collection of artifacts and art works that clearly represent the different aspects that make up Miyajima.
In addition, the building of the museum also serves as a point of interest, given its rich history that dates back more than a hundred years ago. It originally belonged to a thriving merchant family that excelled in the business of making soy sauce. As such, visitors can also explore a traditional Japanese garden and several well-preserved living quarters within the complex.
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, from Tuesday to Sunday
Admission Fee: 300 yen per person
Address: 57 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi 739-0533, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
Miyajima Public Aquarium
The Miyajima Public Aquarium, or Miyajima Suizokukan, is located in the western section of the town. It has undergone major renovations in the past and was just reopened to the public in 2011.
Aside from being introduced to different fresh water and salt marine animals, visitors can also expect to get a better understanding of oyster farms. The aquarium houses a small display of an oyster farm to serve as a representation of the island’s specialty in oysters, which is also regarded as a specialty of the Hiroshima Prefecture.
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, daily
Admission Fee: 1,400 yen per person
Address: 10-3 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi 739-0534, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
Miyajima Traditional Crafts Center
The Miyajima Traditional Crafts Center is situated near the island’s ferry port. It formally reopened its doors to the public in 2008 and serves as a place where locals and tourists can go to get a hands-on experience of the traditions of Miyajima including:
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Momiji Manju Making
Momiji Manju is a kind of Japanese confection made from rice cake and buckwheat. It is specialty of Miyajima and is often formed in the shape of a maple leaf.
Fee: 700 – 800 yen per person
Duration: 1 hour
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Shakushi Making
Shakushi is a Japanese term used to refer to wooden rice scoops. At the Miyajima Traditional Crafts Center, visitors may choose their own shakushi and design it using a branding iron.
Fee: 300 – 400 yen per person
Duration: 1 hour
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Miyajima-Bori Making
Miyajima-Bori is a traditional wood carving art that dates back many centuries ago. The crafts center offers visitors a chance to make their own piece by providing them with a obon (a wooden artisan tray) and allowing them to design it using a branding iron.
Fee: 1,600 – 1,700 yen per person
Duration: 1 hour
Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, from Tuesday to Sunday
Admission Fee: N/A
Address: 1165-2 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi 739-0505, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
Mount Misen
Mount Misen stands five hundred meters above the sea and serves as the island’s highest peak. Three different trails known as the Omoto Course, Momijidani Course, and Daisho-in Course can be taken by tourists to reach the top of the mountain.
The Daisho-in Course is recommended for those who want to enjoy plenty of scenic views, while the Omoto Course and the Momijidani Course offer steeper trails but shorter routes to the summit. Tourists can expect to hike for about two hours, regardless of which trail they take.
There is also a ropeway available from the town that leads to a hundred meters down from the mountain’s peak. From there, tourists can walk to the many attractions of Mount Misen including the Shishi-iwa Observatory, Misen Hondo, and Reikado, among other temple structures.
Hours (Miyajima Ropeway): 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, daily
Admission Fee(Miyajima Ropeway): 1,000 yen per person (one-way); 1,800 yen per person (roundtrip)
Address: Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
Momijidani Park
The Momijidani Park is also referred to as the Maple Valley Park. It is considered to be the best place for appreciating Miyajima’s lovely autumn colors known as koyo. Several walking paths go through the park and lead to different areas of the island, including its towns and forests.
Tourists who want to enjoy a relaxing and pleasant stroll should make it a point to spend some time in Momijidani Park and explore its many breathtaking views. Visitors can also expect to come across several tame deer, which freely roam the area.
Hours: N/A
Admission Fee: N/A
Address: Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
A Guide List to the Events and Festivals of Miyajima, Japan
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Goshin-I Kenjo Shiki + Saitansai – Itsukushima Shrine, January 1
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Futsukasai + Omatsubayashi Shin Noh Performance – Itsukushima Shrine, January 2
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Genshisai – Itsukushima Shrine, January 3
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Chikyusai – Itsukushima Shrine, January 5
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Momotesai – Omoto Shrine, January 20
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Setsubun warding-off Evil Ritual – Daisho-in Temple, February 3
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Miyajima Oysters Festival – In front of the Miyajima Pier, 2nd weekend of February
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Ceremony for Kitchen Knives – Daisho-in Temple, March 8
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Miyajima Hina Dolls Festival – Town Proper, March 18 – April 3
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Kiyomori Shrine Festival – Kiyomori Shrine, March 20
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Kiyomori Matsuri (The Call of Spring) – Multiple Locations, March 26
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Buddha's Birthday Festival (Hana Matsuri) – Daisho-in Temple, April 8
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Walking over Fire Ceremony (Hiwatari Shiki) – Daisho-in Temple, April 15
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Peach Blossom Festival (Toka-sai Festival) – Itsukushima Shrine, April 15
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Satsuki Festival – Daisho-in Temple, April 28 – May 7
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Awashima Shrine Matsuri – Awashima Shrine, May 3
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Memorial Service for Empress Suiko – Itsukushima Shrine, May 18
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Kobo Daishi's Birthday Celebration – Daisho-in Temple, June 15
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Itsukushima Benzaiten Festival – Daiganji Temple, June 17
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Seven Gods of Fortune Festival – Daisho-in Temple, July 7
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Ichitate Festival – Itsukushima Shrine, July 27
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Kangen-sai Festival – Multiple locations, August 8
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48,000-day Kannon Festival – Daisho-in Temple, August 10
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Miyajima Night of the Dance – Mikasa-no-hama Beach, August 17
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Kinseki Jizohson Festival – Multiple locations, August 24
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Miyajima by the Sea Fireworks – Great Otorii, August 26
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Tamatori-sai Festival – Itsukushima Shrine, August 27
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"Mantoe" Candle Light Festival for World Peace – Daisho-in Temple, September 8 – 10
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Tanomo-san – Momijidani Park and Itsukushima Shrine, September 20
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Chrysanthemum Festival – Itsukushima Shrine, October 15
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San-ō Shrine Festival – San-o Shrine, October 23
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Fudo Myo-o Festival – Daiganji Temple, November 3
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Urasenke Tea Dedication Ceremony – Itsukushima Shrine, November 8
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Daisho-in Momiji Matsuri – Daisho-in Temple, November 18 – 26
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Tibetan Goma Fire Ritual – Daisho-in Temple, November 23
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Tenchō-sai – Itsukushima Shrine, December 23
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Festival Chinka-sai – Mikasa-no-hama Beach, December 31
Camping in Miyajima, Japan
The island of Miyajima houses a lovely place known as the Tsusumigaura Nature Park where tourists can choose to either camp in tents or rent out one of the cabins within the complex. The camp site is just a 10-minute bus ride away from the Miyajima Pier and is surrounded by cypress and camphor trees. There are toilets, fire places, and other necessary amenities within the site.
Campers are required to pay an admission fee of 500 yen per person. Visitors may choose to bring their own tent but may also rent one at the camp site for 2,800 yen for 4 people or 4,800 yen for 8 people.
The rental prices for the park’s cabins are as follows:
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Cabin for 4 people – 16,500 yen
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Cabin for 14 people – 2,800 yen per person (for adults); 1,300 yen per person (for children)
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Cabin for 24 people - 2,800 yen per person (for adults); 1,300 yen per person (for children)
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Cabin for 16 people – 56,000 yen
Accommodation Options in Miyajima, Japan – Hotel, Ryokan, Etc.
There are, of course, many other accommodation options available on the island of Miyajima other than the Tsusumigaura Nature Park’s camp site or cabins. Countless ryokan/onsen inns, hotels, and hostels are scattered throughout Miyajima, the best of which include:
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Hostel Kaniwa
Rating: 9.7 out of 10
Access: Less than a mile away from the Daisho-in Temple; 800 meters away from the Itsukushima Shrine
Address: 739-0588 Hiroshima, Miyajima, Miyajima-cho 1165-11, Japan
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Forest Villa Mizuha
Rating: 7.3 out of 10
Access: 6-minute walk away from the Itsukushima Shrine; 7-minute car ride away from the Momijidani Ropeway Station
Address: 739-0534 Hiroshima, Miyajima, 49, Japan
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Miyajima Guest House Mikuniya
Rating: 9.6 out of 1
Access: 15-minute walk away from the Miyajima Ferry Terminal; 6-minute walk away from the Itsukushima Shrine
Address: 739-0523 Hiroshima, Miyajima, Chuecho 327, Japan
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Oyado Tsukiusagi
Rating: 9.5 out of 10
Access: 10-minute walk away from the Itsukushima Shrine
Address: 739-0588 Hiroshima, Miyajima, Hatsukaichi-shi Miyajima-cho 860-7, Japan
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Itsumoya
Rating: 9.5 out of 10
Access: 10-minute walk away from the Itsukushima Shrine; 5-minute boat ride away from the JR Miyajimaguchi Station
Address: 739-0588 Hiroshima, Miyajima, Miyajima-cho 580, Japan
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Kurayado Iroha
Rating: 9.2 out of 10
Access: 5-minute walk away from the Itsukushima Shrine
Address: 739-0559 Hiroshima, Miyajima, Hatsukaichi-shi Miyajima-cho 589-4, Japan
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Iwaso
Rating: 9.2 out of 10
Access: 5-minute walk away from the Miyajima Ferry Terminal; 5-minute walk away from the Momijidani Park and Itsukushima Shrine
Address: 739-0522 Hiroshima, Miyajima, Hatsukaichi-shi Miyajima-cho Momijidani, Japan
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Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto
Rating: 9.1 out of 10
Access: 10-minute walk away from the Miyajima Ferry Terminal; 3-minute walk away from the Itsukushima Shrine
Address: 739-0522 Hiroshima, Miyajima, Hatsukaichi-shi Miyajimacho Minami-machi 364, Japan
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Sakuraya
Rating: 9.0 out of 10
Access: 10-minute walk away from the Momijidani Park and Itsukushima Shrine; 3-minute walk away from the Miyajima Ferry Terminal
Address: 739-0550 Hiroshima, Miyajima, Hatsukaichi-shi Miyajima 853-1, Japan
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Mizuhasou
Rating: 9.0 out of 10
Access: 15-minute walk away from the Miyajima Ferry Terminal; 5-minute walk away from the Itsukushima Shrine
Address: 739-0534 Hiroshima, Miyajima, Hatsukaichi-shi Miyajima-cho Nishioonishi-machi, Japan
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Nakaya B&B
Rating: 8.9 out of 10
Access: 5-minute walk away from the Itsukushima Shrine and Miyajima Ferry Terminal; 10-minute walk away from the Momijidani Ropeway Station and Momijidani Park
Address: 739-0588 Hiroshima, Miyajima, Hatsukaichi-shi Miyajimacho 511, Japan
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Yamaichi Bekkan
Rating: 8.9 out of 10
Access: 10-minute walk away from the Itsukushima Shrine; 1-minute walk away from the Miyajima Ferry Terminal
Address: 739-0504 Hiroshima, Miyajima, Hatsukaichi-shi Miyajimacho 1162-3, Japan
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Hostel & Café Backpackers Miyajima
Rating: 8.9 out of 10
Access: 35-minute walk away from the Itsukushima Shrine; 1-minute walk away from the Miyajima Ferry Terminal
Address: 739-0411 Hiroshima, Miyajima, Hatsukaichi-shi Miyajimaguchi 1-8-11, Japan
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Miyajima Seaside Hotel
Rating: 8.8 out of 10
Access: 8-minute car ride away from the Daisho-in Temple; 5-minute car ride away from the Miyajima Ferry Terminal
Address: 739-0501 Hiroshima, Miyajima, Hatsukaichi-shi Miyajima-cho 967, Japan
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Jukeiso
Rating: 8.6 out of 10
Access: 14-minute walk away from the Momijidani Park; 10-minute walk away from the Hokoku Shrine
Address: 739-0533 Hiroshima, Miyajima, Miyajima-cho 50, Japan
More Information about Miyajima, Japan – Map & Access, Rail Pass, Etc.
For those who will be coming from Hiroshima, the island of Miyajima can be reached by boat. There are Matsudai and JR ferries available (180 yen per person, one-way) at the Miyajimaguchi Ferry Terminal for tourists to catch every fifteen minutes. This ferry terminal is accessible from the JR Hiroshima Station by tram (270 yen per person, one-way) or by train (400 yen per person, one-way). Each tourist is advised to purchase a rail pass before everything else to avoid any delays and inconveniences.
Scenic ferries operated by the Aqua Net Hiroshima are also available for 1,000 yen per person. These ferries take about 45 minutes to reach Miyajima.
Alternatively, there are also high-speed scenic ferries operated by Setonaikaikisen available at the Prince Hotel. A one-way ferry trip takes about 26 minutes of travel time and costs 1,850 yen per person, one-way.