Miyajima is a picturesque island near Hiroshima and is considered one of the three most beautiful spots in Japan.
The island is best known for its large red Otorii gate, which appears to float in the water in front of Itsukushima Shrine. Both the shrine and the gate are UNESCO World Heritage-listed and are among the most iconic images of Japan, featured on countless travel brochures worldwide.
Despite its small size, Miyajima is packed with attractions and is well-developed for tourism. Visitors can explore the aquarium, several historic temples and museums, parks, a cable car offering stunning views, and a lively shopping district filled with local crafts and delicious street food.
For the best experience, consider staying until dusk, when the Otorii gate, Itsukushima Shrine, and the Five-Story Pagoda are beautifully illuminated with lanterns, creating an incredible photo opportunity.
How to Get to Miyajima
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- From Hiroshima Port: A high-speed passenger ferry operates between 9:00 AM and 5:30 PM, taking 22 minutes to reach the island.
- From Miyajimaguchi: A regular ferry runs between 5:00 AM and 10:00 PM, taking only 10 minutes.
- Getting to Miyajimaguchi:
- By JR Train: Take the JR Sanyo Line from JR Hiroshima Station—the journey is under 30 minutes. From Miyajimaguchi Station, it’s just a short walk to the ferry terminal.
- By Hiroden Streetcar: The Hiroden Streetcar Route 2 runs from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi. While the streetcar takes longer (about 70 minutes), it offers a scenic and budget-friendly ride through the city.
For JR Pass holders, the JR Ferry from Miyajimaguchi is included in the pass, making it the most convenient and cost-effective option.
JR West Miyajima Ferry website:
