Miyajima, also known as Itsukushima, is a small island usually visited as a day trip from Hiroshima. Famous for its magnificent giant torii gate, which appears to float on the water during high tide, as well as the wild deer that inhabit the island. It’s one of those must-see places during your first trip to Japan.
I have visited Itsukushima several times, and each trip has provided me with new ideas on how to best spend my time on this unique island. Since many people either don’t allocate enough time for Miyajima or, quite frankly, don’t use their time wisely, I decided to share practical tips on how to make the most of a day trip to Miyajima Island.
If you’re planning a trip to Miyajima, love nature and outdoor adventures, want to take the time to enjoy the journey, and seek a less rushed experience beyond just checking off famous sites, check out this blog post.
What's in this blog post?
10 TIPS HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF A DAY TRIP TO MIYAJIMA ISLAND
1. Allocate a full day for Miyajima sightseeing
Trying to squeeze both Hiroshima and Miyajima into one day can feel super rushed. You’ll miss out so much: stunning views of the island and the surrounding sea from Mount Misen, the one-of-a-kind sunset with the torii gate as a backdrop, and Miyajima’s charming backstreets.
While it’s ideal to spend the night on Miyajima, it’s not always feasible due to time constraints or accommodation availability. However, from my experience, dedicating a full day to exploring the island and planning your visit can really help you enjoy its unique atmosphere without feeling rushed. If you stay a bit longer after most day-trippers have left, you’ll truly feel the island’s magic.
You can’t see all the beautiful places in Japan in one trip, so why not take the time to explore the ones you do visit more deeply? And don’t forget that lovely Hiroshima deserves a whole day, too!
Miyajima island is full of treasures!
2. Check the tide times before your day trip to Miyajima Island
Both the torii gate and Itsukushima Shrine look most spectacular during high tide, so it’s worth planning your visit around that time. Honestly, it’s best to see the gate at both high and low tide, as these two very different perspectives showcase the great power of nature. Tide times change daily, so be sure to check them here in:
the famous torii gate:
high tide vs. Low tide
3. Grab a map at the ferry terminal & plan your itinerary
Pick up a free map of the island at the ferry terminal building. It’s handy for navigating around, and also makes a cute little souvenir from your day trip to Miyajima. The map contains lots of interesting information about the island, including details about the construction of the famous torii gate. It dates back to 1168 but has stood in its current form since 1875. Made of camphor wood, it reaches almost 17 metres high, with an upper crossbeam that stretches 24 metres long.
If you have time, be sure to visit Senjokaku, or Hokoku Shrine, which you can also find some information about on the map. This spacious hall, about the size of a thousand tatami mats, was built in 1587 on a small hill next to Itukushima Shrine. Intended to house Buddhist sutras dedicated to fallen soldiers, it was commissioned by the unifier of Japan, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Due to his death, the project was left unfinished, resulting in a very unique structure without proper ceilings or a front entrance.
Playing with the cute deer wandering around the island will take up some of your time.
You really need a full day for Miyajima!
4. Take the cable car up Mount Misen
During your day trip to Miyajima Island in addition to the famous torii gate and Itsukushima Shrine, be sure to take the cable car up Mount Misen – the views of the surrounding islands and the Seto Inland Sea are breathtaking!
Mount Misen, the highest peak on Miyajima at 535 metres, is seen as a sacred spot in both Japanese Buddhism and Shintoism. As you hike up, you’ll come across some important shrines, like Misen Hondo Shrine and Reikado Shrine. The Reikado Shrine is especially notable because it holds the “Eternal Flame” brought here by famous monk kobo Daishi, which has been burning for over 1,200 years. It is believed that water boiled on the Eternal Flames helps to cure all kinds of illnesses. Also, it was used to light the “Flame of Peace” in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
Miyajima is considered a sacred island of the gods, so simply checking off the torii gate won’t do justice to how special and spiritual this island is.
Exploring the island beyond the famous torii gate
Getting to Mount Misen
The cable car station is a 10-15 minute walk inland from Itsukushima Shrine. The ride up the mountain takes about 20 minutes and requires a quick transfer, with a return ticket costing 2,000 JPY. From the upper cable car station/Shishi-iwa Observatory, it’s about a 30-minute walk to the top. Just five minutes before reaching the summit, you’ll find Misen Hondo Shrine and Reikado Shrine.
Walking through a forest full of deer to the cable car is an unforgettable experience. So, if you don’t have time to climb, you can take the cable car up Mount Misen and admire Miyajima from the viewpoint right at the upper station.
As the last cable car departs from the upper station at either 4:30 PM or 5:00 PM, depending on the season, it’s essential to plan your trip accordingly. Be aware that the waiting line can be long, especially on weekends. You can find detailed information about the cable car service here: Miyajima Ropeway.
If you enjoy hiking, consider taking one of the marked trails down, which are marked on the map you picked up from the ferry terminal. The hike should take no more than an hour. In autumn, the scenery along the trails is particularly beautiful.
5. Wander the back streets of Miyajima for a charming old town vibe
To be honest, the island’s main street, Omotesando, lined with souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants is usually packed with tourists. If you are seeking a more authentic experience and peace and quiet, head to the back streets behind Omotesando.
Machiya-dori is a historic street that was once home to merchant houses and inns that bustled with worshippers during Miyajima’s heyday. Since most of the shopkeepers have since moved to Omotesando, Machiya-dori has retained its retro charm. The small boutiques and galleries lining the street combine traditional machiya architecture with contemporary elements, evoking a nostalgic 1950s feel.
If you only stay in the Omotesando area, you'll miss a lot. You won’t experience the more local and quiet side of this touristy island, which thankfully still exists.
6. Explore Miyajima Island in kayak
During my recent visit to Itsukushima, I saw some people kayaking under the big torii gate. It looked really cool! After a little internet research, I found that Miyajima Kayak offers half-day and full-day kayaking tours around Miyajima. If you enjoy experiencing famous sites from a different perspective and have an adventurous spirit, this could be a great addition to your day trip to Miyajima Island. I hope to explore Miyajima by kayak next time!
Here’s some info from their website:
The peaceful waters of Miyajima are great for starting your kayaking adventure. Tours are available year-round. Equipment and clothing rentals are available.
- Half-Day Tour: Recommended for first-timers or those visiting Miyajima on a day trip. The departure point is very close to the ferry terminal.
- Full-Day Tour: Fully customised to your needs.
Since I haven’t done kayaking in Miyajima yet, these pictures are my first-ever AI-generated images. Not bad, right? But let this be the first and last for now 🙂
7. Visit the Itsukushima Shrine after big tours have left
Itsukushima Shrine, a stunning wooden structure built on water, has been an important Shinto site since the 6th century. The shrine consists of several pavilions, including a prayer hall, a main hall, and a stage of Japan’s oldest Noh theatre, all surrounded by the sea.
This is one of those places in Japan where you should take a moment to soak in its beauty. Unfortunately, when you’re surrounded by large groups of noisy tourists, it can be hard to find a mindful moment. Try to visit the shrine before the tour groups arrive or after they’ve left the island, as the crowds can be overwhelming.
If possible, plan your visit during high tide, when the shrine looks most spectacular, and hike Mount Misen at low tide.
8. Catch the island's spectacular sunset
If the weather and your schedule permit, be sure to stay on the island until sunset – that’s when the magic happens! Grab some snacks from one of the local shops and enjoy the show. Here are two great places to watch the sunset on Miyajima Island:
- More off-the-beaten-path: For those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet. Google Maps Location
- In front of the torii gate: The classic, breath-taking view of the torii gate against the setting sun: Google Maps Location
Even if it’s cloudy and the sunset isn’t as spectacular as the amazing photos online, it’s worth staying on the island for a while. Once it gets dark, the shrine and the surrounding area are beautifully lit up!
waiting for the sunset at "More off-the-beaten-path" location & the actual sunset while sitting "in front of the torii gate"
9. Try the local delicacies
There are tons of snack bars in Omotesando, so I recommend following your instincts and trying what seems worth trying. Just like in the good old days when there weren’t a thousand tips on the internet about every detail of YOUR trip!
That said, Miyajima is famous for its fresh oysters. If you’re a fan or if you have never tried them before, this is a perfect place to give them a shot. You can find grilled, fried, and raw versions. Just be warned – these popular bars can get quite crowded, so be prepared to queue!
かきふくまる | Kaki Fukumaru: Popular oyster stand.
焼がきのはやし | Yakigaki No Hayashi: A restaurant specializing in oysters.
A hungry deer first in line
10. Okonomiyaki on your way back to Hiroshima
If you haven’t had dinner on Miyajima Island, before heading back to Hiroshima, stop for some fantastic okonomiyaki near Miyajimaguchi Station at Hanako (花子 宮島口店). I’ve had quite a few okonomiyaki in my time at various famous places in Japan – Hiroshima, Osaka and Kyoto – and I have to say that this unassuming little restaurant is one of the best. Also, it has a more authentic feel than those on Miyajima Island.
It’s an easy choice for dinner, without having to look for the right restaurant in Hiroshima, where there are thousands of them! I think I even liked the okonomiyaki there better than in the popular “Okonomimura” in Hiroshima.
Ordering via iPad in English makes the process incredibly easy, which (and of course a cold beer in your hand) is just what you need after a long and exciting day on the island!
A happy mummy & happy kids at Hanako restaurant
A DAY TRIP TO MIYAJIMA ISLAND - HOW TO GET FROM HIROSHIMA?
The train+ferry are the cheapest option. You can use for the entire trip PASMO/SUICA/ICOCA card:
- Sanyo-Line train from Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi: 420 JPY / 25 min
- Miyajimaguchi ferry to Miyajima Island: 300 JPY / 10 min
Alternatively, you can go directly to Miyajima from the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park by boat, with The Hiroshima World Heritage River Cruise. This is the fastest and most convenient way to get from the centre of Hiroshima (about 45 minutes), as you don’t have to go to the train station. If your budget allows, I recommend this option – it costs 2200 JPY one way.
For the return trip, it is best to take the ferry to Miyajimaguchi, as they run until late, while direct boats to Hiroshima are limited.
Source: Japan Travel Guide
Travelling by ferry is an attraction in itself
If needed, you can store your luggage in the lockers at Hiroshima or Miyajimaguchi train stations.
And last but not least, don’t forget to have fun! Even if the sunset is cloudy or you can’t see the torii gate at high tide, it will still be a beautiful experience—definitely better than my first visit to Miyajima, when the torii gate was under renovation 😉
If you have any questions or need more information about a day trip to Miyajima, please leave a comment. I’m always happy to help! And if you found this article helpful, share your thoughts – they always put a smile on my face! 🙂
And if you liked my tips for Miyajima Island, you might also enjoy my little day trip guide to the charming town of Kamakura, the perfect short trip from Tokyo!
ONE-DAY ITINERARY IN KAMAKURA – THE BEST DAY TRIP FROM TOKYO BY TRAIN
