Planning to take a day journey to Miyajima from Hiroshima? We’ve put collectively the proper one-day Miyajima itinerary!
Off the coast of Hiroshima Prefecture lies Miyajima, a small island attracting guests from all the world over.
Its Grand Torii Gate is acknowledged as one of many three most aesthetic views in all of Japan – also referred to as nihon sankei (日本三景). At sundown, Miyajima’s most well-known landmark seems downright fairytale-like, nearly like somebody forged a spell on the surroundings.
You’ll be able to observe at the present time journey itinerary for Miyajima to see not simply Itsukushima Shrine and the well-known floating gate, however all the opposite worthwhile locations on this stunning island. Let’s have a look!
Miyajima Itinerary Overview & Map
When visiting Hiroshima, taking a day journey to Miyajima is nearly important. This stunning place makes for the proper addition to your Japan itinerary.
Seeing the Large Torii Gate is likely one of the essential causes for visiting Miyajima. Throughout excessive tide, the gate seems prefer it’s floating on the water, and through low tide, you’ll be able to stroll beneath it. To profit from your day in Miyajima, it’s best to at all times verify the occasions for high- and low tide.
Relying on these occasions, you will have to transfer a couple of bits round within the itinerary beneath. We’ve included each seeing the floating gate at excessive tide and strolling beneath it throughout low tide, so you’ll be able to shift the schedule relying on the occasions for the day you go to.
Miyajima is a well-liked day journey, however when you have sufficient time to slot in an in a single day keep on the island, we extremely advocate you achieve this. The island will get very quiet after all of the day trippers depart, providing you with the distinctive expertise of seeing the island practically empty – particularly in the event you can go to Itsukushima Shrine within the morning.
One Day Miyajima Itinerary
Right here is our Miyajima day journey, excellent for visiting from Hiroshima:
1. Journey to Miyajima from Hiroshima
Our Miyajima itinerary begins with a 30-minute practice experience from Hiroshima Station. Take the JR Sanyo Line (certain for Iwakuni) to Miyajimaguchi Station. From right here, stroll round 5 minutes to the close by ferry terminal.
You don’t must guide your tickets prematurely. Crossing over to Miyajima from Miyajimaguchi will solely take 10 minutes and the ferries often function on a really common schedule, a number of occasions an hour.
There are two main corporations to select from – the JR West Miyajima Ferry and the Miyajima Matsudai Kisen. Both cost ¥200 for a one-way experience (¥100 for youngsters), and you may faucet your Suica card or purchase a person ticket on the station. The JR West Miyajima Ferry is included within the JR Cross in case you might be utilizing it throughout your journey.
Alternatively, you may get to Miyajima by taking a ferry from Motoyasu Pier in Hiroshima. This selection is much more costly although, at ¥2,200 one-way or ¥4,000 for a round-trip. It’s additionally price maintaining in thoughts that this feature doesn’t run at low tide.
2. Discover Miyajima Omotesandō Purchasing Road
Miyajima is general very mountainous. All of the well-known sightseeing spots and retailers are situated within the higher half of the island, pretty near the pier. However nonetheless, be ready for lots of strolling all through the day.
From Miyajima Pier, the place you’ll arrive, you’ll be able to stroll by means of Miyajima Omotesandō Purchasing Road. Right here, you’ll discover retailers promoting every kind of handicrafts, souvenirs, and avenue meals.
It’s additionally an incredible spot to style a few of Miyajima’s native specialities…
3. Strive Miyajima’s Well-known Momiji Manjū
There’s one specific speciality you must strive when visiting Miyajima. Momiji Manjū are small pastries formed like maple leaves, usually full of purple bean paste. In case you hold your eyes open whereas strolling previous the shops and memento retailers, you would possibly uncover different fancy flavours. Lemon and peach flavours are particularly uncommon!
The Momijido Essential Retailer (紅葉堂本店) on Omotesandō Purchasing Road has a pleasant choice of fruity, candy and savoury fillings available. You’ll be able to even see the contemporary Momiji Manjū being made right here.
Apart from the common Momiji Manjū, in addition they promote Agemomiji (揚げもみじ), a deep-fried model of Miyajima’s candy deal with that additionally is available in varied flavours.
4. Greet Miyajima’s Deer
Hold strolling alongside the shore of Miyajima to achieve the environment of Itsukushima Shrine. This could take round 10–quarter-hour. Quickly, you’ll be capable of make out the form of the shrine’s well-known vermilion gate in entrance of you, and dozens of deer.
Simply like Nara, Miyajima is well-known for its gentle-eyed furry residents. It even goes by the nickname “Deer Island”. The deer on this island are a logo of the sacred bond between people and the pure world, so please deal with them with respect.
Additionally, don’t allow them to trick you with their charming makes an attempt to steal meals out of your baggage although. They are often fairly crafty in the event that they need to!
5. Discover Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine (or Itsukushima-Jinja) was designated a World Heritage Web site by UNESCO in 1996. The shrine itself was reportedly in-built 593 in the course of the reign of Empress Suiko. Well-known for its purple torii gate, it steadily turned one of many most beloved locations in Japan during the last many years.
Coming down from Senjōkaku Pavilion, try to be straight heading in the direction of the doorway. The admission price for Itsukushima Shrine and the Treasure Corridor is ¥300 every, and the mixed ticket prices ¥500.
In Itsukushima Shrine, observe the course from the doorway on the east facet to the exit on the west facet, passing by all of the totally different buildings. On the elevated stage near the principle corridor, you’ll have an incredible view of the Grand Torii Gate.
The Treasure Corridor is situated proper behind the western exit and homes round 4,000 historic and creative artefacts. When shopping for the mixed ticket, it’s most handy to go to this place after Itsukushima Shrine.
6. Admire the Grand Torii Gate
The present Grand Torii Gate was in-built 1875. Between 2019 and 2022, it underwent intensive restoration and may now be unrestrictedly admired by guests from everywhere in the world once more. It received’t come as a shock that this is likely one of the most well-known landmarks in Japan.
Miyajima is influenced by sturdy tides. Whereas the excessive tide is the most well-liked time to go to the Grand Torii Gate, the low tide additionally comes with its benefits.
Earlier than your day journey to Miyajima, it’s greatest to verify the occasions for low- and high-tide. In case you occur to go to throughout low tide at midday, don’t miss out on the possibility to stroll proper as much as the gate. Or postpone your stroll to the night, after visiting Mt. Misen, within the case of excessive tide. Both means, remember that your sneakers can nonetheless get fairly moist, even at low tide!
It doesn’t matter what, both view is gorgeous. In case you spend the entire day on Miyajima island, you’ll be able to expertise each.
7. Ascend The Staircase To Senjōkaku Corridor
Another not-to-be-missed spots on Miyajima are the 5-Storied Pagoda and Senjōkaku Corridor. Senjō (千畳) interprets as “one-thousand tatami mats”, which is a standard unit for measuring the scale of a room in Japan.
Senjōkaku Pavilion was initially commissioned by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1587. Nonetheless, Hideyoshi died in the course of the development, which suggests it was by no means completed and stays with out partitions. Its unfinishedness is what makes this place oddly charming.
Ensure to take your sneakers off earlier than exploring the massive wood terrace and take a peek on the crystal blue Seto Inland Sea surrounding Miyajima. Entree prices ¥100 per particular person, however the view is 100% price it!
8. Strive a Miyajima-Model Eel or Grilled Oyster
As Miyajima is an island, it received’t come as an enormous shock that seafood is a staple right here. Conger Eel rice is a well-liked dish to strive on the island – the dishes generally is a bit costly although.
Oysters are one other spotlight of Miyajima’s kitchen. Recent oysters are both grilled or cooked and could be topped with condiments.
There are a couple of eateries that promote these grilled oysters as avenue meals. I acquired to strive them with soy sauce on my final go to to Miyajima – they have been a lot better than I anticipated! I’m not the most important fan of uncooked oysters, however these have been scrumptious. And at solely ¥500 for 2 contemporary oysters, it’s price a strive.
9. Espresso with a View at Tenshinkaku
Earlier than we head to Mount Misen for the afternoon, let’s cease for a fast espresso break at one of many nicest cafes on the island, Tenshinkaku. The espresso is nice, and so are the muffins, however the principle purpose to go to this spot is the unimaginable views.
There’s a ¥550 cowl cost per particular person, however the coffees themselves are very low cost so it evens itself out. From the backyard of the cafe, you get a ravishing view of Miyajima’s 5-Storied Pagoda, Senjōkaku Corridor and the blue sea.
10. Relish the View from Mt. Misen
After our little espresso break, it’s time to stroll over to the Miyajima Ropeway Momijidani Station. This could take round 10–quarter-hour. There’s a picturesque path main by means of Momijidani Park throughout the Momiji Bridge and the Momijidani Bridge. It’s particularly stunning throughout autumn when the purple leaves are at their peak.
Reaching 535m above sea degree, Mt. Misen is the very best peak on Miyajima. There’s a climbing path that leads up the mountain, however you too can use the ropeway to stand up. In case you’re solely visiting Miyajima for someday, I recommend taking the ropeway up and strolling down.
In case you solely need to go as much as benefit from the view, taking the ropeway down once more can be an possibility. You could find detailed info on the fares and working hours of the ropeway on their official website.
The path is a bit steep, so climbing up could be fairly difficult – strolling down is way simpler and takes much less time. The hike down will reward you with some stunning views and a serene stroll by means of lush forests. There are some beautiful stops on the best way down too. It was certainly one of my favorite components of my day in Miyajima for certain!
By ropeway, you first must go all the best way as much as Shishiiwa Station together with a switch at Kayadani Station. From there, observe the trail as much as Mt. Misen Observatory on foot. The path down is simple to observe and takes you previous all of the vital stops. One in all them is the Everlasting Flame of Reikado Corridor.
The fireplace inside has burning for over 1,200 years and was lit by Kobo Daishi. He was a well-known Japanese Buddhist monk who introduced Shingon Buddism to Japan within the eighth century – he additionally based Koyasan, certainly one of Japan’s most non secular spots. The everlasting fireplace is warming an enormous pot of tea, out of which you’ll drink a cup. It’s mentioned to heal all kinds of illnesses, so it’s price a go!
11. Go to Daisho-In Temple
Following the route down Mt. Misen, you’ll find yourself at Daisho-In Temple simply earlier than making it again to the city space. Based by Kobo Daishi, this temple was established over 1,200 years in the past and is commonly ignored by folks visiting Miyajima for the day.
The temple is free to enter. Throughout autumn, the purple leaves make the world much more gorgeous. Other than the attractive Neomon Gate, there are a whole lot of little Jizo statues on the facet of the temple grounds.
Strolling up the steps to enter the temple, you’ll discover a row of spinning wheels following the steps. Every wheel has a sutra, or Buddhist scripture, written on it. Whereas strolling up or down the steps, you’ll be able to flip the wheels, which is claimed to have the identical impact as studying the sutras out loud. Every spin places out a blessing into the world.
12. Watch the Sundown on the Grand Torii Gate
After you end your stroll down Mt. Misen (or take the ropeway down), head again to the Grand Torii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine. Relying on the occasions for high- and low tide, you might now be capable of stroll beneath it or see it “afloat” on the water. Both means, that is your likelihood to see it the opposite means round!
On the proper second, the solar will peak by means of the four-pillar development, dyeing the frothy waves or moist sand beneath the gate within the deepest orange. After sundown, the sky above the encircling mountains will nonetheless be glowing in heat colors for some time. It’s the proper place to finish your Miyajima day journey.
13. Return to Hiroshima Station
With the darkish slowly taking up the island, our Miyajima itinerary involves an finish. It’s time to stroll again to Miyajima Pier and benefit from the sea breeze one final time earlier than boarding the ferry. From Miyajimaguchi Station, take the JR Sanyo Line to Hiroshima Station. Inside 40 minutes, you’ll be again in Hiroshima.
The ferries function very repeatedly till round 5 pm or 6 pm and scale back their frequency shortly thereafter.
How one can get to Miyajima from Hiroshima
Listed here are the perfect methods to get to Miyajima from Hiroshima:
1. JR Sanyo Line + JR West Miyajima Ferry / Miyajima Matsudai Kisen
The best and least expensive approach to get to Miyajima from Hiroshima is by taking the JR Sanyo Line (¥420) from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station. The practice experience will take you round 30–40 minutes.
From there, board a ferry that can convey you to Miyajima Pier inside 10 minutes. Two main corporations function between Miyajimaguchi Station and Miyajima Pier – the JR West Miyajima Ferry and the Miyajima Matsudai Kisen (each accessible at ¥200 for a one-way experience).
In case you’re utilizing the JR Cross, taking the JR Sanyo Line and the JR West Miyajima Ferry would be the most handy and cost-effective possibility for you.
2. Ferry from Motoyasu Pier
A noteworthy (though costlier) technique to entry Miyajima is by taking a ferry from Motoyasu Pier, situated near the Atomic Bomb Dome. The ferry experience takes about 45 minutes and prices ¥2,200 one-way or ¥4,000 for a round-trip.
Selecting this route solely is smart in the event you’re all in favour of having some sightseeing included in your cruise or in the event you intend to see the Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and different close by sights such because the Hiroshima Museum of Artwork earlier than going to Miyajima. Tickets for the ferry can be found straight on the dock.
Assuming that you’ve sufficient time to spend a complete day in Miyajima and can do sightseeing in Hiroshima on one other day, taking the practice from Hiroshima Station and the ferry from Miyajimaguchi is undeniably the best approach to entry the island.
!!! The ferry from Motoyasu Pier doesn’t function at low tide, so in the event you’re planning to make use of this route, double-check the low- and high-tide occasions beforehand.
Can You Do Miyajima and Hiroshima in One Day?
Whereas it’s doable to suit Miyajima and Hiroshima in someday, it’s not one thing we’d advise. Each Miyajima and Hiroshima have loads to supply, and totally exploring each locations takes greater than someday. Nonetheless, we perceive that you must make selections in terms of placing collectively a Japan itinerary. In case you’re quick on time, you’ll be able to nonetheless see essentially the most well-known landmarks in each locations in someday.
In case you’re planning to do that, you’ll be able to both guide a one-day Hiroshima and Miyajima guided tour from Osaka, or observe our one-day itinerary for each locations beneath:
As a substitute of going all the best way to Miyajimaguchi Station to board a ship, think about taking a ferry departing from Motoyasu Pier. You should buy your tickets straight on the terminal on the date – ¥2,200 for a one-way ticket and ¥4,000 for a round-trip ticket on the Hiroshima World Heritage Sea Route.
In case your place to begin within the morning is Hiroshima Station, take a bus to the Peace Memorial Museum first and discover the encircling Peace Memorial Park afterwards. The ferry dock is inside strolling distance of the Atomic Bomb Dome. You’ll have sufficient time to see the entire space earlier than midday after which head over to Miyajima.
The ferry from Motoyasu Pier is significantly costlier than combining the JR Sanyo Line (¥420) from Hiroshima Station and the JR West Miyajima Ferry / Miyajima Matsudai Kisen (¥200) to Miyajima Pier. It can save you cash by shopping for solely a one-way ticket from Motoyasu Pier to Miyajima and returning to Hiroshima Station by utilizing the common Miyajima ferries and the JR Sanyo Line within the night.
The boat journey from Motoyasu Pier will take round 45 minutes. On the best way, you’ll be able to take pleasure in some sightseeing because the ferry passes by a couple of vital landmarks of the town – a pleasant asset for individuals who lack time to totally discover Hiroshima
The tides can have an effect on the working schedule of the ferry from Motoyasu Pier. Ensure to be careful for surprising schedule modifications on the official web site to keep away from any form of pointless bother.
Earlier than going to Miyajima on a good schedule, you would possibly need to take a look at the three-hour or half-day sightseeing programs the Miyajima Vacationer Affiliation created. Each routes skip on Mt. Misen and its observatory deck however they cowl a few different stops on the island which can be inside attain on foot from Miyajima Pier.
In your means again, take the JR West Miyajima Ferry or the Miyajima Matsudai Kisen from Miyajima Pier to Miyajimaguchi Station and experience the JR Sanyo Line till you attain Hiroshima Station.
Conclusion – Is Miyajima Value A Day Journey?
Sure, Miyajima is price visiting! Due to its good entry to public transportation, a Miyajima day journey from Hiroshima could be very straightforward to plan and completely price it.
Miyajima is by far one of many most stunning day journey locations in Japan. With its eye-catching Grand Torii Gate seemingly floating on the ocean, this small island greater than deserves to be known as one of many three most scenic locations in Japan.
A day journey is greater than adequate to go to all the principle sights. However when you have slightly further time, staying in a Ryokan for an evening and testing a number of the surrounding climbing trails the following day could possibly be an incredible addition to additional improve your journey expertise to Miyajima.
House to one of many three most scenic views in Japan, Miyajima is broadly recognized for its mesmerising landscapes. And being simply accessible from Hiroshima, a Miyajima day journey makes for an excellent exercise for first-timers in addition to skilled travellers in Japan.
In case you’re contemplating travelling to Hiroshima and are nonetheless in search of a day journey vacation spot or just have some clean areas in your Japan itinerary to fill, don’t hesitate to dedicate a few of your time to Miyajima.
