Miyajima Island: Best Things to Do

Miyajima is a small island in Hiroshima Prefecture, also known as “Shrine Island”. This is where one of the greatest Japanese shrines, called “Itsukushima Shrine” and its magnificent floating red torii gate, are located. People strongly believe that it’s the “home of God”. Along with Matsushima in Miyagi and Amanohashidate in Kyoto, it’s counted as one of “Nihon Sankei“, Japan’s three most scenic sights.

In this article, I’m going to introduce top highlights on the island as well as some tips to make your Miyajima trip little more exciting. Let’s visit Miyajima Island and have the most amazing spiritual experience in Japan!

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1. Visit Itsukushima Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社) is a Shinto shrine on Itsukushima island (also known as Miyajima) in Hiroshima prefecture and mostly known for its floating red torii gate. The shrine complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Japanese government has designated several buildings and possessions as National Treasures.

More info: Itsukushima Shrine: the Floating Icon of Japan

2. Take Photos at the Floating Torii Gate

The great symbol of the island. This 18 m high/6 t red torii gate stands there to represent the island to us.

Depending on the tide, you can enjoy views of the red torii gate in a totally different way. When the tide is high, the gate looks literally floating on the sea, which is so mystical. It’s also great for photography, as you can capture the gate without people around.

An advantage when the tide is low is that you can actually walk to the gate and touch it. It’s great to see the magnificent gate close by and feel the energy of it with your hand directly.

High and low tide timing is every 6 hours. Check the tide chart before planning your trip to Miyajima.

3. Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street

Miyajima Island has a shopping street called “Omote Sando Shotengai” where you can enjoy walking around with snacking, and shopping. Maple leaf-shaped, small, sweet cake called Momiji Manju is the most popular snack here. Also, you should definitely try oysters! Hiroshima’s oysters are so rich and tasty. There are many oyster bars where you can enjoy grilled oysters for 1 piece. My recommendation would be “oyster curry-pan,” which isa  fried bread roll stuffed with curry and two pieces of oysters!

4. Meet Friendly Deer

It is a great surprise that the island is a habitat of 500 wild Japanese deer, and they are considered messengers of the god. You can see them everywhere on the island, and they are quite friendly to tourists.

5. Daisho-in Temple

Daisho-In Temple (大聖院) is one of the most unique and interesting temples in Japan and definitely worth visiting cos it’s not the usual one like you’ve seen before. The temple is 5 mins away from the world heritage site “Itsukushima Shrine” and the base of Mount Misen. Daisho-in temple complex is a spread over a large area on a slope of the mountain with beautiful buildings and on different levels.

More info: Daisho-in Temple: the Hidden Wonder on Miyajima Island, Hiroshima

6. Miyajima Public Aquarium

Miyajima Aquarium is a large aquarium that features a number of sea creatures from the local area around the island and the Seto Inland Sea, as well as rare animals such as the  Finless porpoise.

More info: http://www.miyajima-aqua.jp/english/

7. Mt. Misen

Miyajima Island is not only about the world heritage shrine, but there are also many spots to explore, including several other great shrines and temples, an aquarium, nostalgic streets, etc. But if you are looking for something more active, do a hike to Mt. Misen, which has the highest peak of the island at 500 m. The trail to the summit takes around 1.5~2 hours one way through great nature into the forest. If you prefer a faster and easier way, there is a ropeway service to the summit, too, with an amazing overlook view of the island! Enjoy the great view of the Seto Inland Sea from the top!

8. Senjokaku Pavilion

Senjokaku Pavilion (千畳閣) is a main hall of Hokoku Shrine, located on a hill near Itsukushima Shrine. It is called “Senjokaku” (means 1,000 tatami mats) because it has a large space equal to 857 tatami mats. It was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the most powerful feudal lords in Japanese history, in order to recite the thousand sutras. Next to the hall, there is a beautiful five-story pagoda.

9. Momijidani Park

Momijidani Park (紅葉谷公園) is one of the most popular places for autumn leaves viewing in Western Japan. The park boasts approximately 700 trees, including 200 varieties of maple trees, which display an astonishing scenery of warm coloured leaves in autumn.

10. Rilakkuma Sabo

Rilakkuma Sabo is a character-themed cafe on the Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street, featuring the popular Japanese character Rilakkuma. The restaurant and takeaway area of the store is closed now, but the shop area offers a wide range of Rilakkuma exclusive to Miyajima Island, featuring famous icons and motifs of the region, such as the floating torii gate and maple leaves.

More info: Rilakkuma Themed Cafe in Miyajima

Access

The most common way to access Miyajima Island is by ferry from JR Miyajimaguchi station (JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima city). There are two ferry companies, JR and Matsudai. Each company runs a ferry service approximately every 15 minutes. The journey takes around 10 minutes to Miyajima Island and costs 200 JPY one dway.

There are also direct ferry services available from Hiroshima Peace Park (one way:2,300 JPY) and Hiroshima Port (one way:2,100 JPY)

Miyajima is one of the most popular tourist sites in Japan today and it is not easy to avoid crowds when you visit there. However, there are some hidden spots and different ways to explore the island off the beaten track route! Join the “Miyajima 1-Day Hidden Hiking Tour” and discover the true beauty of the island of Miyajima with a local guide! See the link below for more details!

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