Miyajima Island Travel Guide

This guide is for travelers seeking the floating torii gate. It answers: “How to visit Miyajima Island?”

Quick Facts

Best for: Photographers, shrine visitors, nature lovers
Time needed: Half day to full day
Access: JR ferry from Miyajimaguchi (10 min), covered by JR Pass
UNESCO: Itsukushima Shrine is World Heritage

Overview

Miyajima Island Travel Guide - Image 2 — Photo by Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Miyajima is a sacred island famous for its floating torii gate and Itsukushima Shrine. One of Japans most photographed sites. Friendly deer roam freely. Traditional shopping street and Mt. Misen offer more to explore.

Top Attractions

Itsukushima Shrine

Shinto shrine built over water. The famous orange torii gate appears to float at high tide. Low tide allows walking to the gate.

The main hall and other structures of Itsukushima Shrine, built on stilts over the water at high tide. — Itsukushima Shrine — Photo by Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0

The iconic red torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine appearing to float on the water at high tide on Miyajima Island. — Itsukushima Shrine — Photo by shankar s. from Poona (pune), India, India / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

Mt. Misen

Sacred mountain with hiking trails or ropeway. Panoramic views from summit. Wild monkeys and deer.

A panoramic view of Miyajima Island and the Seto Inland Sea from the summit of Mt. Misen. — Mt. Misen View — Photo by KimonBerlin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0

Shopping Street

Omotesando covered arcade with local specialties. Try momiji manju (maple leaf cakes) and grilled oysters.

Various flavors of momiji manju, a maple leaf-shaped cake, a popular local specialty on Miyajima's shopping street. — Momiji Manju — Photo by NY066 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

Tips

Tide times: Check tide tables. High tide for floating effect, low tide to walk to gate.
Overnight: Stay to see illuminated torii at night and sunrise.
Deer: Friendly but can grab food and maps. Careful with belongings.

Getting There

From Hiroshima Airport (HIJ)

Recommended (Mid-range): Take the Airport Limousine Bus to Hiroshima Station (Shinkansen Exit) in approximately 45–50 minutes. From there, transfer to the JR Sanyo Line to reach the ferry terminal. Taxis are available but are significantly more expensive (Premium) given the distance.

From Major Cities (via Shinkansen)

Most visitors arrive via the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen. Recommended (Premium): Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima Station. From Shin-Osaka Station, the trip takes approximately 80–90 minutes (Mizuho/Nozomi) or 100 minutes (Sakura). From Tokyo Station, the journey takes approximately 4 hours.

From Hiroshima Station to Ferry Port

To reach the island, you must first travel to Miyajimaguchi Station.

Recommended (Budget): Take the JR Sanyo Line 🔴 heading towards Iwakuni to Miyajimaguchi Station in approximately 25–30 minutes. This is the fastest route.
Alternative (Scenic/Slow): Take the Hiroden Streetcar Line 2 🔴 to Hiroden-miyajima-guchi Station. This takes approximately 60–70 minutes but offers a scenic street-level view of the city.
Premium (Direct Boat): The “World Heritage Sea Route” high-speed boat connects the Peace Memorial Park directly to Miyajima Pier in approximately 45 minutes, bypassing the train and ferry transfer.

Ferry Crossing

From Miyajimaguchi Station, walk approximately 5 minutes to the ferry terminal. Two companies operate ferries to Miyajima Pier: the JR Miyajima Ferry and the Matsudai Kisen Ferry. Both take approximately 10 minutes.

Note: The Japan Rail Pass covers the JR Miyajima Ferry only. IC cards (ICOCA, Suica, PASMO) are accepted on both ferries and the connecting trains. A small visitor tax is usually collected upon ticket purchase.

Sources

Tourism board: Miyajima Tourism

Last updated: 2026-02-03