Miyajima Island
An island so sacred that for centuries neither births nor deaths were permitted on it. Deer wander the streets and the torii stands in the sea.
The island itself is the shrine
Miyajima — properly Itsukushima — has been considered sacred for so long that the shrine was built over the water specifically so that pilgrims would not have to set foot on holy ground. For centuries births and deaths were not permitted on the island, and there is still no cemetery. Deer roam freely as they do in Nara. Most visitors come as a day trip from Hiroshima and leave by five, which is a mistake: the island after the last ferries go is a completely different and far better place.
Explore Miyajima Island on the map
City locations, drawn from our published destination data. Attractions, hotels and restaurants are not mapped yet.
What to do on the island
The shrine is the reason people come; the mountain behind it is why they stay.
⛩ Itsukushima Shrine
- Built on stilts over the water, with its famous sea torii
- Charged separately — see its own page for detail
⛰ Mount Misen
- A ropeway most of the way, then a 30-minute climb to the summit
- The best view of the Inland Sea anywhere
🦌 The village
- Omotesando shopping street, with momiji manju cakes baked in front of you
- Daisho-in temple on the hillside, quiet and remarkable
Getting to Miyajima
A train and a short ferry from Hiroshima, about an hour door to door.
🚆 By train and ferry
- JR to Miyajimaguchi (~25 min), then a 10-minute ferry
- The JR ferry is covered by the JR Pass
🚢 Direct boat
- A high-speed boat runs from near the Peace Park directly to the island
💴 Fees
- A small island visitor tax applies in addition to the ferry
When to come
The tide governs the shrine and the ferry timetable governs the crowds.
🌊 Tides
- High tide floats the shrine and torii; low tide lets you walk out to the gate
- Check a tide table before choosing your hour — they are published locally
🌆 Evening
- After 5pm the day trippers leave and the island empties
- Staying overnight is the single best decision you can make here
🍁 Season
- Momijidani park in late November is exceptional
Visitor intelligence
Two things dominate a Miyajima visit: the tide, and the last ferry.
🌊 Tide planning
- High and low tide give genuinely different visits — pick deliberately
- Tide tables are posted at the ferry terminal and online
🦌 The deer
- Free-roaming and bold; they will take food and paper from bags
- Do not feed them — it is discouraged here, unlike Nara
🗣 Language
- Well set up for English visitors throughout
⏰ Last ferry
- Check the last return time before you climb Misen
- Missing it means staying, which is not the worst outcome
Close by
The island and Hiroshima across the water.
Frequently asked
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