What to Do on Miyajima Island

Floating just off the coast of Hiroshima, Miyajima Island is one of Japan’s most iconic destinations, and for good reason. Towering forested hills, a sacred Shinto shrine that appears to rise straight out of the sea, and streets full of irresistible food make it one of those rare places where the hype is justified. Whether you’re visiting as a day trip from Hiroshima or spending the night to experience it after the crowds leave, here’s everything you need to know about making the most of your time on the island.

How to Get to Miyajima Island

From Hiroshima, the journey is straightforward and very scenic:

1. Take the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station (about 25 minutes). 
2. From Miyajimaguchi, board the JR Ferry to Miyajima (about 10 minutes). The JR Ferry is covered by the JR Pass, ¥200 without the pass.
3. Ferries run frequently throughout the day, roughly every 10–15 minutes.

Alternatively, a ferry run by Matsudai Kisen departs from the same pier and costs around ¥200 each way. It is not covered by the JR Pass but is a good option as well.

There’s also the Aqua Net ferry that runs between Peace Park and Miyajima (around 45 minutes). This option is significantly more than the other ferries at ¥2,000/3,600 one-way/return.

Top 5 Things to Do on Miyajima Island

1. Itsukushima Shrine

No visit to Miyajima would be complete without seeing Itsukushima Shrine, one of Japan’s three most celebrated views and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The shrine’s vivid vermilion corridors stretch out over the tidal flats on stilts, creating the magical illusion that the whole structure is floating on water. Visit at high tide for that picture-perfect reflection, or at low tide to walk right up to the famous torii gate rising from the sand.

Don’t Miss:

• The O-Torii Gate, standing over 16 metres tall and reaching back over 1,400 years in history. At low tide you can walk out and stand beneath it.
• The Noh theatre stage on the shrine’s outer deck — one of the oldest surviving outdoor stages in Japan.
• Catching the shrine at dusk, when the lanterns glow and the day-trippers have started heading home.

Tip: Entry to the shrine itself costs ¥300. Tidal times are posted at the ferry terminal, so check before you set off to time your visit right.

2. Senjokaku Pavilion & Five-Storied Pagoda

A short walk uphill from Itsukushima Shrine sits Senjokaku, a huge unfinished wooden hall commissioned by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1587. The interior is airy and atmospheric, its beams lined with votive plaques and wooden paddles. Right alongside it, the Five-Storied Pagoda makes for a stunning contrast — ornate, deeply colourful, and one of the most-photographed spots on the island.

Don’t Miss:

• The view from Senjokaku’s open veranda looking down toward the shrine and the sea.
• The pagoda’s intricate bracket system, which blends Japanese and Chinese architectural styles.

Tip: Senjokaku costs ¥100 to enter. 

3. Mount Misen

For the best views on the island, head to the summit of Mount Misen. You can reach the top by taking the Miyajima Ropeway, which involves two gondola stages via Kayatani Station, followed by a 30-minute hike to the summit. Alternatively, several hiking trails lead up through ancient cedar forests if you prefer to go on foot.

From the top, on a clear day you can see across the Seto Inland Sea to Hiroshima and beyond.

Tip: The ropeway costs around ¥2,000 one way or ¥3,000 return. Aim to take the ropeway up and hike one of the trails back down for the best experience.

4. Daisho-in Temple

Tucked into the forested hillside beneath Mount Misen, Daisho-in Temple is one of Japan’s most important Shingon Buddhist temples and, rather remarkably, far less crowded than the shrine. The complex is full of fascinating detail: moss-covered stone lanterns, rows of Jizo statues in hand-knitted hats, prayer wheels lining the stone steps, and an atmospheric cave filled with Buddhist iconography.

Don’t Miss:

• The Maniden Hall, housing a stunning Fudo Myoo statue amid glittering gold ornaments.
• Spinning the brass prayer wheels as you climb the steps. Each turn is said to carry the same merit as reading the sutra inscribed on it.

Tip: Entry to Daisho-in is free. It makes a great stop on the way to or from the ropeway.

5. Omotesando Shopping Street

Running from the ferry pier toward Itsukushima Shrine, Omotesando is Miyajima’s main shopping street and the best place to try the island’s local specialities. The smell of fresh-grilled oysters and hot momiji manju (maple-leaf-shaped cakes) follows you from one end to the other.

Don’t Miss:

• Momiji Manju: The island’s signature sweet. Small maple-leaf-shaped cakes filled with red bean paste, custard, chocolate, or matcha. Every bakery has a slightly different version. Try a few.
• Grilled Oysters: Hiroshima Prefecture is Japan’s top oyster-producing region and Miyajima’s oysters are among the best. Several stalls along the street grill them fresh over charcoal.
• Anago (Saltwater Eel) Rice: Miyajima’s other celebrated local dish. Slow-braised eel over seasoned rice, served either as a donburi bowl or as a bento box.

Suggested Miyajima Itinerary

Morning

• Catch an early ferry from Hiroshima to beat the day-trip crowds.
• Head directly to Itsukushima Shrine at high tide for the iconic floating views.
• Explore Senjokaku Pavilion and the Five-Storied Pagoda.

Late Morning

• Take the ropeway up to Mount Misen and hike to the summit.
• Enjoy the panoramic views over the Seto Inland Sea.

Lunch

• Head back down and grab lunch in town. Try the anago rice or pick up a plate of grilled oysters from one of the stalls on Omotesando.

Afternoon

• Explore Daisho-in Temple at a leisurely pace.
• Wander back along Omotesando and stock up on momiji manju.
• Return to the shrine at low tide if you haven’t yet, walking out to the O-Torii Gate is an experience in itself.

Evening (if staying overnight)

• Watch the day-trippers head for the last ferries and enjoy the island’s peaceful late-afternoon atmosphere.
• Stroll back to the shrine at dusk to see it lit by lanterns.

Practical Tips for Visiting Miyajima Island

• Arrive early or stay late: Miyajima gets extremely busy in the middle of the day, especially on weekends and during cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and autumn foliage season (mid-November). Arriving on the first or second ferry of the morning makes a huge difference.
• The deer are friendly, but cheeky: Deer roam freely all over the island. They are used to people and largely unbothered, but they will steal food or paper if given the chance. Keep your map and snacks secure.
• Check the tides: The experience at Itsukushima Shrine changes completely depending on the tide. High tide gives you the famous floating reflection; low tide lets you walk to the torii gate. Tidal times are displayed at the ferry pier and on the shrine’s official website.
• IC Cards and JR Pass: The JR Ferry from Miyajimaguchi is covered by the JR Pass and by IC cards like Suica or ICOCA. It’s the most convenient option.
• Staying overnight: If your schedule allows, spending the night on Miyajima is highly recommended. The island transforms completely once the day-trippers leave. The streets go quiet, deer wander freely, and the shrine takes on a completely different atmosphere.
• Coin lockers: Available at Miyajima Ferry Terminal if you’re carrying luggage and want to explore hands-free.

Planning Your Visit to Miyajima Island: Quick Answers

How long do you need on Miyajima Island?

Most visitors can cover the main highlights (the shrine, Senjokaku, Omotesando, and Daisho-in) in a half day. If you want to hike Mount Misen as well, budget a full day. Staying overnight lets you experience the island at its most peaceful.

Is Miyajima worth visiting as a day trip from Hiroshima?

Absolutely. The ferry from Miyajimaguchi takes just 10 minutes, and the total journey from Hiroshima is under an hour. It’s one of the most rewarding day trips in Japan.

Is the JR Pass valid for Miyajima?

Yes. Both the JR train to Miyajimaguchi and the JR Ferry across to the island are covered by the JR Pass.

When is the best time to visit Miyajima?

Spring (late March to early April) for cherry blossoms and autumn (mid-November) for red maple foliage are the most scenic times, though also the busiest. Early mornings on any day of the year are the best time to beat the crowds.

Do I need to pay to enter Itsukushima Shrine?

Yes, entry costs ¥300. Daisho-in Temple is free to enter, and the exterior of the torii gate and pagoda can be seen without paying anything.

Miyajima is the kind of place that earns its spot on every Japan itinerary. Whether you spend a few hours or a full day, there’s more than enough here to fill your time and enough beauty to make you wish you’d stayed even longer.