Miyajima Island Travel Tips

Best of Japan

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1 of 5 in Hiroshima Prefecture

Miyajima Island (宮島), less than an hour from Hiroshima, is a captivating destination famous for its iconic giant torii gate that appears to float on water at high tide. This breathtaking sight is celebrated as one of Japan's three best views. Officially known as Itsukushima, the island is affectionately called Miyajima, meaning "shrine island," due to the close association with Itsukushima Shrine, whose stunning main buildings also rise above the water.

To truly experience Miyajima’s charm, consider an overnight stay at one of the island's traditional ryokan. While daytime visitors create a lively atmosphere, evenings reveal a serene and romantic ambiance. The island is also home to friendly wild deer, often seen roaming near tourists during the day and peacefully resting along the paths by night. Just remember, unlike their counterparts in Nara, the deer on Miyajima should not be fed.

Getting around

In Miyajima Island, most things to see are near Itsukushima Shrine and Mount Misen. The island is big, but these two areas are where visitors spend most of their time.

From the ferry terminal, it’s a 10-minute walk to the shrine. Other attractions are close by and easy to reach on foot. To get to Mount Misen, you can take the Miyajima Ropeway, which starts about 10 minutes from the shrine, or hike one of the three trails to the top.