Miyajima is a small island located in the Seto Inland Sea, about 1.5 hours from Hiroshima by public transport. Considered a sacred island, it is deeply rooted in Japanese traditions and spirituality. Miyajima is best known for its iconic floating torii gate, one of the most famous symbols of Japan.

Where is Miyajima Island?

Miyajima (officially called Itsukushima) lies just off the coast of Hiroshima Bay. Despite its small size, the island feels incredibly special, with mountains, temples, and traditional streets creating a peaceful atmosphere—at least early in the morning or late in the day.

How to Get to Miyajima from Hiroshima

From Hiroshima, you can:

• Take a tram or train to Miyajimaguchi Station
• Then hop on a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island

You can simply type “Miyajimaguchi Station” into Google Maps to find the easiest route from your location in Hiroshima.
The ferry crossing takes about 10 minutes and costs around 1,3€ one way.

Is It Worth Staying Overnight on Miyajima?

Some travelers choose to stay overnight on the island, which allows them to enjoy Miyajima early in the morning or late in the evening, once the day-trippers have left.
I think this is a lovely option, but accommodations are limited, so make sure to book well in advance, especially during peak seasons.

How Crowded Is Miyajima?

If you visit Miyajima, be prepared to see a lot of tourists.
We went in November, and the island was extremely busy, with hundreds of Japanese students on school trips. It can feel overwhelming at times, but despite the crowds, Miyajima is absolutely worth it—the scenery is stunning and the atmosphere remains special.

One-Day Itinerary for Miyajima

1. The Floating Torii Gate & Itsukushima Shrine

Start your visit at the famous torii gate in the water. Depending on the tide, the gate may appear fully surrounded by water or completely accessible on foot.
Both experiences are beautiful, so try to check tide times in advance.

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2. Walk Through the Traditional Village

After visiting the shrine, stroll through Miyajima’s traditional shopping streets, lined with wooden houses, small shops, and local food stalls.

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3. Mount Misen: Ropeway or Hiking?

Next, head towards Mount Misen, the highest point on the island.

You can:

• Take the ropeway (cable car) (about 6,60€ one way)
• Or hike up if you’re feeling motivated

We chose to take the ropeway up and hike down, which was absolutely amazing. The views from the top are breathtaking.

⚠️ I do not recommend hiking up and taking the ropeway down. The uphill trail is made of endless stone steps—long, exhausting, and honestly quite frustrating. Going down is much more enjoyable.

After enjoying the viewpoint, start the descent. Be careful: there are hundreds of steps on the way down, so take your time.

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5. Daishō-in Temple (Perfect for Sunset)

On your way down, you’ll pass Daishō-in Temple, a beautiful and peaceful place surrounded by mountains.
If you manage to reach it around sunset, the atmosphere is absolutely magical.

Miyajima’s Sacred Traditions

Miyajima is considered one of Japan’s most sacred islands. To preserve its spiritual purity, deaths and births were traditionally forbidden on the island, forcing pregnant women and the elderly to leave when necessary.

The famous Itsukushima Shrine was built over the water rather than on land, respecting the sacred nature of the island itself. Its iconic torii gate marks the entrance to the spiritual world, separating the human realm from the divine.

Deer roam freely across the island and are regarded as messengers of the gods in Shinto beliefs. Alongside this, Shinto and Buddhist traditions coexist harmoniously, making Miyajima a powerful place of spiritual balance and reflection.

Final Thoughts

Despite the crowds, Miyajima is one of the most beautiful places to visit near Hiroshima. With good timing and a bit of planning, a one-day trip is enough to experience its highlights—and you’ll likely leave wanting to stay longer.