Miyajima

The sacred island of the UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine, where the vermilion torii gate in the sea rises and falls with the tide. Beyond the deer, the five-storied pagoda, and Omotesando, you can climb Mount Misen for views over the Seto Inland Sea.

Miyajima's official name is Itsukushima. It lies in the western part of Hiroshima Bay and belongs to Hatsukaichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture. Since ancient times the whole island has been revered as sacred, and together with Matsushima and Amanohashidate it is counted as one of Japan's 'Three Views.' Itsukushima Shrine on the north shore, together with the primeval forest of Mount Misen behind it, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The vermilion Great Torii standing in the sea is one of Japan's most iconic sights.

The sights are concentrated on the north shore. From Miyajima Pier, it is about a 15-minute walk along the shore or the Omotesando shopping street to Itsukushima Shrine. Along the way are Senjōkaku and the five-storied pagoda, and the Machiya-dori old street. Near the shrine exit are Daigan-ji Temple, the Tahoto pagoda, the treasure hall, and the Historical Folk Museum. Further west are Kiyomori Shrine and the Miyajima Aquarium. Heading south through Momijidani Park, you can take the ropeway or hike up Mount Misen, where the summit offers views over the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Daishō-in Temple is another starting point for the hike up the mountain.

Getting there: from Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo Main Line for about 27 minutes to Miyajimaguchi Station, then walk to the pier and transfer to a JR or Matsudai Kisen ferry, about 10 minutes. You can also take a high-speed boat from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, about 45 minutes direct. Since 2023, visitors have had to pay the Miyajima visitor tax (100 yen per person, collected with the ferry ticket). Plan at least half a day. Seeing the tides and climbing Mount Misen takes a full day. Staying one night lets you see the torii lit up after dark and the shrine without crowds in the early morning. Check the tide table before you go: at high tide the torii appears to float on the sea, and at low tide you can walk right up to its base. The island has many deer, so do not feed them.

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