Miyajima Travel Guide

Image from JNTO

Miyajima is a 40 minute trip by tram and ferry from downtown Hiroshima. Most people know Miyajima for its famous giant torii gate, which seems to float on top of the water. The island has been deemed a sacred place since ancient times and is now classified as a “Special Place of Scenic Beauty” in Japan.

The first thing you notice on arrival are the welcoming committee of deer. Several hundred deer roam freely on the 30sq km island, attaching themselves to tourists, who supply them with food.


The must see sights on Miyajima include:

Itsukushima Shrine – A Shinto Shrine built partly over the sea and Miyajima’s most visited attraction. It was first built in the 6th century with its present form dating from around 1168. It is ranked as one of Japan’s three best views.

Senjo-kaku – The Pavilion of 1000 Mats was built in 1587 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. It looks out on a colourful five storey pagoda dating from 1407.

Mt Misen – At 530m it is Miyajima’s highest point and is reachable by cable car or a path through the forest to the top. There is a 9th century Buddhist temple near the summit.

Daoshoim Temple – A beautiful temple at the foot of Mt Misen, where 500 Buddhist statues are displayed.

Miyajima is a great day trip from Hiroshima, but there are quite a few places to spend the night including about 20 ryokan (Japanese style inns) and modern style B&Bs.

Miyajima is still a relatively undiscovered wonder for the foreign tourist to Japan, so be sure to put it at the top of your list for your next visit to Japan.

Image from JNTO