Hiroshima Day Guides
by Trip To Japan
How to Spend a Day Exploring Miyajima Island
Miyajima Island, also called Itsukushima, is one of the most beautiful places in Japan. It is famous for its floating torii gate, friendly deer, and peaceful atmosphere.
This guide will take you through a full day of exploring the island, including Itsukushima Shrine, Mount Misen, and Daisho-in Temple. You will also enjoy delicious local food and see some of the best views in Hiroshima.
Let’s begin!
Take a Train to Miyajimaguchi Station
To reach Miyajima Island, take a train to Miyajimaguchi Station, the closest station to the ferry terminal.
Recommended Train Routes:
JR Sanyo Line – A direct train from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station (about 25 minutes).
Hiroden Tram Line 2 – A slower but scenic tram route from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi (about 60 minutes).
Traveler’s Tip: If you have a Japan Rail Pass, the JR Sanyo Line is the best option because it is covered.
Take the Ferry from Miyajimaguchi to Miyajima Island
Walking Distance: 5 minutes from Miyajimaguchi Station to the ferry terminal
Ferry Ride Time: About 10 minutes
Ferry Options:
JR Miyajima Ferry (free with JR Pass)
Miyajima Matsudai Ferry (paid, around ¥200 one-way)
The ferry ride offers beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea and the famous floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.
Traveler’s Tip: Stand on the deck for the best view of the torii gate as you approach the island.
Explore Itsukushima Shrine and the Floating Torii Gate
Walking Distance: 10 minutes from the ferry terminal
Entrance Fee: ¥300
Itsukushima Shrine is one of Japan’s most famous shrines, built over the water, giving it a floating appearance.
What to Do at Itsukushima Shrine:
✔ Walk through the wooden shrine buildings and see the ocean views.
✔ Take pictures of the floating torii gate from different angles.
✔ Visit the Marodo Shrine, a smaller shrine inside the complex.
✔ If the tide is low, walk up close to the torii gate.
Traveler’s Tip: Check the tide schedule before your visit. The torii gate looks different at high tide (floating) and low tide (accessible on foot).
Walk Along Omotesando Shopping Street and Try Local Snacks
Walking Distance: 5 minutes from Itsukushima Shrine
Omotesando Shopping Street is the main shopping and food street on Miyajima, filled with local specialties and souvenir shops.
What to Do on Omotesando Street:
✔ Eat momiji manju, a maple-leaf-shaped sweet filled with red bean or custard.
✔ Try grilled oysters, a specialty of Hiroshima.
✔ Eat anago-meshi (grilled eel over rice), another popular dish.
✔ Shop for handmade wooden crafts, lucky charms, and souvenirs.
Recommended Snack Shops:
Kakiya – Famous for fresh grilled oysters.
Momijido – Serves fried momiji manju.
Ueno Anagomeshi – A popular place for grilled eel rice bowls.
Yakigaki-no-Hayashi (Vegan-Friendly Option: Grilled Rice Balls) – Serves Hiroshima’s famous oysters and vegetarian-friendly grilled rice balls.
Traveler’s Tip: Many food stalls offer free samples, so take your time tasting different snacks.
Take the Ropeway to Mount Misen
Walking Distance: 20 minutes from Omotesando Street to the ropeway station (or take a shuttle bus).
Ropeway Fee: ¥1,100 one-way / ¥1,800 round-trip
Mount Misen is the highest point on Miyajima, offering breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea.
What to Do at Mount Misen:
✔ Ride the Miyajima Ropeway to Shishiiwa Observatory for a great view.
✔ Hike 30 minutes to the summit for a better panoramic view.
✔ Visit Reikado Hall, which has a sacred fire that has burned for over 1,200 years.
✔ Stop at Misen Hondo (Main Hall) and Kuguri Iwa Rock, a large rock with a hole in the middle.
Traveler’s Tip: If you like hiking, you can skip the ropeway and walk up the Momijidani Trail or Daisho-in Trail (takes about 90 minutes).
Visit Daisho-in Temple
Walking Distance: 30 minutes down from Mount Misen or 10 minutes from the ropeway station
Entrance Fee: Free
Daisho-in is a peaceful and beautiful Buddhist temple with many unique features.
What to Do at Daisho-in Temple:
✔ Walk through the 1,000 Jizo Statues, each with different facial expressions.
✔ Spin the prayer wheels as you walk up the temple stairs.
✔ See the sand mandalas, colorful Buddhist art created by monks.
✔ Enjoy the quiet and relaxing atmosphere, away from the crowds.
Late Afternoon Coffee Break Near the Waterfront
Before heading back, relax at a seaside café with a coffee or dessert.
Recommended Cafés:
Miyajima Coffee – A cozy café serving fresh coffee and pastries.
Sarasvati – A stylish coffee shop with great espresso and cakes.
Sakuraya (Vegan-Friendly) – A small shop with vegan-friendly matcha sweets and soy-based drinks.
Take the Ferry Back to Miyajimaguchi
Walking Distance: 10 minutes from Daisho-in to the ferry terminal
Ferry Ride Time: About 10 minutes
Head back to the mainland by taking the JR Miyajima Ferry or Miyajima Matsudai Ferry.
Dinner Near Hiroshima Station
Before returning to your hotel, enjoy a delicious dinner near Hiroshima Station.
Recommended Dinner Spots:
Reichan – Serves Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
Sushitei Hikarimachi – A great spot for fresh sushi and sashimi.
Kanawa – Specializes in Hiroshima oysters and seafood.
Shanti Vegan Café – A plant-based restaurant with Japanese and international dishes.
Return to Your Hotel
After dinner, take a tram or train back to your hotel in Hiroshima.
Recommended Transportation:
JR Sanyo Line – Best for travelers near Hiroshima Station.
Hiroshima Electric Railway (Hiroden Tram) – Convenient for those staying in central Hiroshima.