We took the boat from the river in Hiroshima over and the big ferry back then used the trams to get back into Hiroshima. It was easy. Would recommend get the river boat ticket early but we got the large ferry at the end of the day with our IC card and same for the tram.
Was lovely to visit when the tide was coming in. Also note that unlike the deer at Nara Park the deer on the island are very pushy and we watched them take food and drink from out of people's hands and bags etc... just be mindful of this. And you have to pay to go into the main temple area. There are heaps of streets to walk and other shops.
From the moment I stepped off the ferry, I was greeted by the delightful sight of the island’s deer, eager for a nibble.
The serenity of the surroundings was striking, and the atmosphere was truly calming.
A short walk just offshore leads to the magnificent Great Torii Gate, partially submerged at high tide, which marks the entrance to the historic Itsukushima Shrine, originally established in the 12th century.
Exploring the village was equally enjoyable, with a myriad of delightful eateries and charming spots to relax.
I found the local cuisine to be remarkable, adding to the overall experience.
I highly recommend visiting Itsukushima Island for anyone seeking a peaceful escape while immersing themselves in rich cultural heritage.
A very picturesque place. Walking under the red gate Torii means good luck, but you have to wait for low tide to do so. There are a lot of people around, but you still feel peaceful and calm. Getting from the center of Hiroshima takes quite a long time - about an hour and a half if you use the tram and ferry combination, and about 40 minutes by direct boat from the Peace Memorial. Nevertheless, you will definitely not regret the visit here and the time spent.
A stunning Shinto shrine with a floating tori gate. This is the location where to G7 meeting took place in 2023.
This location has 2 modes, a low tide and high tide. During low tide you can walk along side the tori gate and take a closer look at the gigantic structure. During high tide you can feel as if the shrine is floating on the water. You can check the tide information online.
Amazingly the tori gate is not bolted to the ground and somehow is not swept away after so many years. You can also see that the constructing is ancient as the pillars are not equal, you can see the shape of a tree trunk in the pillar.
The area is huge even though there is a lot of people it does not feel crowded. It is a stunning location that definitely deserves a visit if you are in Hiroshima.
This is place also has a lot of deer, I feel like the deer here are more wild compared to the ones in Nara. This island feels more like a deer place than Nara in my opinion.
Visited at 27 Mar 2025
I absolutely loved this place! The refreshing waters, inviting beach, soft sand, and pleasant, cool climate created the perfect atmosphere. It was also amusing to see the wild deer freely roaming around, comically chasing after anyone with ice cream! Despite the high tide upon our arrival and the bustling crowds, the delicious food, interesting souvenirs, enjoyable climbs, and the scenic Ropeway all contributed to a truly wonderful two-hour excursion from Hiroshima Station. The fact that we only had to pay the nominal tourist tax of JPY100 upon entry, thanks to our JR Passes, made it even better.
