宮島
Miyajima
Hiroshima · chugoku
historynatureculture
The island shrine with a great torii gate standing in the sea - consistently voted Japan's most beautiful scenery.
Who Miyajima is for
Everyone visiting Hiroshima - one of Japan's three great scenic views.
About Miyajima
Itsukushima Shrine, founded in 593 AD, was built over water on a tidal island too sacred to touch. The vermillion O-Torii gate at high tide is Japan's most photographed symbol. Deer roam freely.
Things to do
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Itsukushima Jinja
PopularVenerable 16th-century Shinto shrine, famed for an iconic orange gate that "floats" at high tide.
View on Google MapsItsukushima Shrine - Main Sanctuary & Hall of Worship
One of Japan's most revered sites, this ancient Shinto shrine seems to float on water at high tide.
View on Google MapsMiyajima Public Aquarium
Compact, family-friendly aquarium with whale tanks, penguin pools, sea lion shows & a picnic area.
View on Google MapsDaishoin
Venerable Buddhist temple complex, founded in 806 CE, with many halls & carved stone images.
View on Google MapsAnagomeshi Ueno あなごめしうえの
Traditional dining room offering grill dishes & sushi made with conger eel, plus bento lunch boxes.
View on Google Maps
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Plan a trip to Miyajima →Getting around Miyajima
Most visitors reach the island by ferry from Hiroshima's port; the JR West ferry and Matsudai ferry company both operate regular services (around ¥180 - ¥210 one-way, typically every 15 - 30 minutes). Once on the island, getting around is straightforward - the town center and main attractions like Itsukushima Shrine and the famous floating torii gate are easily explored on foot, with most sights within a 20 - 30 minute walk of the ferry terminal. You can pay ferry fares with IC cards like Suica or ICOCA, or buy paper tickets at the terminal. For those wanting to venture further, rental bicycles are available near the pier (usually ¥1,000 - ¥1,500 per day) and work well for exploring the scenic coastal paths and quieter neighborhoods. Taxis are available but rarely necessary given the compact, walkable layout of the island.
Best time to visit
The ideal months to visit are late March through early April for cherry blossoms and November for vivid autumn foliage, both offering mild weather and stunning natural color that complements the iconic floating torii gate. Avoid the rainy season from June to early July, typhoon season in late August through September, and the peak summer heat of July and August, when crowds also surge alongside uncomfortable humidity. The Miyajima Kangensai festival, typically held in mid-July, features traditional court music and dance performances on the water, though visiting during this event means contending with significant crowds. Shoulder seasons like May and early October deserve consideration - the weather remains pleasant, accommodation prices dip, and you'll encounter fewer tourists while still enjoying clear skies ideal for photographing the shrine's famous gate against calm seas.
Where to stay
Most visitors base themselves in the main village area near Itsukushima Shrine, where traditional ryokan and small guesthouses dominate the accommodation landscape, offering easy access to the iconic floating torii gate and shrine precincts within a short walk. For a more budget-conscious experience, the village also has several business hotels and family-run minshuku that typically range from ¥8,000 to ¥16,000 per night for a double room. An alternative is staying in nearby Hiroshima city, about 30 minutes away by train and ferry, where you'll find more capsule hotels, larger business chains (¥6,000 - ¥13,000), and vacation rentals, though this means commuting to the island each day. Whichever area you choose, transport connections are straightforward: ferries depart regularly from central Miyajima village or Hiroshima's port, making the main attractions easily accessible regardless of where you overnight.
What to eat
Miyajima's culinary identity centers on anago-don, a signature bowl of grilled conger eel glazed with a savory-sweet sauce and served over steaming rice, typically costing ¥1,200 - 1,800 at dedicated restaurants. The island's main shopping street, near the famous floating torii gate, is lined with food stalls and casual eateries where visitors can sample grilled scallops, steamed buns filled with red bean paste, and freshly made momiji manju (maple-leaf-shaped cakes). The Hiroshima region is renowned for its sake breweries, and several traditional sake shops on the island offer tastings of local brews that pair beautifully with seafood dishes. For budget-conscious travelers, conveyor-belt sushi restaurants and casual noodle shops near the ferry terminal offer filling meals for ¥800 - 1,200 per bowl. The combination of fresh local seafood, centuries-old culinary traditions, and the island's spiritual atmosphere makes dining here an integral part of the experience.
Reviews
★★★★★4.3(2,038)
George Fine·3 months ago
★★★★★The tourist town by the "gate, lots of food, drinks and snacks. Bustling heart of Miyajima Island, serving as the main thoroughfare for visitors traveling between the ferry pier and Itsukushima Shrine. This vibrant, pedestrian-only street is a sensory delight, filled with the aroma of local delicacies and the charm of traditional storefronts. Culinary Hotspot: It is the best place to sample local Hiroshima specialties, most notably fresh grilled oysters and "Momiji Manju" (maple-leaf-shaped cakes), which are often made right in front of you. Souvenir Paradise: The street is lined with shops selling unique regional crafts, including the world’s largest wooden rice scoop, which is a famous symbol of the island. Atmosphere: While the street is open 24 hours, the individual shops and stalls typically create a lively atmosphere from mid-morning until late afternoon when the last ferries depart. Nostalgic Vibe: The architecture and narrow layout provide a nostalgic glimpse into traditional Japanese commerce, complemented by modern cafes and boutiques.
Christina Carruthers·4 months ago
★★★★★We visited during the holiday period after NY 2nd jan. It was very busy but we loved the vibe as we are on holidays too. Street food was fab, tried alot of it,.and the oysters au natural were 10/10. And we got snow!!!!
Nico·3 months ago
★★★★★Cool island with lots to see. Would recommend to venture outside main tourist streets where it is much quieter. Beautiful nature on the island.
Linh Tran·8 months ago
★★★★★Fun place to shop around, lots of snacks and drinks options so please make sure to bring an empty stomach. There's tourist information center with super clean & modern toilets & big trash bins (which is a gem if you travel Japan haha). You should try oysters, a local signature food of the area.
Shawn·a year ago
★★★★★A must see on Miyajima island. Such a great street with lots of cute shops, restaurants, souvenir shops, snacks, etc. Most shops only open around 11AM so check before you go. This is a good spot around lunch, do note it gets really really busy and crowded. There were some deers walking around the streets which was funny. Do watch out for your food getting stolen by a deer they can get aggressive. Allocate about an hour to walk this street area and stop at local shops. Most of this street is covered so a great spot to go in the case it rains! No ticket purchase required.
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