Miyajima Island Travel Tips

Miyajima Island (宮島), officially known as Itsukushima, lies just under an hour from Hiroshima and enchants visitors with its timeless beauty and spiritual atmosphere. The island’s most iconic feature is the massive vermilion torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, which appears to float gracefully on the Seto Inland Sea during high tide—a mesmerizing sight regarded as one of Japan’s three most celebrated scenic views. Miyajima, meaning “shrine island,” is deeply intertwined with centuries of Shinto tradition, and the shrine’s elegant pavilions, built on stilts above the tidal flats, seem to rise and fall with the ebb and flow of the sea, creating an ever-changing, magical landscape.

For a truly immersive experience, consider staying overnight at a traditional ryokan inn, where the warm hospitality and tatami rooms invite deep relaxation. While the island buzzes with energy from day-trippers exploring its charming streets, tranquil forests, and vibrant souvenir shops, dusk brings a special kind of serenity. The crowds thin, ancient lanterns begin to glow, and a romantic hush settles over the shoreline. Miyajima’s friendly wild deer roam freely among visitors during the day, then retreat quietly to the shadows at night—adding a touch of gentle wonder to the experience. Unlike their famous cousins in Nara, however, the deer here should not be fed, as it is prohibited to protect their health and the island’s natural balance.