Miyajima Island Travel Tips

Best of Japan

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1 of 5 in Hiroshima Prefecture

Miyajima Island (宮島), located less than an hour from Hiroshima, is a captivating destination known for its iconic giant torii gate, which appears to float on the water at high tide. This breathtaking sight is celebrated as one of Japan’s three most scenic views. Officially named Itsukushima, the island is affectionately called Miyajima—meaning “shrine island”—due to its deep connection with the Itsukushima Shrine, whose stunning main buildings also seem to rise from the sea.

To fully experience Miyajima’s charm, consider spending the night at one of the island’s traditional ryokan inns. While daytime visitors bring a lively energy, the evening transforms the island into a peaceful and romantic retreat. Miyajima is also home to friendly wild deer, often seen mingling with tourists during the day and resting quietly along the paths at night. Just remember—unlike their counterparts in Nara, the deer on Miyajima should not be fed.

Getting around

On Miyajima Island, most of the main sights are located near Itsukushima Shrine and Mount Misen. While the island is fairly large, these two areas are where most visitors spend their time.

From the ferry terminal, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the shrine. Other attractions are nearby and easy to reach on foot. To get to Mount Misen, you can take the Miyajima Ropeway, which begins about 10 minutes from the shrine, or hike one of the three trails to the top.