After one day exploring Hiroshima, we took a day trip to Miyajima Island, just a short journey from the city. Miyajima is famous for its iconic floating Itsukushima Shrine, Mount Misen, wild deer, and fresh local oysters, a peaceful escape with plenty of culture and history.
Getting to Miyajima from Hiroshima
Getting there is easy and covered by the JR Pass if you’re using one:
- Train: Take the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station (approx. 25–30 minutes).
- Ferry: Walk 3–5 minutes to the pier and take the 10-minute JR Ferry to the island. Ferries depart every 15 minutes.
💡 Tip: Book your ferry back early in the morning when you arrive in Miyajima. It’s slightly more expensive than the train, but worth it for comfort and convenience.
Exploring Miyajima: Shrines, Temples & Deer
We visited Miyajima on a rainy day, so the Mount Misen cable car wasn’t an option. Instead, we focused on the island’s highlights:
- Itsukushima Shrine: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is stunning. The 16.6-meter-tall vermilion torii is breathtaking, and during low tide, you can walk closer to it. Tip: wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy because of sand and rain.
- Daisho-in Temple: A peaceful and spiritual temple. We were lucky to hear a monk conducting meditation via a speaker; it made the visit very serene.
- Omotesando Shopping Street: A lovely street filled with original souvenirs, including Miyajima’s famous wooden utensils and crafts.
- Miyajima Island Half - Day Tour with a Guide, if you like to discover interesting spots on the island.
Along the way, you’ll see friendly wild deer wandering freely, a signature part of Miyajima’s charm. I wouldn’t feed them; they can be quite aggressive if they see food.
Miyajima Food Highlights
No trip is complete without tasting the local delicacies:
- Grilled Hiroshima Oysters (Yaki Gaki): Large, juicy, and freshly grilled, completely different from European oysters. A must-try for seafood lovers!
- Momiji Manju (Maple Leaf Cake): A sweet local speciality filled with red bean paste. We didn’t try it this time, but it’s a must for a local experience.
💡 Tip: If visiting during the day, check the tides. At low tide, the shrine becomes even more accessible.
Wrapping Up
Miyajima was the perfect day trip from Hiroshima, peaceful, culturally rich, and full of unique experiences. It’s easy to cover in a single day, though many visitors choose to stay overnight to explore Mount Misen and the island’s nature more thoroughly.
After Miyajima, our Japan trip continued to Fukuoka, where we caught our flight to South Korea, but Miyajima remains one cherished Japanese highlight.
Suggested Routes in Japan
If you’re planning a longer Japan route, these posts will help you create a full itinerary and explore more of the country:
- Hiroshima 2-Day Travel Guide – Peace Memorial Park, Genbaku Dome & Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki
- Himeji Castle Stopover Guide – Perfect for your Osaka-Hiroshima route
- Osaka 1-Day Itinerary – Street food, Dotonbori & TeamLab Botanical Garden
- Kyoto 3-Day Travel Guide – Temples, Nishiki Market & Gion Geisha tour
- A Peaceful Day Trip from Tokyo to Kamakura - Temples, Sea Breeze & Slow Moments
- Tokyo Travel Guide – Esim tips, Shibuya, Ramen & Day Trips
✨ Planning Your Trip?
If you’re planning a trip to Japan (or already counting down the days), here are a few things I personally use and recommend to make the experience smoother and more enjoyable:
📱 Stay connected from the moment you land. I always top up my eSIM in advance so I can use maps, translations, and transport apps straight away. I use Airalo for all my trips, and it’s been reliable every time. (You can find my discount here: DANIEL22410.)
🏨 Where I stayed. I’ve linked the hotels I stayed at in this post for their great locations and comfort after long walking days.
🎟️ Experiences worth booking ahead. Some tours, cultural experiences, and attractions sell out quickly, especially in Japan, so I always book a few key ones in advance.
I’ll keep updating my Japan travel guides in the Japan Travel Hub, so feel free to explore the other posts on Tokyo, Kamakura, Kyoto, Osaka, Himeji, Hiroshima, and what’s coming next ✨
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Sometimes, all it takes is a little planning to turn a good trip into an unforgettable one.
With love 🤍
