Miyajima Island is a gorgeous island you can visit as a day trip from Hiroshima. The island has some of the best views in Japan, the famous shrine with a gorgeous view, some great temples, great food, and some deer walking around. Visiting this island was one of my personal highlights in Japan. Keep reading for more recommendations!

Tourist occurrence: Medium

How to get here: One hour by boat from Hiroshima or by train and ferry from Hiroshima (this is a bit of longer than an hour).

How much time needed: 1 day

How to get here

There are two ways to get to Miyajima Island from Hiroshima. You can take the train and ferry, but I do not know exactly how that works. There is also a boat at the Hiroshima Peace Park, which took. It brings you to the island directly in an hour. The boat is dependent on the tide, so it is not always going. The earlier you go, the better you can choose the timing of the boats. 

1. Have different experiences at the Itsukushima Gate

The Itsukushima Gate is the most famous highlight of Miyajima Island. Seeing the shrine gives an impressive view of the surroundings. When arriving on the island, make sure you go here as the first thing here and as the last before returning to the ferry. The reason is that the tide can be totally different. There is an experience that the shrine is mostly in water, which gives you the opportunity to have the most beautiful gorgeous views. The other experience is that you can walk towards the shrine and touch it. I could not do the latter, as there was still too much water, but it was a different experience than seeing it the first time. 

Price: Free

Tourist occurrence: High

How much time needed: 30 minutes (15 per experience)

2. Admire the Senjokaku temple

The Senjokaku temple is a very cool stop on this island. You first have to walk up some stairs, but then you will be in a relaxed vibe with a wooden temple, which is very serene. Have a small stroll through it and enjoy the pagoda (this was under construction when I was there in September 2025). It is a hidden gem, even though it is close to many important sights. 

Price: ¥ 100 

Tourist occurrence: Low

How much time needed: 15 minutes

3. Stroll in Momijidani Park

Momijidani Park connects several sights, but it is mostly a fantastic park to walk around and enjoy nature. The park is very natural in comparison to other parks, which makes it very cool to walk around. There are some great walks, and the ropeway departs from this park, so you will probably cross it as well. 

Price: Free

Tourist occurrence: Medium

How much time needed: 45 minutes

4. Take the Miyajima Ropeway for incredible views

In the middle of the Momijidani Park you can find the Miyajima Ropeway. You have to go on two ropeways, but the views are already fantastic. On the top, you will find the Shishiiwa observatory, which holds an insane view of the island. You will see several islands and the city of Hiroshima. You can also walk for an hour towards the top of Mount Misen, but unfortunately, we did not have the time to do so. You cannot miss going here when visiting Miyajima Island. Get here pretty early to avoid the line. You can buy tickets in the park or at the counter of the ropeway, and they are trustworthy. You can take the bus towards the ropeway, but I recommend walking through the Momijidani Park, as it is only 20 minutes. 

Price: ¥ 2,000 for a round trip, but you can also walk up or down too reduce the price, but it can be rough. 

Tourist occurrence: Medium

How much time needed: 1-3 hours depending on your walk to the top of Mt Misen, but with the ropeway. I do not know how much the hike towards the top takes from the beginning. . 

5. Be amazed by the Daisho Inn

The Daisho Inn is one of my personal surprises in the whole of Japan. I was doubting going, but it was a perfect stop on the island. The temple holds several temples and other interesting sights, like the many small statues with red caps. The highlight was a cave with many lights and cool music. The serene atmosphere is absolutely fantastic and made me a bit emotional. This is my highlight on Miyajima Island. 

Price: Free

Tourist occurrence: Medium

How much time needed: 1 hour

6. Have a fried oyster

Miyajima holds several sights, and they are great, but the island is also famous for its oysters. You can get oysters in a normal way, but you can also get fried oysters, which are surprisingly tasty! We were in a very cosy place next to a canal, where you could also eat tempura oysters, which were even better. We ordered them many times! 

7. Make sure you will find some deer

Is this Nara? No, it is not, but also on this fantastic island you can find the gorgeous sika deer walking around. They are less plentiful and cheeky than in Nara, but you will find them for sure. It is a fantastic thing to see them in the "wild", but stay respectful to these incredible mammals. 

Things I have not done, but could be cool

Well, I missed the top of Mount Misen, which should be cool. I also walked through the Omotesando shopping street, which is ok, but not a highlight for me. Somewhere in the main village should also be the biggest rice paddle in the world.

Final thoughts

For me, Miyajima Island is one of the highlights of my trip. If you get all the way to Hiroshima, you cannot miss the island, as it is perfect and may be the highlight of Hiroshima. The island is a great combination of nature, culture, and cuisine, which cannot be overlooked. 

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