Miyajima is well known for the floating tori gate and floating shrine. Miyajima is also dubbed as one of the three best views of Japan. Located not far off from the Hiroshima city center, about just 1 hour apart, this island has easy to access by using public transport. With is the beautiful and scenic view, staying the night at any one of the ryokans in this area will definitely be an additional experience in enjoying this place.
The Floating Torii Of Miyajima
Miyajima’s (宮島) most famous landmark is the floating orange-coloured Torii gate, the Miyajima Torii. The Torii gate is not actually floating on the water but is built over the water. During the high tide, the water level rises and makes the Torii gate seemingly floating in the sea. It is definitely a unique view to be seen. But during the low tide, it is possible to approach the tori gate by foot.
Miyajima Floating Shrine – A National Treasure of Japan
Miyajima can be literally read as “Shrine Island”. The main shrine that is known on this island is the Itsukushima Shrine. The floating Torii of Miyajima belongs to this shrine. The shrine complex is also built over water, where during the hide tide, the shrine will also seem floating on the sea water. The Itsukushima Shrine is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and several of the buildings and possession has been designated as a national treasure by the Japanese government.
- Spot name: Itsukushima Shrine
- Street address: 1-1 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima-ken 739-0588, Japan
- Business Hour:
- 12 AM to 6:30 PM (Jan 1)
- 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM (Jan 2-3)
- 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Jan 4 – Feb, Oct 15 – Nov)
- 6:30 AM to 6 PM (Mar-Oct 14)
- 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM (Dec)
- Admission Fee: (Adult) 300 yen (around RM12)
- Access:
- 1 hour 10 minute from Hiroshima Station to Itsukushima Shrine
- A 16-minute walk south of Miyajima Ferry Terminal to Itsukushima Shrine
Spend The Night In One Of Miyajima’s Ryokan
Being an island most notably for its shrine, this place turns very calm and peace during the evening. With illuminated lights onto the tori gate, it is really a great and beautiful experience if you are to stay the night here in one of the ryokans on Miyajima.
Maybe you would like to try this ryokan for your next trip to Miyajima:
Iwaso
- Street address: Momijidani, Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaishi-shi, Hiroshima-ken 739-0522, Japan
- Access: 15-minute walk south of Miyajima Ferry Terminal to Iwaso (shuttle bus upon arrival available, to be requested upon reaching Miyajima-guchi Ferry Terminal)
Kinsukan
- Street address: 1133 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima-ken 739-0588, Japan
- Access: 10-minute walk south of Miyajima Ferry Terminal to Iwaso (shuttle bus upon arrival available, to be requested upon reaching Miyajima-guchi Ferry Terminal)
Momijiso
- Street address: Minamimachi Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima-ken 739-0522, Japan
- Access: 21-minute walk south of Miyajima Ferry Terminal to Iwaso (shuttle bus upon arrival available, to be requested upon reaching Miyajima-guchi Ferry Terminal)
Travelling From Hiroshima To Miyajima
There are two main options you can choose to go to Miyajima from Hiroshima city. Depending on your planning, one option might be better than the other option. Either way, the gateway to go to Miyajima is the Miyajima guchi, which is located right at the shore opposite of Miyajima.
From Hiroshima Station
If you come from Hiroshima Station, the fastest options would be to take the JR San’yo Line directly to Miyajimaguchi Station which is located not far from the ferry station. The JR train cost about 410 yen (around RM16) and the travel time will take only about 22 minutes. It is definitely the best choice if you stayed near the area, or if you have just arrived in Hiroshima via shinkansen.
From Hiroshima Downtown
If perhaps you are staying the night at Hiroshima Downtown, getting on the Hiroden Streetcar from Kamiyacho-nishi station is better, that is if you wanted a direct transportation to Hiroden Miyajimaguchi Station. It costs you lesser than the JR option, but with a longer travel time. For about 280 yen (around RM11), the travel time is about 56 minutes.
Else, if you don’t mind about a to pay a little bit more, but you can head north from Kencho-mae Station via Astram Line, and make an exchange to the JR San’yo Line at Shin-Hakushima Station, and it’ll cost you about 510 yen in total (around RM19), but for a shorter travel time, around 36 minutes in total.
Crossing The Sea To Miyajima Via Ferry
Miyajima-guchi being the gateway to access the Miyajima itself, you need to reach the Miyajima-guchi Ferry Terminal, which is only a short walk about 4 minutes from the nearby JR and Hiroden station. Then you will need to ride on a ferry, and it will only take about 10 minutes on the ferry to reach the Miyajima Ferry Terminal on the island. The one-way ticket fee for adult is only 180 yen (around RM7). And with an additional amount, it is also possible to bring in bikes or even cars.
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