The Perfect Miyajima Day Trip (One Day Itinerary & Map 2026)

Miyajima is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been to in Japan! It makes sense that the Grand Torii Gate has been named one of the three most aesthetic views in the country. Seeing the vermillion torii gate afloat on the crystal blue water took my breath away, and being able to walk underneath it later that day, at low tide, was even more special.

After a lot of research and speaking with a local guide I met in a coffee shop in Hiroshima, I quickly realised Miyajima has a lot more to offer than just the floating torii gate. Itsukushima Shrine is gorgeous, but the lush nature on Mount Misen and the other temples on the island are worth visiting too. And let’s not forget the fresh seafood. Miyajima is the first place I ate oysters and actually enjoyed them!

Having seen quite a bit of the island, this is the Miyajima itinerary I would recommend friends and family to take (and will take myself again in the future!).

Miyajima Itinerary Overview & Map

When visiting Hiroshima, I think visiting Miyajima is unmissable. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Japan, and it’s such an easy add-on when you’re already in Hiroshima.

Seeing the Grand Torii Gate is one of the main reasons for visiting Miyajima. During high tide, the gate looks like it’s floating on the water, and during low tide, you can walk underneath it. To make the most of your day in Miyajima, you should always check the times for high and low tide. 

Depending on these times, you may have to move my recommended itinerary around a little. I have included both seeing the floating gate at high tide and walking underneath it during low tide, so you can shift the schedule depending on the times for the day you visit.

Miyajima is a popular day trip, so it can get a little busy during the day (especially around Itsukushima Shrine and the shore), so adding an overnight stay could be worth considering. The island gets very quiet after all the day visitors leave, giving you the unique experience of seeing the island nearly empty. It’s even more special seeing Itsukushima Shrine at sunrise.

Miyajima Itinerary on YouTube

I also made a video version of this itinerary during my last trip to Miyajima, giving you a more visual idea of what to expect from this beautiful island:

How to Spend One Day in Miyajima (Full Itinerary)

If you’re planning to visit Miyajima for the day, this is what I recommend doing:

1. Take the JR Sanyo Line From Hiroshima (30 Minutes)

Taking a day trip to Miyajima from Hiroshima is very easy. I started by taking the 30-minute JR Sanyo Line (bound for Iwakuni) from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station. From there, the ferry terminal is only a 5-minute walk away. The ferry ride itself only lasts around 10 minutes, but I loved it. The fresh, salty air felt refreshing, and seeing the Grand Torii Gate slowly get bigger and bigger the closer we got to the island got me very excited for our day in Miyajima.

You don’t need to book your tickets in advance. Crossing over to Miyajima from Miyajimaguchi will only take 10 minutes, and the ferries leave multiple times every hour.

There are two major companies to choose from: the JR West Miyajima Ferry and the Miyajima Matsudai Kisen. Both charge ¥200 for a one-way ride (¥100 for children). To pay, you can tap your IC card or buy a ticket at the station. The JR West Miyajima Ferry is included in the JR Pass in case you are using it during your trip.

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2. Shop for Souvenirs and Local Snacks on Miyajima Omotesandō Shopping Street

Miyajima is very mountainous. All the well-known sightseeing spots and shops are located in the upper half of the island, fairly close to the pier, where it’s relatively flat. But still, be prepared for a lot of walking throughout the day, especially if you’re planning on going up Mount Misen.

From Miyajima Pier, I started my day by walking through Miyajima Omotesandō Shopping Street. This 350-meter-long street has over 60 shops selling all kinds of handicrafts, souvenirs, and street food. It’s also a great spot to taste some of Miyajima’s local specialities…

3. Try Miyajima’s Famous Momiji Manjū Pastries

There is one particular speciality you have to try when visiting Miyajima. Momiji Manjū are small pastries shaped like maple leaves, typically filled with red bean paste. If you have a look at the stores selling them, you’ll easily discover tons of other flavours too. Lemon and peach flavours are especially rare, so worth trying if you come across them.

The Momijido Main Store (紅葉堂本店) on Omotesandō Shopping Street has a nice selection of fruity, sweet and savoury fillings readily available. I tried some with red bean paste and custard. The custard was still warm, as the pastries were freshly made right in front of us. It was delicious!

Aside from the regular Momiji Manjū, you can also buy Agemomiji (揚げもみじ), which is a deep-fried version of Miyajima’s sweet treat.

4. Greet Miyajima’s Deer Around Itsukushima Shrine

Keep walking along the shore of Miyajima to reach the surroundings of Itsukushima Shrine. This should take around 10–15 minutes. Before you know it, you’ll be able to see the famous vermilion gate and dozens of deer wandering the shore.

Similar to Nara, Miyajima is famous for its gentle-eyed furry residents. It even goes by the nickname “Deer Island”. The deer are a symbol of the sacred bond between humans and the natural world, so please treat them with respect.

5. Visit Itsukushima Jinja, Miyajima’s Floating Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine (or Itsukushima Jinja) was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996 and is one of Japan’s most famous landmarks. The shrine itself was reportedly built in 593 during the reign of Empress Suiko. The admission fee for the shrine and the Treasure Hall sits at ¥300 each, and the combined ticket costs ¥500.

In Itsukushima Shrine, follow the course from the entrance on the east side to the exit on the west side, passing by all the different buildings. On the elevated stage close to the main hall, you’ll have a great view of the Grand Torii Gate. It wasn’t too busy when I visited, and it took me around half an hour to walk around the building. I even saw some workers paint parts of the wood with a fresh coat of vermillion red.

The Treasure Hall is located right behind the western exit and houses around 4,000 historical and artistic artefacts. When buying the combined ticket, it’s most convenient to visit this place after Itsukushima Shrine.

6. Admire the Grand Torii Gate (Floating or Up Close)

The Grand Torii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine stands in front of the main shrine building, and is one of the most picturesque spots in Japan. The current version was built in 1875 and underwent extensive restoration between 2019 and 2022.

As Miyajima is influenced by strong tides, the view of the Grand Torii Gate will differ depending on when you visit. During high tide, the torii gate will look like it’s floating on the water, while at low tide, you can walk up to it. The difference is quite impressive, and I was very lucky to experience both on my day in Miyajima.

Before your day trip to Miyajima, it’s best to check the times for low and high tide. If you happen to visit during low tide at noon, don’t miss out on the chance to walk right up to the gate. Or postpone your stroll to the evening, after visiting Mount Misen, in the case of high tide.

No matter what, either view is beautiful. If you spend the whole day on Miyajima Island, you can experience both.

7. Go Inside Senjōkaku Hall and Enjoy the Views

Some other not-to-be-missed spots on Miyajima are the Five-Storied Pagoda and Senjōkaku Hall. Senjō (千畳) translates to “one thousand tatami mats”, which is a common unit for measuring the size of a room in Japan.

Senjōkaku Pavilion was originally commissioned by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1587. However, Hideyoshi died during the construction, which means it was never finished and remains without walls. Its unfinishedness is what makes this place oddly charming.

Make sure to take your shoes off before exploring the huge wooden terrace and take a peek at the crystal blue Seto Inland Sea surrounding the island. Entree costs only ¥100 per person. Also, keep in mind that you’ll have to take off your shoes before entering.

8. Try a Miyajima-Style Eel or Grilled Oyster

As Miyajima is an island, it has access to the freshest seafood. Grilled oysters are one of the island’s delicacies. These fresh oysters are either grilled or cooked and can be topped with different condiments. 

Around the main tourist areas, there are a few shops that sell grilled oysters. I got to try them with soy sauce on my last visit to Miyajima, and they were much better than I expected! I’m not the biggest fan of raw oysters, but as these were grilled, they were actually quite tasty. I’d have them again. And at only a couple of hundred yen per oyster, it’s worth a try.

9. Enjoy a Coffee with a View at Tenshinkaku Cafe

Before I headed to Mount Misen for the afternoon, I stopped for a quick coffee break at one of the nicest cafes on the island, Tenshinkaku. The coffee is great, and so are the cakes, but the main reason to visit this spot is the incredible views.

There is a ¥550 cover charge per person, but the coffees themselves are very cheap, so it evens itself out. From the garden of the cafe, you get a beautiful view of Miyajima’s Five-Storied Pagoda, Senjōkaku Hall and the blue sea.

10. Take the Miyajima Ropeway For Stunning Views from Mount Misen 

In the afternoon, I walked over to the Miyajima Ropeway Momijidani Station. This should take around 10–15 minutes. There is a picturesque trail leading through Momijidani Park across the Momiji Bridge and the Momijidani Bridge. It’s especially beautiful during autumn when the red leaves are at their peak.

Reaching 535m above sea level, Mount Misen is the highest peak on Miyajima. There is a hiking trail that leads up the mountain, but you can also use the ropeway instead. If you’re only visiting Miyajima for one day, I suggest taking the ropeway up and walking down.

If you only want to go up to enjoy the view, taking the ropeway down again is also an option. You can find detailed information about the fares and operating hours of the ropeway on their official site.

By ropeway, you first need to go all the way up to Shishiiwa Station, including a transfer at Kayadani Station. From there, follow the path up to Mount Misen Observatory on foot.

11. Hike Down Mount Misen Through Quiet Forests

The trail is a bit steep, so hiking upwards can be quite challenging. Walking down is much easier and takes less time. The hike down will reward you with some beautiful views and a serene walk through lush forests. There are some lovely stops on the way down. It was one of my favourite parts of my day in Miyajima.

The full route is around 2.5 kilometres and took me around 2 hours to walk. That includes stopping at a few spots to take in the quiet, peaceful forest and visit some of the Even though the area around Itsukushima Shrine can get a little busy, I barely saw anybody on this hike. I have to admit that my legs were shaking a little by the end of it. I don’t think my legs were used to hiking downhill!

One of the stops along the way is the Eternal Flame of Reikado Hall. The fire inside has been burning for over 1,200 years and was lit by Kobo Daishi.

He was a famous Japanese Buddhist monk who brought Shingon Buddhism to Japan in the 8th century and founded Koyasan, one of Japan’s most spiritual spots. The eternal fire is warming a big pot of tea, out of which you can drink a cup. It’s said to heal all sorts of ailments, so it’s worth a go!

12. Visit Daisho-In Temple On the Way Down

Following the route down Mount Misen, I ended up at Daisho-In Temple just before making it back to the town area. This temple was also founded by Kobo Daishi over 1,200 years ago and is often overlooked by people visiting Miyajima for the day.

The temple is free to enter. During autumn, the red leaves make the area even more stunning. Apart from the beautiful Neomon Gate, there are around 500 Rakan statues on the side of the temple grounds. 

Walking up the stairs to enter the temple, I noticed a row of spinning wheels following the steps. Each wheel has a sutra, or Buddhist scripture, written on it. While walking up or down the steps, you can turn the wheels, which is said to have the same effect as reading the sutras out loud. Each spin puts out a blessing into the world.

13. Watch the Sunset at the Grand Torii Gate

After you finish your walk down Mount Misen (or take the ropeway down), head back to the Grand Torii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine. Depending on the times for high and low tide, you may now be able to walk underneath it or see it “afloat” on the water. Either way, this is your chance to see it the other way around!

Walking up towards the torii gate, I noticed my shoes sinking into the wet sand. It was a lot wetter than I expected, so make sure not to wear new or white shoes! Seeing it up close was absolutely incredible; it is so much larger than you expect. On my last trip to Miyajima, the weather was beautiful, and getting to walk around the gate while the sun set is one of my favourite memories of that trip to Japan.

At the right moment, the sun will peak through the four-pillar construction, dyeing the frothy waves or wet sand beneath the gate in the deepest orange. After my walk to see the gate up close, I sat down on the shore and watched the sun set. The sky above the surrounding mountains glowed in warm colours for a while even after the sun had set. It’s the perfect place to end your Miyajima day trip.

14. Take the JR Sanyo Line Back to Hiroshima Station 

With the dark slowly taking over the island, my Miyajima itinerary comes to an end. It’s time to walk back to Miyajima Pier and enjoy the sea breeze one last time before boarding the ferry. From Miyajimaguchi Station, take the JR Sanyo Line to Hiroshima Station. Within 40 minutes, you’ll be back in Hiroshima.

The ferries operate very regularly until around 5 pm or 6 pm and reduce their frequency shortly thereafter.

How to get to Miyajima from Hiroshima

Here are the best ways to get to Miyajima from Hiroshima:

1. JR Sanyo Line + JR West Miyajima Ferry / Miyajima Matsudai Kisen

The easiest and cheapest way to get to Miyajima from Hiroshima is by taking the JR Sanyo Line (¥420) from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station. The train ride will take you around 30–40 minutes. 

From there, board a ferry that will bring you to Miyajima Pier within 10 minutes. Two major companies operate between Miyajimaguchi Station and Miyajima Pier: the JR West Miyajima Ferry and the Miyajima Matsudai Kisen (both available at ¥200 for a one-way ride). 

If you’re using the JR Pass, taking the JR Sanyo Line and the JR West Miyajima Ferry will be the most convenient and cost-effective option for you.

2. Ferry from Motoyasu Pier 

A noteworthy (although more expensive) method to access Miyajima is by taking a ferry from Motoyasu Pier, located close to the Atomic Bomb Dome. The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes and costs ¥2,200 one-way or ¥4,000 for a round-trip.

Choosing this route only makes sense if you’re interested in having some sightseeing included in your cruise or if you intend to see the Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and other nearby sights such as the Hiroshima Museum of Art before going to Miyajima. Tickets for the ferry are available directly at the dock.

Assuming that you have enough time to spend a whole day in Miyajima and will do sightseeing in Hiroshima on another day, taking the train from Hiroshima Station and the ferry from Miyajimaguchi is undeniably the easiest way to access the island.

Can You Do Miyajima and Hiroshima in One Day? 

While it’s possible to fit Miyajima and Hiroshima in one day, I don’t advise combining them in one day. Both Miyajima and Hiroshima have a lot to offer, and thoroughly exploring both places takes more than one day. However, I understand that you have to make choices when it comes to putting together a Japan itinerary. If you’re short on time, you can still see the most famous landmarks in both places in one day.

If you’re planning to do this, you can either book a one-day Hiroshima and Miyajima guided tour from Osaka, or follow our one-day itinerary for both places below:

Instead of going all the way to Miyajimaguchi Station to board a boat, consider taking a ferry departing from Motoyasu Pier. You can purchase your tickets directly at the terminal. It costs ¥2,200 for a one-way ticket and ¥4,000 for a round-trip ticket on the Hiroshima World Heritage Sea Route.

If your starting point in the morning is Hiroshima Station, take a bus to the Peace Memorial Museum first and explore the surrounding Peace Memorial Park afterwards. The ferry dock is within walking distance of the Atomic Bomb Dome. You’ll have enough time to see the whole area before noon and then head over to Miyajima.

The boat trip from Motoyasu Pier will take around 45 minutes. On the way, you can enjoy some sightseeing as the ferry passes by a few important landmarks of the city.

Before going to Miyajima on a tight schedule, you might want to check out the three-hour or half-day sightseeing courses the Miyajima Tourist Association created. Both routes skip Mount Misen and its observatory deck, but they cover a couple of other stops on the island that are within reach on foot from Miyajima Pier.

On your way back, take the JR West Miyajima Ferry or the Miyajima Matsudai Kisen from Miyajima Pier to Miyajimaguchi Station and ride the JR Sanyo Line until you reach Hiroshima Station.

Miyajima Itinerary FAQ

Final Thoughts on Visiting Miyajima

When visiting Hiroshima, you cannot miss visiting Miyajima as well. This beautiful island has so much to offer, and with this itinerary, you can easily see the highlights within a day. Miyajima is part of my 2-week and 3-week Japan itinerary, as it’s one of my favourite spots in Japan.

You can also check out my Hiroshima day trip itinerary or see what to add after Hiroshima and Miyajima. My recommendations are either heading to Fukuoka to explore Kyushu or taking the ferry to Shikoku.