Miyajima Island - Hiroshima

Miyajima (宮島) formally called Itsukushima (厳島) is a world-renowned island under the jurisdiction of Hatsukaichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. 

Miyajima (宮島)
Miyajima / Itsukushima

Miyajima Island details

Nestled in the picturesque western reaches of the Inland Sea of Japan, Itsukushima Island, popularly known as Miyajima, beckons travelers with its serene beauty and rich cultural heritage. Renowned as one of Hayashi Gahō's Three Views of Japan since 1643, this island paradise lies northwest of Hiroshima Bay and forms a captivating part of Hatsukaichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture.

Miyajima / Itsukushima - Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Miyajima / Itsukushima - Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Miyajima / Itsukushima as seen from the ferry
Miyajima / Itsukushima as seen from the ferry

Miyajima / Itsukushima Island owes much of its allure to the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in history and legend. 

Itsukushima Shrine

Floating Torii of Itsukushima Shrine
Floating Torii of Itsukushima Shrine

Floating Torii of Itsukushima Shrine

Floating Torii of Itsukushima Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine

According to ancient records, Itsukushima Shrine's origins trace back to the time of Empress Suiko, while its current architectural splendor was bestowed by the esteemed warrior-courtier Taira no Kiyomori. Notably, in 1555, the island bore witness to the decisive Battle of Miyajima, where Mōri Motonari triumphed over Sue Harukata. Adding to its grandeur, Toyotomi Hideyoshi erected the majestic Senjō-kaku atop a hill overlooking the shrine, adding another layer of historical significance to the island's tapestry.

Senjokaku Pavilion

Senjokaku Pavilion
Senjokaku Pavilion

Itsukushima Shrine Five-Story Pagoda
Itsukushima Shrine Five-Story Pagoda

Daiganji

Daiganji daimon
Daiganji daimon

Daiganji
Daiganji

True to its name, which translates to "Shrine Island" in Japanese, Miyajima boasts an array of sacred sites, including the awe-inspiring Senjokaku Pavilion/Toyokuni Shrine adorned with a striking five-storied pagoda, and the venerable Daiganji Temple counted among Japan's esteemed Benzaiten temples. Moreover, the island captivates visitors with its enchanting displays of cherry blossoms gracing its upper hillsides in spring and vibrant maple leaves ablaze with autumnal hues.

Miyajima Deer

Miyajima Deer
Miyajima Deer

Miyajima Deer

Miyajima Deer

Miyajima Deer

Immersed within the pristine waters of Setonaikai National Park, Itsukushima Island, and its surrounding seas are a haven for nature enthusiasts. The rhythmic ebb and flow of the Seto Inland Sea's tides lend an ever-changing charm to the landscape. During low tide, the seabed emerges, revealing a mesmerizing vista beneath the iconic Torii gate. Conversely, at high tide, the tranquil waters envelop the shoreline, creating a mystical allure as they cascade beneath the shrine's boardwalk.


Photos around Miyajima / Itsukushima Island

Miyajima Port
Miyajima Port

Pathway along Mikasa Beach going to Itsukushima Shrine
Pathway along Mikasa Beach going to Itsukushima Shrine

Mikasa Beach
Mikasa Beach

Starbucks Omotesando
Miyajima Starbucks

Willow Alley
Willow Alley

The road going to the Miyajima Public Aquarium

金刀比羅神社
Kotohira Shrine

Willow Alley
Willow Alley

The relic of the pine tree planted by Emperor Go-Shirakawa
The relic of the pine tree planted by Emperor Go-Shirakawa

Sanno Shrine
Sanno Shrine

There are some stalls with retro games near Itsukushima Shrine
There are some stalls with retro games near Itsukushima Shrine

There are also some food stalls near Itsukushima Shrine
There are also some food stalls near Itsukushima Shrine

Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street
Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street

Itsukushima Shrine World Heritage Monument
Itsukushima Shrine World Heritage Monument

Statue of Kiyomori Taira
Statue of Kiyomori Taira

Miyajima manhole cover
Miyajima manhole cover

Whether exploring ancient shrines steeped in history, reveling in the island's natural splendor, or witnessing the harmonious dance of sea and land, a sojourn to Itsukushima Island promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Japan's cultural and natural heritage.

Team Nicerio visits Miyajima / Itsukushima

Team Nicerio visits Miyajima / Itsukushima

Team Nicerio visits Miyajima / Itsukushima

Team Nicerio visits Miyajima / Itsukushima

Team Nicerio visits Miyajima / Itsukushima

Team Nicerio visits Miyajima / Itsukushima

Team Nicerio visits Miyajima / Itsukushima

My family and I first visited Miyajima Island last December 26, 2022, during our 3-day Hiroshima Road Trip with our Japanese family. This trip marked my 420th day in Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in the JET Programme. Miyajima Island was one of the highlights of our trip. We were able to visit Itsukushima Shrine, Daiganji, and Senjokaku Pavilion on top of the hill. Since it was just a day trip, we weren’t able to explore the island thoroughly. Given the chance, I would love to head up Mt. Misen in the future. Regardless, our trip was very memorable as we were finally able to see the famed “Floating Torii Gate” of Itsukushima Shrine. It was one of the things that I wanted to see since I was a kid. 


Why visit Miyajima Island?

Miyajima Island is the most popular island in Hiroshima Prefecture. The “Floating Torii Gate” of Itsukushima Shrine is found here. Aside from that, there are a lot more things to see and do on Miyajima Island one day isn’t enough to explore all. I highly suggest that you visit this island if you are in Hiroshima Prefecture. 


Getting to Miyajima Island

 

From JR Hiroshima Station ride the Sanyo Honsen Line going to JR Miyajimaguchi Station. From there, walk to the ferry port and ride the ferry going to Miyajimaguchi Port. 

Fare Miyajima Ferry (One-way trip): Adult 200 yen / Child 100 yen

Fare Miyajima Ferry (Round trip): Adult 400 yen / Child 200 yen

For guests staying at the Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima on Ujina Island, there's the option to utilize the hotel's high-speed ferry service.

One-way fare:

Adult: 2,100 yen

Child: 1,050 yen

Alternatively, you can take advantage of the one-day passport, granting access to board the high-speed ferry between Miyajima Island and the Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima Dock:

Adult: 3,800 yen

Child: 1,950 yen


Ratings

Crowd

Cleanliness

Overall rating


Location: Itsukushima, Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0588, Japan

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