Finding Miyajima on a map may prove difficult as you scan the names of the many small islands in Hiroshima Bay. That is because 'Miyajima', while commonly used, is not the official name of the island. Look instead for Itsukushima.
The island is so famous for its Itsukishima Shrine that the name 'Miyajima' has stuck, translating as it does to 'Shrine Island'. One of the larger islands in the bay, Miyajima on the bay's western side is separated from the main island by the few hundred yards of the narrow Onoseto Strait.
To get to the island you will need to take a ferry. You can choose between three departure points:
- The Hiroshima Peace Park
- The Hiroshima Port
- The much shorter ferry crossing from Miyajimaguchi Station
Whichever route you choose, there's so much to see on the island that we recommend an early departure and a late return to take full advantage of what it has to offer.
The Floating Torii Gate of the Itsukushima Shrine1. From the Hiroshima Peace Park
This is the departure point we most strongly recommend. Ferries for Miyajima depart from the Motoyasu Pier. This is situated on the east bank of the Motoyasu River, just south of the Motoyasu bridge, and less than 200 yards south of the Atomic Bomb Dome.
With two departures every hour, there's no need to book ahead. Just turn up and pay at the terminal. The price is a little over US$15 one-way, a little under US$30 return. Children aged 6-11 travel half-price.
If you're on a tight schedule the return trip is marginally cheaper. If not, get a one-way ticket to give yourself more flexibility should you later decide to stay for more than two days, (a return ticket is valid for the day of departure and the next day), or should you wish to depart for a different landing port when you leave the island.
The ferry trip lasts around 45 minutes. Usually, the ferry turns north to go up the Motoyasu River and around the top of the island upon which the memorial park is situated. If the tide is high enough then the ferry will turn south, a slightly shorter route though this makes little difference to the travel time.
The Atomic Bomb DomeGetting from place to place is one thing, but how about getting around Hiroshima and Miyajima when you get there? Our Hiroshima travel guide has you covered.
2. From Hiroshima Port
This is not a route we would recommend unless you happen to find the port a more convenient departure point, if your hotel is located in the area for example. The port, located at the waterfront by Hiroshima's Minato Park, is a more commercial departure terminal serving several destinations.
Given it is a more functional service, the ferry may make a stop or three along the way rather than travel to Miyajima directly. This can add considerably to the journey time. However, with only a single stop at the Prince Hotel, the trip can be done in as little as thirty minutes and is thus a little faster than the Peace Park ferry. (The initial river leg of the Peace Park trip slows the ferry before it reaches Hiroshima Bay).
There is approximately one departure each hour.
Tickets are only a little cheaper than those from the Peace Park, (around US$15 for a single and US$26 for the "1-Day Unlimited Pass" allowing for a return trip. However, as the name implies, that requires a same-day return whereas the Peace Park departure allows for a return the next day).
When is best to visit?
We've got you covered with our guide to the weather in the Hiroshima area throughout the year, a crucial aspect to consider on any visit to Japan.
3. From Miyajimaguchi Station
Once again, it is unlikely you would want to choose this departure point over that of the Peace Park.
To get to the ferry, you should travel by JR Rail to the southwestern outskirts of Hiroshima. From there it is only a short (ten-minute) ride across the Onoseto Strait to Miyajima. This is by far the cheapest departure point, (using a JR Pass to get there, this is a very cheap journey indeed), and the ferry journey is brief if you're not keen on boats.
Without a JR Pass, it will cost you around US$3 to take the train on the JR Sanyo Line, (25 minutes). Although JR operates one of the ferry services from the station, it is not covered by the JR Pass. However, the journey one-way only costs a little over a dollar.
There are several departures each hour so you will never have long to wait.
Perhaps the most attractive aspect of this route is that it affords the best view of the floating torii gate of the Itsukushima Shrine. It faces directly towards your departure point.
You may be tempted, should you want the exercise, to walk or cycle to Miyajimaguchi Station, but this is not something we would recommend.
- A four-hour hike would eat up much of the time you could otherwise enjoy on Miyajima itself.
- Moreover, although you may expect the path around Hiroshima Bay to offer enticing sea views, you would be traversing a built-up area with dockland along the way with its industrial intrusion between you and the sea.
- Worse, the route runs largely alongside the busy, (and thus noisy), National Route 2.
- Miyajima offers more attractive hiking prospects for those four hours, so you may feel the walk is wasted should you undertake it.
Sunset View of Itsukushima Shrine in MiyajimaThe Miyajima Visitor Tax
Everyone visiting Miyajima must pay a small tax, (less than a dollar). This is NOT included in any of the fares above except for the 1-Day Unlimited Pass from Hiroshima Port. Though not included in the fare, you can pay the tax when you buy your ticket.
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