Miyajima is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site near Osaka and Hiroshima. It’s often near the top of the list for most travelers, and offers and easy to access and peaceful rest from the big city.
Budget travel tips
- Everywhere is within walking distance of each other, so you probably don’t need to worry about buses.
Things to do
Otorii Gate (FREE)
Along with Mount Fuji and Kimonos, one of the icons of Japan. Come here at 5 AM to 6 AM to walk under it in low tide.
Itsukushima Shrine
A beautiful shrine above the sea water. Try to get up early to avoid the big crowds, tour groups and school groups.
Open: 8:00 to 17:00
Price: Adults 300 yen, Children 200 yen
Hokoku Shrine and Pagoda
Right next to Itsukushima Shrine, this large wooden hall and pagoda are more of your standard fare, but really worth a visit to compare them all.
Open: 8:30 to 16:30
Price: 100 yen
Miyajima History and Folk Museum
A nice museum with some big spoons and interesting information about this unique island. Worth a visit if you have time.
Open: 8:30 to 17:00
Price: 300 yen
Main Shopping Street
Come here for food and drink, including a few local specialties of course!
Daisho-in Temple (FREE)
An amazing temple complex just in the mountain. You can hike from here to Mount Misen.
Open: 8:00 to 17:00
Price: Free
Mount Misen (FREE)
No need to take the expensive cable car, as there are 3 well signposted, easy hiking routes up the mountain. See the tourist map from the Tourist Information Center at the Ferry Terminal for detailed route information.
Recommended Hostels and Cheap Hotels
Miyajima Guest House Mikuniya
We stayed here on out first trip to Miyajima and found the rooms to be large and clean. Great for large groups. Check prices at Booking.com .
Backpackers Miyajima
Dorms only and crazily low prices. They seem to be getting awards, so they must be good! Check prices at Booking.com .
More at Booking.com.
How to get there
First, make your way to Hiroshima.
From Hiroshima station, take the Tram Hiroshima ‘Dentetsu’ to Miyajima Guchi station (69 mins, 270 yen). The much faster option is to take the Sanyo line (JR line) to Miyajima Guchi station (27 mins, 400 yen).
From Miyajima Guchi station, walk to the Ferry Terminal. Take one of the frequent ferries to Miyajima (10 mins, Adults 170 yen, Children 80 yen). If you have a Japan Rail Pass, use the JR ferry.
Super Cheap Japan 