Perfect DAY TRIP to MIYAJIMA from Kyoto, Osaka, or Hiroshima (9 Things to Do)

If you are looking for a day trip and a little adventure, then Miyajima Island, the “Island of Gods” is a perfect day trip from Kyoto, Osaka, or Hiroshima.

Miyajima is home to the revered Itsukushima Shrine, the iconic floating tori gate, and an impressive 5-story pagoda, plus it offers a wide range of fun activities like taking the ropeway to the top of Mount Misen, meeting Miyajima Island deer, and so much more.

Hands down, you will something to do for everyone in your group on this day trip to Miyajima. And, did I mention trying some local delicacies like grilled oysters and okonomiyaki – the savory pancake with a variety of ingredients?

So, look no further, here is everything you need to plan the day trip to Miyajima Island from Kyoto, Osaka, or Hiroshima.

The day trip to Miyajima Island is quite easily done from Kyoto, Osaka, or Hiroshima. To get to Miyajima you will be following the same route from Kyoto or Osaka and you will pass through Hiroshima.

Before we dive into how to get to Miyajima, I want to recommend that you get JR Pass before traveling to Japan. It will save you a lot of money! You can buy it here.

• JR Pass

If you have JR Pass and you are traveling from Kyoto, then take the Shinkansen Hikari from Kyoto to Shin Osaka in Osaka.

From Osaka at Shin Osaka, switch to Shinkansen Sakura for Hiroshima. The trip takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Next, once you reach Hiroshima, take the JR Sanyo Line for Iwankuni to travel to Miyajimaguchi. The journey time is just under 30 minutes.

Finally, at Miyajimaguchi take the 10-minute JR Miyajima Ferry to the island. The walk from the station to the ferry pier is very well-signed, so just follow the signs to the ferry. When boarding the ferry make sure to get in the line for JR Miyajima Ferry. There are two ferries that are operating this route. The other one is the Matsudai Ferry and it is not covered by JR Pass.

• Non-JR Pass

If you do not have a JR Pass, then my recommendation is to take Shinkansen Nozomi in Kyoto. It goes directly from Kyoto to Hiroshima and takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. Just again a reminder that Nozomi trains are not covered under the JR Pass.

If traveling from Osaka, then from Shin Osaka you also have the same option as above of taking Shinkansen Nozomi or Mizuho to Hiroshima and the trip takes 1 hour 25 minutes. Neither Nozomi nor Mizuho are eligible for JR Pass travel.

Next, follow the same directions as above. Once you reach Hiroshima take the JR Sanyo Line for Iwankuni to travel to Miyajimaguchi (takes about 30 minutes).

Finally, at Miyajimaguchi take the 10-minute JR Miyajima Ferry to the island. Follow the signs to the ferry.

If you are not using a JR Pass you can use the slightly slower, however less expensive, train (line 2) to get from Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi.

From Miyajimaguchi you will have a choice of taking either the JR Miyajima Ferry or the Matsudai Ferry. Both take 10 minutes and both cost the same. The JR Pass is not valid on the Matsudai ferry.

• Hiroshima to Miyajima By Boat

You can take a boat directly from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island.

It takes about 1 hour to reach Miyajima from Hiroshima by boat and you can board the boat at Hiroshima Peace Park or Hiroshima Port. However, the JR Pass is not valid on these boats

Start planning your Miyajima Island day trip by checking the tides. My recommendation is to arrive on the island during the high tide.

During the high tide, Miyajima Island Giant Torii and Itsukushima Shrine appear as if they are floating in the Seto Sea. It is the iconic view of the gate and shrine on the water.

The website that I use for checking the tides is World Tides. The website is easy to use and navigate: select Japan and then scroll down to Miyajima and select the date.

However, if you are not able to be on Miyajima Island during the high tide, do not despair and still plan your day trip to Miyajima. When there is a low tide, you can walk all the way to the Giant Floating Torii and really get the feel of how enormous this structure is.

Also, you will get some great pictures of the Itsukushima Shrine from a different perspective.

The number one attraction as well as the symbol of Miyajima Island is the Giant Floating Torii. During the high tide, it appears as if the torii is floating out in the sea.

Interestingly enough, unlike the traditional torii, which consist of two pillars, the Miyajima Island torii has an additional four supporting pillars. All in all, it weighs about 60 tons and stands almost 17 meters high.

There are boat tours that will take you around the Giant Floating Torii. However, if the weather is good, then my recommendation is to rent a kayak for a couple of hours and go around and under the torii. Check out this 1-hour Sea Kayak Tour in Miyajima.

Next, head on to Itsukushima Shrine.

The shrine was built in 593 and became an important place of worship in about 1168. In 1996 the World Heritage Committee officially inscribed Itsukushima Shinto Shrine as a World Cultural Heritage.

Itsukushima Shrine is well known for its unique construction. It consists of four main areas:

• the Holy Hall where the gods live (Heiden)
• the inner part where only the priests enter (Haiden)
• the external area for worship (Haraiden)
• the noh theater stage

All the sections are connected by numerous boardwalks and supported by pillars above the sea. During the high tide, the shrine looks as if it is floating in the Seto Sea.

Interestingly enough, the reason why the shrine was built out in the sea was that the island was originally thought to be too sacred for commoners to set foot upon.

As you are touring the Itsukushima Shrine, you will be able to get a glimpse of an impressive Arched Bridge.

It is said that the bridge was also called “Chokushi-bashi” (Imperial Messengers’ Bridge) and that the imperial messengers crossed it to enter the Main Shrine on such important festive occasions as Gochinzasai.

According to the inscription on one of the ornamental caps of the railing posts, the current bridge dates back to 1557 when the bridge was reconstructed by the father and son Mori Motonari and Mori Takamoto. The bridge has been repaired several times since.

Itsukushima Shrine is open year-round from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm. However, during the months of January through December, the shrine closes at 5:30 pm. The entrance fee is 300 yen.

Make sure to stop by and snap a few pictures of the impressive Miyajima Island Five-Story Pagoda. It stands tall on a hill above Itsukushima Shrine.

You will not miss it, for it is painted in a dazzling vermillion color.

The Miyajima Island Five-Story Pagoda was built around 1407 and restored in 1533. It enshrines the Medicine Buddha along with Buddhist saints Fugen and Monju.

Moreover, the pagoda blends both Japanese and Chinese elements of style: Japanese ornamental caps on the railing posts and Chinese wooden pillars supporting the eaves

Daisho-in Temple is about a 10 to 15-minute walk from Itsukushima Shrine and it is well worth the visit.

Founded by Kobo Daishi in 806, Daisho-in Temple is the headquarters of the Omuro branch of the Shingon Buddhists.

The path leading to the temple is adorned with thousands of Buddha statues.

These are the statues of the disciples of the historical Buddha, Shaka Nyoria. They all look adorable wearing different colored beanies.

Daisho-in Temple / Day Trip to Miyajima from Kyoto, Osaka, or Hiroshima

Next, follow the path, which will gradually climb through a beautifully designed garden. The design is so perfect that at the first sight it is not possible to determine whether it is a man-made garden or a scenery crafted by nature.

Eventually, the path will take you to Daisho-in Temple. Make sure to step inside the temple.

The ceiling of the temple is studded with lanterns emitting low warm light.

My recommendation is to linger inside the temple for a few minutes and enjoy this peaceful and meditative atmosphere.

Momijidani Park is located about 20 minutes from the ferry terminal. And, this is where the famous Miyajima Island deer like to hang out.

They will be happy to see you and eager to find out if you have any treats for them.

Also, if you are visiting during the fall months, then be ready to be awed by Momijidani Park. It is famous for its maple trees and their changing leaves’ colors look absolutely stunning.

Momijidani Park / Day Trip to Miyajima from Kyoto, Osaka, or Hiroshima

Next, take the ropeway to catch the magnificent views of the island.

The ropeway leaves from Momijidani Station. You can take a bus to get to the station or you can walk. My recommendation is to walk.

It is no more than a 10-minute hike up a slight incline. Simply, take the path leading from Itsukushima Shrine to Momijidani Park. To help you find the way and get to Momijidani Station, take a look at the map included in this post.

The ropeway goes from Momijidani Station to Kayadani Station.

Once you reach Kayadani Station, you will take a second ropeway to your final destination which is Shishiwa Station.

Shishiwa Station is 430 meters above sea level. The views of the Seto Sea from the station are breathtaking.

By the way, there is a small restaurant next to the station. If you happen to be visiting Miyajima Island on a cold or windy day, then it is a perfect place to warm up with a cup of tea or a bowl of soup and admire the breathtaking views of the Seto Sea in a cozy place.

The View of Seto Sea from Mount Misen / Day Trip to Miyajima

Tickets for the ropeway are available for purchase at several locations on the island. You can purchase a one-way ticket or a round-way ticket. It all depends on how much time you have to explore the island.

It is important that you check if the ropeway is operating. The service could be suspended due to adverse weather. You can check prices, hours, and operation conditions here.

Mount Misen, situated 535 meters above sea level and offering spectacular views of the island and the Seto Sea, is an absolute must-do during your Miyajima Island day trip!

There are several ways to reach Mount Misen: you can hike. It is about a 1.5-hour hour hike from Momijidani Park. Or, you can take the ropeway to Shishiwa Station and then hike to Mount Misen.

Mount Misen has been considered a sacred place since ancient times. It is home to the seven wonders.

Here are some of the wonders that I found interesting:

• The Eternal Flame

Apparently, the flame has been burning for around 1,200 years. And, it was started by Kobo Daishi, a Buddhist monk. It is said that the holy water boiled by this flame cures all sorts of illnesses.

The flame was used as the pilot light for the “Flame of Peace” of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

• Plum Tree

The plum tree is said to have taken the root from the staff of Kobo Daishi.

If the tree fails to bloom, it is an ominous sign and a prediction of upcoming tragedy.

• Flow Rock

This is an interesting one!

Although the rock is positioned 500 meters above sea level, the water level in its opening changes according to the rise and fall of the tide. Furthermore, salt is present in the water.

Omotesando Shopping Arcade is a busy street, filled with tourists (and deer) all year round. Here, you can purchase all your keepsakes.

As you are browsing around, make sure to stop and marvel at a huge rice paddle, which is said to be the largest wooden rice scoop in the world at 7.7 meters long, 2.7 meters thick, and weighing 2.5 tons.

The rice scoop was made from a 270-year-old Zelkova tree and took almost three years to construct. It went on display in 1996 to commemorate the designation of Itsukushima Shrine as a World Heritage Site.