How do you get from Hiroshima to Miyajima?

Take a train or streetcar to Miyajimaguchi, then a short ferry across to the island — around 45 minutes to an hour in total. Many guided day trips include the transport, and some combine Miyajima with Peace Memorial Park in one day.

When is the best time to see the floating torii gate?

The torii appears to float only at high tide, so check the day's tide times before you go. Low tide lets you walk out to the gate on foot. Ideally, plan your visit to catch both, and stay for sunset when the gate is lit.

Can you visit Hiroshima and Miyajima in one day?

Yes. A full day is enough to see Peace Memorial Park in the morning and Miyajima in the afternoon. Combined guided tours make this easy by arranging the ferry, transport and timings for you.

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Miyajima island · Hiroshima itinerary

Miyajima Island & Itsukushima Shrine: The Perfect Day Trip

Just across the water from Hiroshima, the sacred island of Miyajima is home to the famous floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, forested Mount Misen and free-roaming deer. Here is how to plan the ideal day trip from Hiroshima — with the best-rated shrine tours, island walks and full-day combined excursions to book.

At a glance

1Ferry to Miyajima (Itsukushima)
2Itsukushima Shrine & floating torii
3Mount Misen & island nature
4Omotesando street & momiji manju

The floating torii and Itsukushima Shrine

Miyajima's icon is the great vermilion torii gate that appears to float on the sea at high tide, one of the most photographed sights in Japan. Behind it, the UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine stretches over the water on wooden stilts, its corridors and stage designed to seem afloat. Time your visit to see both high tide, when the gate floats, and low tide, when you can walk out to its base.

Mount Misen and the island's nature

Rising behind the shrine, Mount Misen is the sacred heart of Miyajima, cloaked in primeval forest. A ropeway carries you most of the way up, from where a walking trail leads to the summit and sweeping views over the Seto Inland Sea and its scattered islands. Ancient temple halls and an eternal flame lie along the paths, rewarding those who take the time to climb.

Deer, streets and local flavours

Tame deer wander freely through the village and along the shore, adding to the island's gentle atmosphere. The Omotesando shopping street leads to the shrine lined with stalls selling grilled oysters and momiji manju, the maple-leaf-shaped cakes made fresh on Miyajima. Allow time to stroll, sample local snacks and soak up the unhurried island pace before catching the ferry back.

Getting there and combined tours

Miyajima is reached by a short ferry from Miyajimaguchi, easily paired with Hiroshima in a single day. Many visitors choose a combined full-day tour linking Peace Memorial Park in the morning with the island in the afternoon, guided and with transport arranged. Half-day island tours, rickshaw rides and private guided options suit those who want to focus on Miyajima alone.