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How to Spend 24 hours on Miyajima Island, Japan
For travellers accustomed to the fast-paced blur of action in Tokyo’s vibrant neighbourhoods, Miyajima offers a slower, more serene pace of life. Just a short ferry ride from Hiroshima, the island is most famous for its ‘floating’ red torii gate and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Itsukushima Shrine. However, Miyajima blends natural beauty with a rich culture beyond the most famous sites, making it perfect for those searching for a unique addition to their next Japan itinerary.
Explore the Itsukushima Shrine
Balanced gracefully over the water on stilts, Itsukushima Shrine is both an architectural masterpiece and a photographer’s dream. Built to honour Shinto deities, the shrine’s unique design seamlessly integrates with its surroundings. At low tide, visitors can walk right up to the legendary structure, or for an alternative perspective, wander through the shrine’s wooden corridors to take in the views over the bay framed by its pillars.
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Discover Omotesando Shopping Street
Omotesando Shopping Street is full of life and always brimming with local flavours, handmade crafts and unique souvenirs - it’s the ultimate sensory experience in Miyajima. Here, you can discover Miyajima’s crafts, such as the intricately carved wooden rice scoops (shamoji) and delectable street food. The air is filled with the aromas of delicacies like grilled oysters and fried momiji manju (buns shaped like maple leaves), which are a must-try sweet in Miyajima.
Meet the Locals
One of Miyajima’s most charming attractions is the population of free-roaming sika deer, which are revered as sacred messengers of the gods. The deer wander the island, and are most often found near temples and shrines, coexisting with daily life. The deer are friendly but can be curious, particularly if you’re carrying food. Feeding them is prohibited, but they sometimes interact with people and may even nibble on paper or your snacks if they get too close.
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Sample Local Food Delicacies
Like many places across Japan, Miyajima is a paradise for food-lovers. Begin your tasting experience with freshly caught grilled oysters, a local speciality with a delicious smoky flavour. For something heartier, try anago meshi, a dish of tender, caramelised conger eel served over steamed rice, which is a favourite among locals and visitors. If you can only try one thing, make it momiji manju, sweet buns shaped like maple leaves. They’re traditionally filled with sweet red bean paste, but variations include custard, matcha and chocolate.
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Experience Traditional Crafts at Miyajima Kogei Seisakusho
Like the celebrated craftsmanship in Kanazawa, Miyajima’s dedication to traditional woodworking showcases the artistry behind Japan’s daily essentials. This historic factory, also called Miyajima Craft Factory, has been producing wooden rice scoops (shamoji) and cooking spatulas for more than a century, blending functionality with beautiful craftsmanship. The artisans at the factory are committed to their craft and the workshop offers a fascinating chance to see them at work for anyone who wants to dive deeper into authentic Japanese crafts.
Watch the Sunset Over the Floating Torii Gate
For a truly unforgettable way to end a day on Miyajima Island, watch the sunset over the iconic red torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine. At high tide, the brilliant red gate completes its illusion of hovering above the water, with deep red and orange hues reflected on the sea, further enhancing the gate’s striking silhouette. Low tide offers a new way to admire the gate by walking right up to the structure across the exposed seabed.
Stay Overnight at Itsukushima Iroha
While many visitors exploring Japan for the first time include Miyajima Island as a short day trip on their itinerary, those who slow down and stay overnight will find their visit transformed into an even more memorable experience. Itsukushima Iroha is one of Japan’s many unique ryokans not to be missed, blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern amenities, allowing you to experience the island at its quietest and most enchanting.
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10 Tips & Tricks for a Visit to Miyajima Island
Plan around the tides — Check the tide schedule before visiting the iconic red torii gate to plan your visit and enjoy the gate from at both high and low tide..
Spend the night — Travellers staying overnight on Miyajima will be rewarded with peaceful views and quiet streets each morning and evening.
Start early — Arrive early to enjoy Miyajima’s peaceful atmosphere before day-trippers flood the island. Early mornings are perfect for a quiet stroll along Omotesando Shopping Street or capturing photos of the torii gate.
Respect the deer — While the deer are generally friendly, it's important not to feed them, as human food can be harmful to their health.
Try local specialities — Trying local dishes is an essential part of the Miyajima experience. Grilled oysters, anago meshi(eel rice), and fried momiji manju are delicious and portable options.
Consider your fitness — Not up for a long climb? Take the Ropeway up Mount Misen for stunning views of the island and Seto Inland Sea; if you’re feeling fit, you can continue hiking to the summit.
Plan in advance — Miyajima is accessible by ferry from Hiroshima. JR Pass holders can use the JR Miyajima Ferry at no extra cost. Check the schedule and aim to arrive early to avoid long queues.
Book accommodation ahead — The island has limited accommodations and ryokans like Itsukushima Iroha often require advance booking, especially if you’re visiting during cherry blossom or autumn foliage seasons.
Bring cash — Although some places accept cards, many small vendors and street food stalls only take cash, so it’s best to carry enough yen for your visit.
Prepare for the weather — In summer, bring a hat, sunscreen, and bug spray to Miyajima. During autumn or winter, layers and a windproof jacket are essential.
How to Get There
Reaching Miyajima Island is a straightforward journey from Hiroshima. First, take the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station (about 25 minutes). From there, it’s a short 10-minute ferry ride to the island, with ferries running frequently throughout the day. If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you can use the JR Ferry at no additional cost. Once on the island, most attractions, including the famous floating torii gate, are easily explored on foot.
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