Day Trips from Miyajima: Hiroshima, Onomichi, and Inland Sea Islands

Miyajima sits within easy reach of some of the most significant sights in western Japan. The island’s position in Hiroshima Bay — midway between the city of Hiroshima and the Seto Inland Sea island chain — makes it a natural hub for day trips in multiple directions. Most visitors combine Miyajima with Hiroshima as a matter of course; other options extend the range to the port town of Onomichi, the western end of the Shimanami Kaido, or the quieter islands further into the Inland Sea.

Hiroshima — Peace Memorial and City Centre

Hiroshima is the most significant day trip from Miyajima, 45–55 minutes away by JR ferry and train.

Getting there: JR Ferry from Miyajima to Miyajimaguchi (10 minutes, ¥210, or free with JR Pass), then JR San-yo Line to Hiroshima Station (26 minutes, ¥420). From Hiroshima Station, the Peace Memorial Park is 20 minutes by tram (line 2 or 6 to Genbaku Dome-mae, ¥180).

Peace Memorial Museum (¥200, open 8:30am–6pm, later in summer): The museum documents the August 6, 1945 atomic bombing of Hiroshima — the human impact, the physics of the blast, the survivors, the aftermath, and the city’s nuclear disarmament advocacy. The permanent exhibition was redesigned in 2019 with more emphasis on individual stories. Plan 1.5–2 hours minimum.

A-Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome): The partially destroyed shell of the Industrial Promotion Hall — one of the few buildings close enough to the hypocenter to remain standing — was preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It stands across the Motoyasu River from the Peace Park. Free to view from outside.

Peace Park: The park between the two rivers frames the cenotaph (containing the names of all identified atomic bomb victims), the Children’s Peace Monument (covered in paper cranes sent from around the world), and the Flame of Peace (burning since 1964 and intended to remain until all nuclear weapons are eliminated). The park is peaceful and well-maintained.

Hiroshima food: Hiroshima okonomiyaki — a layered pancake with noodles, cabbage, pork, and egg, grilled on a teppan iron plate — is the city’s signature dish. The Okonomimura building near the Hatchobori tram stop contains several floors of okonomiyaki restaurants. A full set costs approximately ¥1,000–¥1,500. Try Mitchan or Micchan (the original chain) for the most established version.

Onomichi — Hilltop Temples and Cat Alley

Onomichi is a port town 70 kilometres east of Hiroshima on the San-yo coast, facing the first islands of the Shimanami Kaido chain. The town climbs a steep hillside above the port, connected by a series of narrow paths, stairs, and a ropeway.

Getting there from Miyajima: JR ferry to Miyajimaguchi, JR to Hiroshima, then JR San-yo Line to Onomichi (total approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from Miyajima ferry terminal).

Temple Walk: A 25-temple pilgrimage route winds along the hillside connecting Onomichi’s Buddhist temples. Walking the full route takes 2–3 hours. The most photogenic section is the upper hillside path near Senkoji Park, which gives panoramic views of the port, the Onomichi Strait, and the suspension bridge linking the town to Mukaishima Island.

Neko no Hosomichi (Cat Alley): A narrow hillside alley between temple walls, long inhabited by feral cats who are fed by local residents. The cats are accustomed to people and generally cooperative for photographs. The alley has been made famous by travel photography and is consistently busy in good weather.

Onomichi Ramen: The local ramen style uses a chicken and small fish (niboshi) broth with soy sauce and flat wheat noodles, topped with char siu pork and back fat. The flat noodles catch the rich, slightly fishy broth effectively. Restaurants cluster near the station. Recommended: Shukaen near the station approach (¥800–¥1,000 per bowl).

Ropeway to Senkoji: The ropeway ascends from near the station to the Senkoji Park hilltop (¥280 one-way, ¥500 return). The park garden, the temple, and the hilltop viewpoint are all within walking distance of the summit station. Views extend across the Onomichi Strait to Mukaishima and the bridges of the Shimanami Kaido beyond.

Shimanami Kaido — Start of the Cycling Route

The Shimanami Kaido cycling and walking route officially begins in Onomichi and runs 70 kilometres southwest across the Seto Inland Sea to Imabari in Ehime. From Miyajima, you can reach the Onomichi starting point in under 2 hours.

If combining Miyajima with a short section of the Shimanami Kaido, the most practical arrangement is: ferry from Miyajima to Miyajimaguchi → JR to Onomichi → rent a bicycle and cycle the first bridge (Mukaishima Bridge to Innoshima, approximately 20 kilometres) → return to Onomichi by ferry across the strait → JR back to Hiroshima for the evening.

Bicycle rental at Onomichi Station from approximately ¥1,200–¥2,000 per day (standard); electric assist from approximately ¥2,000–¥3,500. Helmets included.

Make the most of your time around Miyajima: Guided day trips from Miyajima handle the logistics — transport, guide, and timing — so you can focus on the experience. For airport arrivals and departures, Kiwitaxi offers fixed-price airport transfers with no meter surprises.

Tobishima Kaido (Southern Island Chain)

Less visited than the Shimanami Kaido, the Tobishima Kaido connects a string of smaller islands between Mihara (on the Hiroshima side) and Onomichi, accessible by regular ferry. The islands are rural, largely flat, and given over to fishing and small-scale farming. Day ferry trips from Mihara (reached by JR from Hiroshima in 45 minutes, ¥1,290) allow exploration of two or three islands in a day. Cycling is the ideal transport on the islands, with flat roads and minimal traffic.

This option suits travellers who have already seen Hiroshima and Miyajima and want a slower, less visited version of the Inland Sea.

For things to do on Miyajima itself, see our Miyajima travel guide. For food recommendations, see our Miyajima food guide.

See also: Things to do in Miyajima · Where to stay in Miyajima · Best restaurants in Miyajima · Hiroshima travel guide · Things to do in Hiroshima · Chugoku-Hiroshima region guide