How do I get from Hiroshima to Miyajima?

Take the JR San-yo Line from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station (approximately 26 minutes, ¥410 as of 2026), then walk 5 minutes to the ferry pier and board the JR Miyajima Ferry (10-minute crossing, approximately ¥200 as of 2026). Both the train and JR ferry are covered by the JR Pass. Alternatively, the Hiroshima Electric Railway (Hiroden tram) runs directly from Hiroshima city centre to Miyajimaguchi-eki-mae in approximately 70 minutes — longer but no transfers, and the streetcar gives excellent city views.

What time should I visit Miyajima for the floating torii gate?

The torii gate appears to float only at high tide. At low tide, the bay recedes and you can walk out to the gate base. Both views are worth experiencing, but the high-tide reflection shot — especially at sunset or with lanterns after dark — is the iconic image. Check the Miyajima tide table (available at hiroshima-navi.or.jp and printed at tourism offices) and time your visit for high tide if the photograph matters. Low tide allows touching the gate and is equally popular.

Is there a ropeway on Miyajima?

Yes. The Miyajima Ropeway (宮島ロープウェー) ascends from Momijidani Park to near the summit of Mount Misen (530m). It operates in two sections with a transfer at榧谷 (Kayatani) midway station. Journey time approximately 15 minutes each section; fare approximately ¥2,000 return as of 2026. From the upper ropeway station, a further 30-minute walk reaches the Misen summit with panoramic views over the Seto Inland Sea.

Do deer roam freely on Miyajima?

Yes. Sacred deer (shika) roam throughout Miyajima island, including the main shopping streets, the temple approach, and the ferry pier area. They are a protected species and theoretically wild — but decades of tourist feeding have made them bold and opportunistic. They will attempt to eat maps, bags, and any food within reach. Keep snacks sealed and bags closed. Do not feed them — it is prohibited and reinforces dangerous behaviour.

Getting Around Miyajima | The Japan Guides

Miyajima (formally Itsukushima) is a 30 sq km island in Hiroshima Bay and one of Japan’s most photographed places — the cinnabar torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine appears to float in the sea at high tide. The island is traffic-free; private vehicles are not permitted. Transport is by ferry, on foot, or (to reach Mount Misen) by ropeway.

Getting to Miyajima from Hiroshima

Route 1: JR Train + JR Ferry (recommended, especially for JR Pass holders)

The fastest, most economical route from Hiroshima.

Leg	Service	Journey Time	Fare (approx, 2026)
Hiroshima → Miyajimaguchi	JR San-yo Line (local)	26 min	¥410
Miyajimaguchi Pier → Miyajima Pier	JR Miyajima Ferry	10 min	¥200
Total		~40 min	¥610

JR Pass: Covers both the JR train and the JR Miyajima Ferry (the JR-operated service). Show your pass at the ferry gate to board without a ticket.

At Miyajimaguchi: Exit Miyajimaguchi Station and walk 5 minutes straight ahead to the ferry pier. Two operators run the 10-minute crossing — the JR Ferry and the Matsudai Ferry. Both charge approximately ¥200; only the JR Ferry is covered by the JR Pass.

Route 2: Hiroshima Electric Railway (Hiroden Tram) + Ferry

The scenic alternative, passing through Hiroshima’s city tram network.

Hiroshima city centre (Hiroshima Station tram stop) → Miyajimaguchi-eki-mae: approximately 70 minutes, ¥450 as of 2026 (Route 2)
Walk 5 minutes to the ferry pier
Ferry crossing: approximately ¥200 (Matsudai Ferry — NOT JR Ferry, so JR Pass not applicable)

Slower but requires no transfers and offers a view of Hiroshima’s rebuilt streets. Hiroden trams are not covered by the JR Pass.

For private transfers from Hiroshima hotels or Hiroshima Airport directly to the Miyajimaguchi ferry pier, Kiwitaxi offers flat-rate bookings.

On the Island: Getting Around

Miyajima is entirely car-free. Transport options are limited to:

1. Walking

Walking is the primary mode of transport and the most rewarding. The main corridor from the ferry pier to the shrine complex is approximately 600m — a flat, pleasant approach lined with maple trees (spectacular in autumn), souvenir shops, and roaming deer.

Key walking distances from the ferry pier:

Sight	Walking Time
Itsukushima Shrine entrance	10 min
Torii Gate (from shrine)	5 min
Senjokaku Pavilion	10 min
Daisho-in Temple	15 min
Momijidani Park (ropeway base)	20 min
Mount Misen summit (via ropeway)	45 min total (ropeway + walk)
Mount Misen summit (all walking)	2 hr each way

2. Miyajima Ropeway

The ropeway ascends from Momijidani Park to near the summit of Mount Misen in two linked sections.

Lower station: Momijidani-koen (Momijidani Park) — 20 minutes on foot from the ferry pier
Upper station: Shishiiwa (獅子岩) — panoramic platform with views of Seto Inland Sea
Journey time: Approximately 15 minutes per section (transfer at Kayatani midpoint)
Operating hours: 09:00–17:00 (last ascent 16:15; reduced in winter)
Fare (approx, 2026): ¥2,000 adult return / ¥1,100 one-way
Summit walk: From Shishiiwa upper station to the Misen summit (530m) is approximately 30 minutes on foot, with several stone Buddhist halls and Misen’s sacred eternal flame along the route.

The ropeway can have queues exceeding 45 minutes during peak periods (October autumn foliage; spring cherry blossom). Arrive early or after 14:00 to avoid the longest waits.

3. Deer

While not a transport mode, Miyajima’s deer population (approximately 500 animals) is unavoidable and intrinsic to the island experience. They concentrate near the shrine approach, the shopping street, and the ferry terminal. They are bold, unafraid of people, and will investigate bags and pockets with determination. Keeping food sealed and bags closed is the primary practical precaution.

The Torii Gate: Tide Timing

Itsukushima Shrine’s iconic torii gate (rebuilt 1875; the current structure is the 8th on this site) stands approximately 200m offshore in the bay. Its experience changes dramatically with the tide:

High tide: The gate appears to float, shrine corridors extend over water, and the reflection shot is possible. Best for photography, especially at sunset. Low tide: The bay recedes to mud flats; you can walk out to the gate base and touch it. Visitors queue to walk beneath the torii at low tide.

Tide tables: Available at the Hiroshima Tourism & Convention Bureau (hiroshima-navi.or.jp) and printed at tourist information desks at both Hiroshima Station and Miyajimaguchi Station. Plan your visit arrival time around the tide if the photo opportunity matters.

Day Trip vs Overnight

Day trip: Most visitors arrive from Hiroshima on a day trip. Allow a minimum of 4 hours on the island to comfortably cover the shrine, torii gate, Daisho-in Temple, and the ropeway.

Overnight: Staying on Miyajima allows experiencing the shrine in early morning (before day-trippers arrive) and after 17:00 (when the ferry crowds thin dramatically). Sunset over the torii from the island’s waterfront is one of Japan’s finest views. Several ryokan operate on the island, mostly in the mid-to-high price range (from approximately ¥25,000 per person with dinner and breakfast as of 2026).

Facilities at the Ferry Pier

The Miyajima ferry pier has coin lockers for storing luggage while you explore (approximately ¥300–¥600 per day as of 2026). This is strongly recommended — the island’s stone paths and slopes are easier to navigate without heavy bags.

Staying Near Miyajima (Mainland Side)

If budget concerns make island accommodation impractical, hotels in the Miyajimaguchi area or in Hiroshima city are both practical bases. Miyajimaguchi has several business hotels within 10 minutes of the ferry pier.

Practical Notes

Entry fee: As of 2024, Miyajima island charges a visitor fee of ¥300 per person collected at the ferry. Confirm current status at the ferry counter.
No cars: No private vehicles. The island has no taxis or buses.
Oyster season: Miyajima’s oysters (grilled, fried, in rice) are at peak quality October–April. The grilled oyster stalls near the shopping street are an unmissable lunch stop.
Maple leaf momiji manju: The island’s signature sweet — a maple-leaf-shaped cake filled with red bean paste. Buy hot from bakery windows on the main approach street.

Transport essentials for Miyajima: The Japan Rail Pass covers the JR train from Hiroshima and the JR Miyajima Ferry — this is one of the most cost-effective pass uses in Japan given Miyajima’s universal inclusion in Japan itineraries. For private transfer from Hiroshima hotels directly to the Miyajimaguchi ferry pier, Kiwitaxi provides a convenient alternative to trains.

Plan Your Trip

Flights — Find the best fares to Japan
Travel Insurance — Get covered before you go
eSIM — Stay connected from landing
Car Rental — Compare prices across providers

Getting Around Miyajima: Ferry, Ropeway, and Transport Guide

Top-rated experiences in Miyajima Travel Guide