7 Best Things to Do in Miyajima, Japan
Find the best things to do in Miyajima to ensure you don’t miss any of the highlights on this beautiful Japanese island.
Miyajima is a small island off the coast of mainland Japan near Hiroshima. It is claimed to be one of the “Crown Jewels of Japan” and definitely worth adding to your Japanese itinerary. Approaching the island from the mainland it’s easy to see why with the still water and green hills.
As the island is small, plan a half-day or full day visit to Miyajima to give you enough time to visit the best things to do in Miyajima and maybe more.
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Best Things to Do in Miyajima
1. Catch Sunset at the Floating Torii Gate
One of the most famous sights on Miyajima is the “Floating” Torii Gate. This 16 meter tall torii gate is one of the tallest torii gates in all of Japan, but that’s not what’s made it famous. It is famous for appearing as though it floats during high tide.
While I hate to ruin the surprise, the gate does not actually float. It just appears to float when the water is at the right height. That being said, it is beautiful no matter whether it’s truly floating in high tide or completely land based during low tide.
To elevate the view, come admire this famous Miyajima sight at sunset. The positioning of the torii gate allows the sun to set behind it beautifully illuminating the sky and creating stunning reflections on the water.
It is one of the most peaceful places to watch a sunset in the world. If you cannot make it for sunset, it is still well worth a visit to see it floating.
2. Climb Mount Misen
The highest point on Miyajima is Mount Misen at 1,755 feet tall or 535 meters and the views from the top are truly unmatched. You’ll be able to look out over the surrounding islands and the Seto Inland Sea. To get to the summit, you have two options: Taking the Miyajima Ropeway (ยฅ1100 one-way/ยฅ2000 round trip) or hiking.
The easiest way to reach the summit is by taking the cable car, which takes you up to Shishiiwa Station. From there, you can either take a short walk to the summit or continue hiking along one of the many trails in the area. Along the way, you’ll encounter stunning scenery, including ancient cedar trees and small temples and shrines.
The other option, is to hike up Mount Misen. The hike up is just 1.6 miles one-way and should take about 1 – 1.5 hours to get to the top. This makes it one of the best activities on Miyajima for the outdoorsy types. For full details on the hiking trails, please read more in the post Climbing Mount Misen.
3. Explore Daisho-in Temple
One of the most important temples on Miyajima is Daisho-in Temple. This temple dates back over 1,200 years and sits back on the base of Mt. Misen surrounded by trees. It’s a beautiful place to visit as it sits on number of different levels and features intricate carvings and amazing gardens.
This temple features Dai-hannyakyo, which are gold prayer wheels said to bring great fortune to those who touch them, and features a large statue of the Buddhist goddess of mercy, Kannon.
Additionally, it also has a number of zodiac themed Buddhas, a small Buddha lined garden, and the Henjokutsu Cave filled with Buddhist icons. This is a great escape from the crowds at Itsukushima Shrine, and bonus – it is free to enter!
4. Admire Itsukushima Shrine
Sitting right behind the floating torii gate is Itsukushima Shrine, also known as the Itsukushima-jinja. This is the most famous Shinto shrine in Miyajima and one of the most famous and iconic shrines in all of Japan.
This shrine was first built in the 6th century and was later expanded and rebuilt during the 12th century by the powerful warlord Taira no Kiyomori. Today, it is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s a popular tourist destination.
The current shrine complex consists of several buildings, including the main hall, prayer hall, and a stage that overlooks the water. During low tide the whole shrine is visible from the outside by walking along the sand in front of it. At high tide when the shrine is surrounded by water, it is well worthwhile going in to explore the temple and see the unbeatable views of the floating torii.
The numerous covered passage ways are said to have been created to keep footprints off the pristine island. Entrance fee is ยฅ300.
5. Visit Senjokaku
Another one of the best things to do in Miyajima is Senjokaku, also known as the Hall of a Thousand Tatami Mats. This large open wooden structure sits on the hillside overlooking the Itsukushima Shrine, and is technically part of the Shrine’s complex.
It was built in the late 16th century by the powerful daimyo, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The name “Senjokaku” literally translates to “pavilion of a thousand mats,” which refers to the building’s large size and its roof, which is covered with thousands of wooden shingles.
Despite its impressive size, the building was never actually used for its intended purpose as a place for Buddhist monks to recite sutras. Instead, it has been used as a place for storing sacred objects and as a space for visitors to rest and take in the views of the surrounding area.
Today, you’ll find many people enter and hang out in the shade on the provided tatami mats that cover the floor. It is largely just a covered open space on the hill allowing for a tranquil place to relax. You’ll also find that next door is a beautiful five-story pagoda helps entice you to climb up the hill to Senjokaku. Entrance fee is ยฅ100.
6. Go Shopping on Omotesando Street
Another popular Miyajima activity is shopping along Omotesando Shopping Street, a pedestrianized street that is lined with souvenir shops and food stalls. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists as it offers a wide variety of products, from traditional Japanese crafts to modern trinkets.
One of the most popular souvenirs on Omotesando Street is the momiji manju, a sweet cake shaped like a maple leaf and filled with red bean paste. Many of the shops on the street sell these tasty treats, and if you get there at the right time of day, you can even watch them being made in some of the stores.
In addition to momiji manju, you’ll find a variety of other food options on Omotesando Street, including local snacks, sweets, and seafood.
For those interested in traditional Japanese crafts, there are several shops on Omotesando Street that sell items such as pottery, lacquerware, and paper products. You’ll also find shops selling kimono, yukata (summer kimonos), and other traditional clothing items.
Lastly, there are several shops on Omotesando Street that sell souvenirs that are unique to Miyajima, such as wooden charms shaped like the torii gate or small statues of the island’s famous deer. These make great gifts for friends and family back home.
7. Stay Overnight on Miyajima
While many visitors day trip to Miyajima, staying overnight allows you to experience the island after the day-trippers have left. This brings a more peaceful atmosphere for those who opt to stay overnight.
There are a variety of accommodations available on the island, ranging from traditional ryokans to Western-style hotels. Staying overnight also allows you to explore the island at a more leisurely pace and take advantage of activities that are only available after dark, such as illuminated temple tours.
Some of the best hotels in Miyajima are:
- Budget hotels in Miyajima: Kikunoya | Aki Grand Hotel & Spa | Sakuraya
- Mid-range hotels in Miyajima: Jukeiso | Miyajima Seaside Hotel | Yamaichi Bekkan
- Luxury hotels in Miyajima: Kinsuikan | Hotel Miyajima Villa | Miyajima Morinoyado
FAQs about Visiting Miyajima, Japan
Visiting Miyajima can be challenging for Westerners as they often don’t speak Japanese and rarely understand the Japanese culture and etiquette. That being said, don’t let that hold you back. You can easily visit Japan and explore on your own.
Here are some FAQs about visiting Miyajima and the best things to do in Miyajima.
Getting to Miyajima is straightforward. From Hiroshima, take a train to Miyajimaguchi Station, and then it’s just a short ferry ride to the island. The ferry operates frequently throughout the day.
Miyajima is famous for Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic floating torii gate. Other attractions include Mount Misen, Daisho-in Temple, the wild deer that roam the island, and Momijidani Park during the autumn foliage season.
There is no entrance fee to access the island itself. However, some specific attractions, such as the Itsukushima Shrine, have separate entrance fees.
The best times to visit are during spring for cherry blossoms – usually in April and autumn for colorful foliage. Fall foliage peaks in October and November.
A day trip is sufficient to see the main attractions on Miyajima, but if you want to explore more thoroughly or enjoy hiking on Mount Misen, consider staying overnight.
Yes, you can hike to the summit of Mount Misen. At the top you’ll find stunning views of the surrounding islands and the Seto Inland Sea. There are multiple trails with varying difficulty levels. You can learn all about it in my Climbing Mount Misen article.
Yes, you can visit Miyajima throughout the year. Each season offers a unique experience, whether it’s the cherry blossoms in spring, the greenery in summer, the fall foliage in autumn, or the quiet winters.
Yes, there are several hotels, ryokans (traditional inns), and guesthouses on the island. Staying overnight allows you to experience the island after the day-trippers have left. To find the best place to stay in Miyajima, search Booking.com or Agoda.
Yes, there are souvenir shops on the island where you can purchase traditional handicrafts, local snacks, and Miyajima-themed memorabilia.
Absolutely. The island is compact and easily navigated on foot. Most of the main Miyajima attractions are within walking distance from the ferry terminal.
Continue Exploring Miyajima and Hiroshima
As you can tell, Miyajima is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Japan. From its iconic Itsukushima Shrine and floating torii gate to its scenic hiking trails and amazing shopping, there are plenty of things to do on Miyajima.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just taking in the stunning natural surroundings, Miyajima offers something for everyone. With its friendly locals, peaceful atmosphere, and rich cultural heritage, it’s no wonder that Miyajima is considered one of the most popular destinations in Japan.
So if you’re planning a trip to Japan, be sure to add Miyajima to your itinerary – you won’t regret it! Keep exploring Miyajima and neighboring Hiroshima with these posts:
If your visit to this area is brief, you can also explore both Miyajima and Hiroshima in just 1 day. Or, take a tour to cover as much as possible in your limited time.
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