Best things to do in Miyajima (Itsukushima) Island, Hiroshima are, to enjoy the world heritage, old temple, speciality food, scenery, encountering wild deer, shopping on the street, and more!
Miyajima Island, Hiroshima
Before talking about “Things to do in Miyajima island”, let’s get to know a little bit about the island quickly!
Miyajima or Itsukushima?
It’s the same. It’s Itsukushima Island officially, but called Miyajima often.
What does Miyajima mean in Japanese?
According to my research, since the Edo period, people have started calling it Miyajima, because the whole island = “shima” / “jima” with “Miya” = Shrine. Since then, it’s called Miya jima = Shrine island.
What To Do in Miyajima Island, Hiroshima?
You can enjoy
- Nature
- Shrines & Temples
- History
- Food
Itsukushima Shrine Jinja
Itsukushima Jinja Shrine is one of the most famous and/or well-known shrines in Miyajima. It’s a Shinto shrine that was built in 593, it has been changed by rebuilding repeatedly.
Itsukushima Floating Torii Gate
This torii gate is a very iconic symbol of Itsukushima.
Please note that you shouldn’t walk/stand in the center of the path from the Torii gate to the shrine. In Shinto, the center path is reserved for the Gods.
Nishimatsubara
You can have a very nice view from Nishimatsubara which is like a small peninsula. There are some benches to sit down. It’s a great place to eat a little street food and enjoy the beautiful view!
Pagoda
This Japanese style pagoda with Chinese influence, was originally built in 1407 and reconstructed to its current form in 1533. Although you cannot enter the pagoda, you can admire its beauty from many different perspectives on the island!
Ryuzen no Matsu Pine Tree
This beautiful pine tree is intricately shaped to run alongside the edge of a cliff near the stairs leading to the aforementioned pagoda. It’s design is worth taking the time to observe!
Daishoin Temple
Founded in the 12th century, Daishoin is a tranquil temple in the mountains of Miyajima. The main hall contains beautiful artwork and the surrounding grounds have many trails leading throughout with small statues lining the paths. There is a painting that is about a tea ceremony Toyotomi Hideyoshi had held at Daishoin Temple. Emperor Meiji once stayed here in 1885.
Wild Deer
There are wild deer on Miyajima (Itsukushima) Island. As it says, you can’t feed them.
They are just chilling anywhere on the island, and they usually don’t do anything if you don’t. They add a special peaceful feeling to the island as they freely roam wherever they please.
Machiya Street
There is Machiya Street,
Omotesando Shopping Street
Omotesando is a street leading to the shrine. There is a shopping street leading to Itsukushima Jinja Shrine with a lot of shops. You can find a popular sweets from Miyajima, named Momiji Manju.
Miyajima Food
Miyajima has a lot of great street food, including foods that originated here!
- Momiji Manju
- Anago (conger eel)
- Oyster
For more information, you should check Miyajima Best Street Food, Restaurant & Cafe
Miyajima Travel Tips & Info
How to get to the Miyajima island?
From Hiroshima city to Miyajima island
There are some ways to get to Itsukushima (miyajima) island.
Ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajima
You can get on a ferry from Hiroshima port to Miyajima port which takes only 30 minutes.
Train to Miyajimaguchi + Ferry
You can get to Miyajimaguchi by either Hiroden (Hiroshima Dentetsu) and JR. And you can get a ferry from Miyajimaguchi to Miyajima island.
Plan Well
One thing I’d like to say is, a better plan gives you a better experience! I actually had a bad experience where I couldn’t get a ferry to Miyajima from Miyajimaguchi before.
Bathroom in Miyajima / Itsukushima island
There are some bathrooms that you can find, at ferry terminal, some shrines and temples, etc. I’d recommend using bathroom when you eat-in. Also, you can go to TOTO Omotenashi Toilet (open with Google map) on Miyajima Omotesando Street. You can change a diaper there too. I thought this bathroom is very nice.
Frequent Asked Questions About Miyajima
I found a lot of questions asked on Google, so I am going to answer to them!
Is Miyajima worth visiting?
Definitely yes!
What is the best time of day to visit Miyajima?
It depends on what you want to do. You should check the tide for when you can walk next to the shrine or view the shrine “floating” on the water.
When you can get closer to the Torii gate in Miyajima?
It depends on when you go because of the tide. It says that you can easily go closer to the big Torii gate if the tide is less than 100cm.
When You Can See the Sunset in Miyajima island?
It also depends on the day you go. You can easily find the sunset time online.
How long do you need at Miyajima Island?
I’d say, at least a day. Although, if you wake up early, and plan well, you can enjoy Miyajima to the fullest in 1/2 a day!
Can you do a day trip from Hiroshima to Miyajima?
Yes, and I did it! I recommend waking up early.
Can you do Hiroshima and Miyajima in one day?
I’d say yes, if you plan well and use your time efficiently!
There are many things to do in Miyajima (Itsukushima) island where has the world heritage, great local food, old temple, great scenery, wild deer, etc.
