Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview
Itsukushima Shrine has been a place of worship for many centuries; its current layout dates largely to the 12th-century patronage of Taira no Kiyomori. The shrine and the forested slopes of Mt Misen behind it were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
The island is lively by day and calm in the evening, when the day-trippers leave and the torii is illuminated. Staying overnight in a ryokan is a memorable splurge. Since October 2023 visitors to the island pay a small Miyajima visitor tax (currently ¥100 per person per visit, collected with ferry fares or via ticket machines; check for changes).
Neighbourhoods & areas
Ferry pier & Omotesando
The main shopping street of snack shops, momiji manju makers and souvenir stores, leading toward the shrine.
Shrine & Machiya-dori
The shrine precinct and a quieter parallel street of old townhouses, cafés and galleries.
Momijidani Park
A maple valley below Mt Misen, with the ropeway station and walking trails.
Top sights & experiences
Itsukushima Shrine
Corridors and halls built on piles over the tidal flats. Small admission fee.
Great Torii (Ōtorii)
At high tide it appears to float; at low tide you can walk out to its base. Check tide tables before your visit to see both.
Mt Misen
The island's sacred peak (535 m). Take the Miyajima Ropeway most of the way, then walk 20–30 minutes to the summit, or hike up one of three trails (about 1.5–2 hours).
Daishō-in
An atmospheric Shingon temple with hundreds of small statues, prayer wheels and a lantern-lit cave.
Senjōkaku & five-storey pagoda
A large unfinished hall commissioned by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, next to a red pagoda overlooking the town.
Evening light-up & boat cruises
The torii and shrine are illuminated after dark; small boats offer evening cruises close to the gate.
What to eat
Oysters
Hiroshima Bay oysters grilled, fried or in rice — best in the cooler months.
Anago-meshi
Grilled conger eel over rice, a specialty of the Miyajima area.
Momiji manju
Maple-leaf-shaped cakes filled with bean paste, custard or chocolate; also deep-fried versions.
Where to stay by budget
Budget
Stay in Hiroshima city or Miyajimaguchi on the mainland, where there are guesthouses and hostels.
Mid-range
Small hotels and ryokan on the island, many with dinner included.
Luxury
Traditional ryokan near the shrine with kaiseki dinners and some torii-view rooms.
Rough nightly ranges: hostels and capsule hotels often run a few thousand yen per person; business hotels commonly ¥8,000–¥20,000 per room; upscale hotels and ryokan can be far higher, especially in peak seasons. See our accommodation guide.
Getting there
Take the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi (around 25–30 minutes), or the slower Hiroden streetcar line 2. Then take a ferry (about 10 minutes). Two companies run ferries; the JR ferry is covered by the JR Pass and some departures pass closer to the torii.
High-speed boats also run direct from Hiroshima's Peace Park area (Aqua Net Hiroshima) — a scenic option that pairs neatly with the Peace Memorial Museum.
Getting around
The town area is walkable. A free shuttle bus runs from near the shrine toward the ropeway station. Mt Misen requires good shoes.
Day trips & side trips
Hiroshima
Peace Memorial Park and Museum, okonomiyaki. See our Hiroshima guide.
Iwakuni
The five-arched wooden Kintai Bridge, a short train ride west.
Best time to visit
Spring brings cherry blossoms around the pagoda; autumn turns Momijidani bright red (usually mid to late November) and is very busy. Summer is hot; the Kangensai boat festival takes place in summer (date follows the lunar calendar). Winter is quiet and oyster season peaks.
Local tips
- Plan around the tides: high tide for the 'floating' look, low tide to walk to the gate.
- The deer are wild — don't feed them, and keep paper maps and snacks out of reach.
- Visit early or stay the night to avoid peak crowds from about 10am to 3pm.
- Leave time for the visitor tax machines or ferry ticket queues on busy days.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: