We struggled to locate this little gem - only to find it across the road from the ferry terminal (so please ask for instructions!)

We were greeted by Shinko - a lovely lady who spoke good english and was very friendly. Our japanese style room overlooked the sea (and the small ferry terminal - although this didn't bother us). It was quite spacious (it was a 4 person room and there were only 2 of us), with a nice balcony and a small, but satisfactory en-suite. There was a TV, but there was so much to do on the island that we didn't switch it on once! The futons were comfortable (especially if you double them up!) and we slept well here.

We had a western breakfast and japanese dinner pre-booked here. Breakfast was spot-on and set us up for the day. Dinner was a great variety of sea food and wonderful. Shinko did her best to explain what each dish was and accommodated our individual needs.

We were only a 10 minute walk from the famous shrine and about a 20 minute walk to the cable car to the top of the mountain. There's lots of touristy shops, although I should warn you that the island really does shut down for the evening. There's also internet in the ferry terminal.

We had the most wonderful two nights stay here and it was the highlight of our trip to Japan. Shinko (the owner) and her son Teppei were so helpful and polite - they really represent the best of Japan. The Ryokan is ideally situated just across the road from the ferry which is ideal if you have any luggage. We opted to have dinner and breakfast included in our stay at Yamaichi Bekkan and the 10 course dinner was simply the best. You will need to go for a walk after this delicious meal but the island is so peaceful at dusk after all the day trippers have gone. The accommodation in the Japanese room is wonderful with lovely views onto the park and the sea. We slept well on the futons and everything was clean and comfortable. One thing we did organise and needed after climbing Mt Misen was for Shinko to see if we could get a Shiatsu massage. She phoned a friend of hers who came to the Ryokan and gave us the best massage - this lady was no youngster but boy she was tough and worked on our sore legs!!
I can still see Shinko & Teppei waving good-bye to us as we walked back to the ferry for our next adventure to Himeji.

After participating in a tradefair in Tokyo, we wanted to spend the weekend at a quiet place with legendary culture and lovely scenery.

Miyajima Island was the place we chose and Yamaichi bekkan the hotel we selected, according to Tripadvisor recommendations.

We were not disappointed at all. The small hotel was really just opposite the ferry terminal, very easy to find., very convenient even if you carry light luggage. The landlady welcomed us in a beautiful green kimono. While our luggage was brought up into our room, we were outfitted with maps for our afternoon sightseeing walk.

Japanese dinner (included) was arranged for 6 pm. and in courteous manner served and explained by the landlady herself. Every dish was colorfoul and so delicious, a tour through cuisine japonaise in 7 scenes (see their website for photos). While we went for an evening walk to admire the famous illuminated floating shrine gate, our beds were prepared and we enjoyed wonderful sleep in the hotel-owned Yukatas on soft futons placed on the rice mats in the large carefully decorated room.

We opted for Japanese breakfast (included) but English tea and found everything being healthy and delicious. We had again an pleasant talk with the lady (speaks good English) and her staff before heading to the ferry boat and our next destination Hiroshima.

For the opportunity to stay on Miyajima itself, Yamaichi Bekkan is a good choice. Among the more affordable places to stay on the island, Yamaichi has such good food that residents from the upmarket hotels often come to eat in the evenings when they desire a change from their own facilities. Opposite the JR ferry terminal, and conveniently near to Momijidani park and the Itsukashima Shrine, the Yamaichi Bekkan has peaceful en-suite tatami rooms, up two flights of stairs, and a dining area and homely lobby on the ground floor. A major appeal of this modern styled Inn is the friendliness of the charming lady owner, and the wide range of well prepared and presented meals available. In the peaceful evenings you can walk to the shrine late at night wearing your yukata, with the same exclusive freedom as those Miyajima residents from far more expensive ryokans and hotels.