Beautiful, traditionally built and close to nature island, off Hiroshima. The island can be reached by ferries commuting from morning to evening. On the island you can find the famous Tori standing in the water. The upstream temple area is reopened for an entrance fee after a long renovation. There are many shops and restaurants. The island is a popular excursion destination for the Japanese. One should therefore go there on a working day or especially early. On excursion days it is packed in the small streets from noon and you also queue for quite a long time at the cable cars. We recommend the ascents to the temples as well as the cable car ride. From above you have a very nice view and there is a nice hiking trail back.

The floating torii at Miyajima Island is impressive and atmospheric--and crowded! (My sense of timing is as good as my navigational ability--bad). I went to Miyajima in the afternoon; and, yes, there were hordes of people. [Going early is the secret]. There's deer wandering about. They're cute, but, don't feed them. The boat ride over is around 10-minutes from the Miyajima-Guchi train station. Catch the JR ferry and you can ride for free if you flash your Japan Rail Pass. Once on the island, it's an easy walk to the floating torii. There's eateries/shops along the waterfront; but, a block up on Omotesando the restaurants will be a little cheaper, and less crowded. The crowds abate after sun down; but, the torii is lit up.

Me and my friend set aside the whole day to visit this island and it was the right decision. We got there by ferry, which runs quite often from the railway station. What immediately caught my eye was the number of places where you can try oysters, one of the local delicacies. Oysters, deep-fried, fried, and raw, turned out to be very tasty and, importantly, inexpensive. Another island delicacy is momiji manju, a maple leaf-shaped cake with sweet bean paste inside. It is sold both plain and deep-fried. To be honest, I liked it better deep-fried. But, of course, the highlight of the entire island is Itsukushima Shrine, located right on the water. Because of this, walking around the temple was unusual. The famous red torii on the water looked especially incredible and beautiful. It is not for nothing that the view of them is included in the three famous landscapes of Japan. Also, when visiting the island, I advise you to spend a little time at a Buddhist temple nearby with many colorful statues and climb to the very top of the island, from where you can enjoy an incredible view of the surrounding islands. Definitely one of the must-see places in Japan. You will not regret it!

Miyajima is absolutely wonderful! The iconic floating torii gate is a breathtaking sight, especially during sunset. The island has a peaceful vibe with friendly deer roaming around. Exploring Itsukushima Shrine and hiking up Mount Misen made it an unforgettable experience.

When in Hiroshima, don’t miss Miyajima Island of which the floating Itsukushima Shrine is only one of its many attractions. The ferry to the island leaves every 15 minutes and the ride is only around 10 minutes. It’s a nice, leisurely walk from the ferry terminal to the shrine assuming the weather is good. I don't think it will be as enjoyable if it’s rainy and wet. The walk is lined with shops and food stalls and we enjoyed very fresh and juicy grilled oysters for which Hiroshima is known for. Another staple is the freshly baked Momiji manju, a sweet pastry shaped like a maple leaf filled with red bean paste, custard, chocolate or cheese. However, look out for the aggressive deers who will go after your food! Because the island is an open space, it does not feel crowded like the other shrines in Japan. I recommend going late in the afternoon when it’s cooler and the day-trippers have gone.

Despite unreliable directions from Google maps, it was easy to get to Miyajima using the JR train from Hiroshima Station (30 mins) and ferry from Miyajimaguchi ferry terminal (10 mins). Plenty of things to do on the island, we visited the Itsukushima Shrine where a monk did beautiful calligraphy and stamped our notebook, then climbed the steps of Daisho-in temple taking the stairs on the left after the main gate to see the 500 monk statues with their red beanies. Stayed to see the torii gate at low tide which was worthwhile to walk out over the sand and admire the tree trunks close up. It was cold in January and the shops were closing at 5pm. Some of the cafes were closed all day, as was the ropeway for a regular inspection.

A UNESCO World Heritage Island, Miyajima Island, translate it means Shrine Island, can be reached from Hiroshima via a short ferry ride. The island has been a pilgrimage site for a thousand years. It is also considered the birthplace of Buddhism in Japan. Besides being a holy and sacred place, the island is one of the top three scenic spots in Japan. Highlights of our tour included seeing the giant floating Torii Gate, the Itukushima Shrine, and the sacred deer. We were there at high tide, so no one ventured out to examine the gates closeup. It does look like it is floating on water. The Torii gate stands 52+ feet tall and weighs 60 tons and is painted red. Japanese believe red wards off evil spirits, bad luck and dangers. Nearby is the Itukushima Shrine that also seems to float on water during the high tide. Like the gate, it is painted red for the same reasons. The current shrine is a reconstruction of the original one. We did not have time to go into the shrine because of time constraints. Most of the things on the island are sacred and so are the deer which are the only native species. The deer were considered messengers of the gods and as such the people began feeding them. Unfortunately, the deer became dependent on human food. In 2008, the town banned feeding the deer in homes they would not rely on humans for food. These deer are known to snatch food and other items from people.

Quite unique place that we enjoy even more by staying overnight because the hordes of tourists left in the evening... and not yet returned in the morning. Walking at night is unique... the island is almost deserted (few tourists leave after dinner). And the morning is quiet until around 9:00... so you have to get up early.

This is known for its close-to-shore floating Itsukushima Shrine tori which we saw at both low and high tides. Special. The entrance to the shrine is 300 JPN cash each. In addition to the grand torii, one sees the Hokoku shrine (Senjokaku), 5-storied pagoda, Morodo Shrine. Omotesando Shopping Street where you can find many souvenirs at similar, decent prices and street food. For 1800 JPN, go to observation at top of mountain with cable car and then take a gondola. There is a free, first come, first served small shuttle bus from near the Itsukushima Shrine that takes one most of the way to the cable car entrance. Otherwise, it is not too bad of a walk up.

Miyajima, near Hiroshima, is a must-see destination, especially for its iconic "floating gate" ¹. This beautiful island offers a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and culturally significant sites. As you step onto the island, you'll be greeted by friendly deer roaming freely ² ³. Itsukushima Shrine: A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its "floating" Torii Gate ² ⁴ Mt. Misen: Take the ropeway for breathtaking views, but be prepared for a challenging hike to the summit ² ⁴ Daisho-in Temple: A serene and historic temple located at the base of Mt. Misen ⁴ Visitors recommend allocating at least 4-5 hours to explore Miyajima's scenic beauty, historic landmarks, and charming shops ⁴. Consider staying overnight to experience the island's romantic ambiance, especially at night ⁵. For travelers, Miyajima is easily accessible from Hiroshima, with the JR Pass covering boat transportation ⁶. If you're short on time, a day trip from Hiroshima is feasible, but be prepared for a busy schedule ⁴.