Considered to be one of Japan’s three most scenic views, Miyajima makes for a fantastic day trip from Hiroshima. Indeed, to date, Miyajima remains one of our favourite places in Japan!

Miyajima is not only gorgeous for sightseeing, but it’s also a sacred place due to the Itsukushima Shrine. The shrine comprises various buildings, all of which are interconnected via wooden boardwalks suspended above the Seto sea. 

The most famous attraction of all, however, has got to be the torii gate, which is part of the shrine.

During high tide, the torii gate seems as if it’s floating in the sea. During low tide, the water drains out of the area surrounding the torii gate, giving visitors the opportunity to actually walk right up to the torii gate!

Miyajima is also home to free-roaming deer. Unlike the deer at Nara, the deer here are much more docile. In fact, the deer are considered to be sacred messengers, and are said to have resided on the island for more than 800 years.

They’re friendly, and will happily approach for a chin rub! However, do remember that the deer are wild animals, and feeding them is not encouraged.

You won't have to look too hard; the deer can be found all over the island!

On a nice breezy day, take some time to relax on one of the benches along the perimeter of the island. 

Don’t leave without trying the Momiji Manju, a steamed bun in the shape of a maple leaf. These come with various fillings, such as bean paste, cream, chocolate, and more.

You’ll find plenty of oyster stalls dotted around the island — Miyajima is surrounded by plenty of oyster beds, so you’ll also find plenty of oyster stalls dotted around the island. Have them raw, smothered with cheese, or sprinkled with cayenne pepper.

The island is also home to Miyajima Omotesando Shotengai, a shopping street filled with restaurants and souvenir shops. There’s even an Okonomiyaki Street! 

See if you can snag some deer-themed souvenirs, or snap some cute keepsake photos. Other things to do include taking the cable car up Mt. Misen, and visiting the five-storied Goju-no-to Pagoda.

How to get to Miyajima

From Hiroshima, take the streetcar (20 minutes) or JR Sanyo train (30 minutes) to Miyajimaguchi, and hop on a ferry (10 minutes) bound for Miyajima. The ferry ride is covered by the Japan Rail pass too! Alternatively, take the scenic route via ferry (45 minutes) from the Peace Memorial Park.

Once you get off the ferry at Miyajima, all of the island’s major sights are within walking distance. For a touch of nostalgia, you can also hire a rickshaw to take you around the island.