Miyajima: An Island Where Sea and Prayer Meet
When visiting Hiroshima, there’s one place you’ll want to visit at least once: Miyajima, floating in the Seto Inland Sea.
This island, which has built its history alongside the sea and passed down traditions of prayer, attracts many visitors from both Japan and abroad as one of the nation’s most representative scenic spots. While easily accessible from Hiroshima City via train and ferry, stepping onto the island immerses you in a special time surrounded by calm seas and deep greenery.
This article introduces highlights and ways to enjoy Miyajima to make your visit more fulfilling. We cover everything from historic sites and nature experiences to foodie spots, so please use this guide to plan your trip.
Itsukushima Shrine and the Great Torii Gate
Itsukushima Shrine, known for its great torii gate towering over the sea and its shrine buildings, is considered the symbol of Miyajima.
Its shinden-zukuri architecture, preserving the appearance of the Heian period, offers completely different views depending on the tides. At high tide, the shrine buildings appear to float on the sea, while at low tide, visitors can walk right up to the base of the torii gate. During the times when it appears to float, you can also enjoy the unique experience of passing through the torii gate by boat.
One of Miyajima’s great charms is how the experience changes depending on the time of day, even though you are visiting the same place.
Mt. Misen and the Ropeway
Gate to the Ropeway
Mt. Misen, towering at 535 meters above sea level in the center of the island, is another must-see spot for Miyajima sightseeing. From the summit, you can take in panoramic views of the various islands, large and small, floating in the Seto Inland Sea. On clear days, you might even see as far as Shikoku.
While hiking the trail and slowly ascending while feeling nature is part of the charm, using the Miyajima Ropeway is recommended for those who lack confidence in their physical stamina or wish to enjoy it efficiently within limited time. The Miyajima Ropeway consists of two sections. From Momijidani Station to Kaya Station, you can enjoy a roughly 10-minute aerial stroll on a circulating ropeway. From Kaya Station to Shishiiwa Station, a roughly 4-minute ride on a cross-over ropeway follows. From the terminal Shishiiwa Station to the summit of Mt. Misen, it takes about 30 to 40 minutes on foot. Walking along the quiet mountain path surrounded by virgin forest, you can experience Miyajima’s rich nature up close.
Shrine Approach Gourmet and Strolling
The area around the shrine approach is lined with delightful spots for eating while you walk.
You can casually enjoy Hiroshima’s unique flavors, such as freshly grilled oysters, fried momiji (maple leaf-shaped pastries), and fragrant conger eel dishes. Grilled oysters, in particular, are a famous gourmet treat nurtured by the rich waters of the Seto Inland Sea. Stopping by during your sightseeing to leisurely savor the island’s pace is a unique pleasure of Miyajima.
Please note that many shops on the island, including those along the Omotesando Shopping Street, close around 5:00 PM. Be sure to plan your time accordingly.
After sightseeing in Miyajima, head to Hotel Small World
After thoroughly enjoying Miyajima, we recommend returning to Hiroshima city for some relaxing downtime. Unlike large hotels, Hotel Small World offers a tranquil space where you can unwind comfortably.
Furthermore, Hotel Small World is designed around the theme of “peace.” The city of Hiroshima was once reduced to scorched earth by the atomic bomb, yet it achieved a powerful recovery from that devastation. Meanwhile, Miyajima has preserved its unchanging scenery through the long passage of time.
“Things that change and things that have been preserved”—a day experiencing both should be a time to truly appreciate the charm of Hiroshima anew.
〈Access from Our Hotel〉
The recommended route from our hotel to Miyajima is to take the JR Sanyo Main Line to Miyajimaguchi Station and board the ferry. The ferry service between Miyajimaguchi and Miyajima is operated by two companies: JR Miyajima Ferry and Miyajima Matsudai Ferry.
Using public transportation, including transfers, takes approximately 80 minutes. During the journey, you can enjoy views of Hiroshima’s cityscape and coastal scenery from the train window. Transfers are relatively straightforward, making this route easy for first-time visitors to Hiroshima.
You can depart early for a leisurely morning sightseeing trip, or head out in the afternoon to catch the sunset. Plan freely according to your preferred travel style. During peak seasons like Golden Week or the autumn foliage season, the area becomes crowded with tourists, so we recommend allowing extra time in your schedule.
Summary
Miyajima is one of Hiroshima’s most representative tourist attractions, drawing great popularity not only from locals but also from visitors. Beyond its vibrant tourist appeal, it offers completely different experiences depending on the time of day: the quiet approach path at dawn, the sea tinged with color at dusk, and the shrine area quietening after sunset. It’s a place you’ll want to visit again and again.
Furthermore, its appeal lies in offering a reason to visit each season: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn foliage, and crisp air in winter. Miyajima harmonizes nature, history, and the daily lives of its people. Here, you don’t just “see” – you experience a journey of “feeling.” We hope Hotel Small World can quietly accompany your stay in Hiroshima, serving as a place to gently prepare for such a journey.
