What To See And Do In Miyajima Island
Just offshore, the giant, orange Great Torii Gate is partially submerged at high tide. It marks the entrance to the Itsukushima Shrine, which was first built in the 12th century.
Since ancient times the island of Miyajima has been revered and worshipped. This bold and unique structure sits on the water with the sea spread out in front of it and the virgin forests of Mt. Misen, the island's highest peak, forming its backdrop. The historical significance, natural beauty and tranquility of Miyajima has earned it a place on the World Cultural Heritage List is one of the tourist attractions representing Hiroshima. It is counted as one of the three most scenic spots in Japan, and many people visit it every year. The current torii gate was built in 1875.
This torii gate is about 16 meters tall, uses natural camphor trees, and stands under its own weight just by being placed underwater. At high tide, you can see the large torii gate floating in the sea, and at low tide, you can walk by foot to the large torii gate.
GETTING AROUND
Boats connect Miyajima directly with Hiroshima Peace Park (45 minutes, 2200 yen one way, 4000 yen round trip excluding visitor tax, 2-4 boats/hour) and with Hiroshima Port (30 minutes, 2100 yen one way excluding visitor tax, hourly). The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on these boats.
Visitors to Miyajima have to pay a 100 yen visitor tax, which is collected by the ferry operator. In case of regular tickets and IC cards, the tax is included in the ticket cost, while rail pass holders will have to purchase a separate 100 yen ticket for the visitor tax at the ferry terminal.
By direct boat
45 min
¥2,200
Miyajima is quite a large island, but its attractions are concentrated in two main areas: the small town around Itsukushima Shrine and Mount Misen.
Visitors will first arrive at the ferry terminal, from where it is a ten minute walk to Itsukushima Shrine. All the other sights are also located within walking distance from the shrine.
Mount Misen can be accessed by the Miyajima Ropeway, whose lower station is a ten minute walk from Itsukushima Shrine. There are also three hiking trails from the town to the summit.
Itsukushima Shrine is a Shinto shrine is accessible from the mainland by ferry at Miyajimaguchi Station. The enclosure square encompassed by the corridor and the purification hall is called Masugata.
The area has been worshipped for centuries. In 1168, Taira no Kiyomori. The shrine is now a national treasure and has a series of special features to help it survive the rising seas.
GETTING THERE AND AROUND
First, go to ITSUKUSHIMA SHRINE
About 10 minutes by ferry from Miyajimaguchi Pier, about 15 minutes on foot from Miyajima Pier.
It is a magnificent shrine built on the sea, which is rare in the world. It was built in its current form by Taira no Kiyomori in the 12th century. The grounds, which are located on a shallow beach, create an elegant sight at high tide, as if they were floating on the sea. The contrast with the greenery that spreads out behind them is also exceptionally beautiful. It was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1996.
The shrine and its torii gate are unique for being built over water, seemingly floating in the sea during high tide. The shrine consists of multiple buildings, including a prayer hall, main hall and noh theater stage, which are connected by boardwalks and supported by pillars above the sea.
The shrine is located in a small inlet, while the torii gate is set out in the Seto Inland Sea. Paths lead around the inlet, and visitors enjoy walking along them while looking out onto the sea.
Be sure to also admire Itsukushima Shrine’s five-story pagoda, next to the Senjokaku Pavilion. It stands 27.6 meters and is believed to have been built in 1407, blending traditional Japanese and Tang dynasty Chinese architecture.
Five-storied pagoda is about 27m tall and is a perfect blend of Chinese and Japanese styles, with the tops of the interior pillars decorated with gold scrollwork and the interior walls decorated with brilliantly colored Buddhist paintings.
MISEN -The sacred mountain that rises behind Itsukushima Shrine
Approx. 15-minute walk from Itsukushima Shrine to Momijidani Station.
Misen, the main peak of Miyajima at an altitude of 535 meters, was founded by Kobo Daishi in 806. It is considered a sacred deity and the site of a 100-day spiritual retreat by influential Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai) over 1,200 years ago. The mountainside contains many attractions, such as the Misen Hondo temple and the "Eternal Flame," which has been burning continuously since Kobo Daishi’s visit. Near the summit are also surreal natural rock formations like "Kuguri-iwa" (Pass-through Rock) and the sacred "Iwakura Stone."
At Misen, you can see the beauty of the natural forest, the varied landscape dotted with giant rock formations, and the archipelago beauty of the Seto Inland Sea, where oyster rafts are characteristic, and from the observation deck at the top of the mountain, you can see Mt. Shikuni in the distance. Coniferous forests are mixed with southern plants, and primitive plants remain in nature. The “Misen Primeval Forest” is designated as a national natural monument.
For those who prefer not to hike, there is also the Miyajima Ropeway, which runs from Momijidani Station to Shishiiwa Station. From Shishiiwa Station, it's about a 30-minute walk to the summit
Daisho-in temple is a historic Japanese Buddhist temple complex with many temples and statues on Mount Misen.
DAISHO-IN TEMPLE - Buddhist temple at the foot of Misen.
Daisho-in Temple is a five minute walk from Itsukushima Shrine or a 15 minute walk from the ferry pier.
It is one of the most important temples of Shingon Buddhism. The Daisho-in temple is a venerable temple that was established over 1,200 years ago by the renowned philosopher and monk Kobo-Daishi (also known as Kukai). It has a rich history and is one of the most prestigious temples in the region, with strong connections to the Imperial family.
It is located at the base of Mount Misen Daisho-in features a variety of buildings, statues and other religious objects for visitors to admire. These include the Kannon-do Hall, the Maniden Hall, a sand mandala made by visiting monks from Tibet, a tea room and a cave filled with 88 icons representing the temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
From Daisho-in's temple grounds, a hiking trail leads to the summit of Mount Misen, where a few more temple halls are located. The ascent takes about 1.5 hours.
The forested mountain of Miyajima Island offers a breathtaking view and is inhabited by wild deer and tanukis. In autumn, the maple trees surrounding the temple turn into a beautiful array of colors, offering a picturesque view that attracts many tourists.
The trees that change with the seasons add color to this perfect photo spot showing its beautiful spring foliage is situated in a valley at the foot of Mt. Misen, Miyajima Island.
Miyajima Island in Hiroshima Bay, Japan is home to a population of Sika deer that are considered sacred in Shinto religion.
There are around 1,200 deer on Miyajima Island.
Enjoy the nature of the four seasons ! At Momijidani Park. It is a park that spreads along the Momijidani River in the valley at the foot of Mt. Misen, which has about 700 trees. It was pioneered in the Edo period and is said to have started when maple saplings were planted. The beautiful garden was created by a local gardener in Hiroshima, and the stones used in their natural form without damaging the existing ones. Furthermore, trees are not cut, and the concrete surface is wrapped in field stone so that it does not come into contact with the eyes, taking into consideration not only safety but also the natural environment. You can fully enjoy the changing nature with cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, and autumn leaves in autumn.
Sori-bashi (Arched Bridge). It is said that this bridge was also called "Chokushi-bashi" (Imperial Messengers' Bridge) and that imperial messengers crossed it to enter the Main Shrine on such important festive occasions as Gochinzasai. Temporary stairs were assembled and placed on the bridge to allow the messengers easy passage.