オススメ度
外国語対応
About Miyajima
Miyajima is an island in the western part of Hiroshima Prefecture, officially known as Itsukushima.
It was inscribed as a World Heritage site in 1996 in recognition of its unique scenery, the magnificent architectural beauty of the Itsukushima Shrine on the island harmonizing with the natural beauty of the Seto Inland Sea in the foreground and the lofty Mt.Misen in the background.
The number of annual visitors to the island is more than 4,000,000, and the island is so popular that it is ranked among the top three best tourist spots in Japan almost every year in TripAdvisor’s “Top 30 Attractions in Japan by International Travelers.”
Not only is it picturesque, it is also selected as one of the “three most famous views in Japan” along with Matsushima (Miyagi Prefecture) and Amanohashidate (Kyoto Prefecture).
Brief History
The following is a brief history of Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine.
Since ancient times, Miyajima has been known as “God’s Island,” and the island itself has been revered by the people as a place of devout worship.
In 593, Saeki Kuramoto, a powerful man who ruled this area, is said to have founded Itsukushima Shrine by a divine message from the goddess Ichikishimahime.
Later, after the middle of the 12th century, the supreme ruler of Japan at that time, the samurai general Taira no Kiyomori (1118-1181), donated a great deal of money to add a shrine and a giant Shinto archway built in the Heian period architecture style (shinden-zukuri) transforming it into what we see today.
After the death of Taira Kiyomori, the Taira clan fell and Itsukushima Shrine gradually declined as it lost its powerful sponsor, but it was rebuilt in the mid-16th century by Mori Motonari Motonari, a warlord, feudal lord in the civil wars period who ruled the Chugoku region.
It was revived with the support of Mori Motonari (1497-1571), a warlord who ruled the Chugoku region in the mid-16th century, and has since flourished as an object of worship and a tourist attraction popular among the general public.
Nearby Excursions
Since Miyajima is close to Iwakuni, it is best to see them at the same time.
Recommendation
Enjoy sightseeing the temples and shrines, walking around town, and eating local specialties (momiji manju buns, oysters, anago meshi—rice with conger eel—and more.)
If you have time, climb Mt. Misen for a spectacular view of Miyajima and the Seto Inland Sea from the top of the mountain.
The island’s attractions are concentrated within a 30-minute walking distance from the Miyajima Pier.
And, there are no train lines, practically no buses, walking is the way to get around.
The peak time to visit Miyajima is on holidays during the late fall foliage season.
If possible, it would be best to avoid the peak season.
If that is not possible, go as early in the morning as you can.
The number of visitors quickly increases from around noon.
Interestingly, legend has it that if a man and a woman visit Miyajima as a couple, the lovers will break up.
This is because the deified gods enshrined at Itsukushima Shrine are the goddesses Ichikishimahime, Tagorihime, and Tagitsuhime, which are said to feel jealous.
Therefore, if you want to break up with your current lover, it is recommended that you come with them to Miyajima, but there is no guarantee that it will work.
Also, roughly 500 wild deer roam the island, so you must not feed them.
They have inhabited Miyajima since ancient times, and are cherished as “messengers of a god”.
Access to Miyajima / Data
From Hiroshima Station
Take the JR Sanyo Main Line and get off at Miyajimaguchi Station.
From Miyajimaguchi Station, board a ferry (JR or Matsudai Kisen ) and disembark at Miyajima Pier.
Approx travel time: 50 min
From Hiroshima City Center
Take the Hiroshima Electric Railway Miyajima Line from the Kamiya-cho or Hatchobori stop , get off at Hiroden Miyajima-guchi stop, board a ferry (JR or Matsudai Kisen), and disembark at Miyajima Pier.
Approx travel time: 70 min
Miyajima
[ See details ]
| Address | Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima |
|---|---|
| Access | [ From Hiroshima Station ] |
| Tel | 0829-44-2011 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Sightseeing (Itsukushima Shrine)
The following is the roadmap when visiting.
Note that the precincts of Itsukushima Shrine are one-way paths and you cannot go back.
Otorri
Rising loftily out of the sea is the vermillion-colored Otorii or “Grand Gate”, the symbol of Itsukushima Shrine—located roughly 200 meters offshore from the shrine precincts.
The island itself is considered to be a sacred object, and it is said that the Otorii was built a short distance out to sea in order to avoid damaging the holy precincts.
With a height of about 16 m and a weight of about 60 tons, it is the tallest and heaviest wooden torii gate in Japan.
Since its construction in 1168, the torii was repeatedly toppled by natural disasters (typhoons and lightning), and then rebuilt by influential figures, with the current one being the “8th generation” rebuilt in 1875.
The current two main pillars are made of a giant camphor tree with a root circumference of 10 meters and more than 500 years old.
This huge tree was specially selected from all over Japan over a period of more than 20 years.
The four small pillars supporting the main pillars on each side of the Otorii are made of large Japanese cedar trees.
The six pillars of the Otorii are not completely fixed to the seabed foundation, but rather designed to “float” halfway up, which allows them to absorb the pressure of wind and waves.
The topmost part of the Otorii contains a large number of stones weighing approximately 7 tons, and the weight of these stones makes the Otorii self-supporting.
The view of Itsukushima Shrine and the Otorii changes dramatically between high tide and low tide.
When the tide level is 100 cm or lower, it is possible to walk to the gate.
Conversely, if the tide level is 250 cm or higher, Itsukushima Shrine can be seen floating in the sea.
It is better to go knowing when the high and low tides are.
High tide and low tide occur about every 6 hours, but the time of ebb and flow is delayed by about 50 minutes each day.
The following site has useful information on tide times. (in Japanese)
At low tide, the area is muddy even when the water is receding, so it is best to wear shoes that can get dirty.
You can also approach the Otorii by boat.
One type of boat is “rokai-bune”.
Rokai-bune
During high tide at daytime, an old-fashioned boat using oars and paddles will take you through the Otorii. The boat departs from the boarding area at the entrance of Itsukushima Shrine, and the ride takes about 20 min.
[ See details ]
| Address | Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima |
|---|---|
| Access | 12 min walk from Miyajima Pier |
| Tel | 0829-78-1419 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
The other type is a houseboat or “yakatabune”.
It is a night-only cruise that cruises off shore of Itsukushima Shrine.
Yakatabune: Miyajima Sanpaiyuransen
The other type is a houseboat or yakatabune. It is a night-only cruise that cruises off shore of Itsukushima Shrine. Pass under the fantastic Otorii, which is illuminated by lights, while enjoying a close-up view of the shrine (depending on the tide conditions.) The boat departs from Miyajima No. 3 pier, and the ride is […]
[ See details ]
| Address | Miyajima No.3 Pier, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima |
|---|---|
| Access | Close to Miyakojima Pier |
| Tel | 0829-44-0888 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Entrance to the shrine
Before heading in, purify your mind and body at the water well at the entrance.
The entrance and exit to Itsukushima Shrine are in different locations, and the visiting path is one way, so you can’t go back; be sure not to miss any of the sights or forget to take pictures.
Marōdo shrine
Built in 1176—and now a National Treasure—Marōdo Shrine is one of the auxiliary shrines of Itsukushima Shrine, with a purification hall of a Shinto shrine on the opposite side.
The rituals held at Itsukushima Shrine begin here.
East Corridor
This corridor connects the entrance and the main shrine in a U-shape and is a National Treasure.
Vermillion lacquered pillars and floorboards continue on, bronze lanterns hang every 2.4 m to create an elegant space.
It is also the best view—photography spot— of Itsukushima Shrine, where you can see the shrines, the sea, and the Otorii (Grand Gate) all at once.
The five-story pagoda on the other side of the Marōdo Shrine on the way to the right music chamber in the east corridor is also worth a gaze.
Go ahead, snap a few pictures.
The space between the floorboards of the corridor is slightly open to allow seawater to pass through during typhoons and flood tides, reducing damage to the structure.
Gohonsha (main shrine)
The main shrine deifies Ichikishima-hime, Tagori-hime, and Tagitsu-hime, who are worshiped as gods of the sea, transportation, fortune, and arts. It is the holiest place in the shrine.
It’s a National Treasure.
From the front is a purification hall, a worship hall, and an offering hall, with the main hall at the far end.
Unfortunately, you cannot enter the main shrine, so worship from the outside.
Elevated Stage
This is a stage for court dances and music facing the sea, located in front of the purification hall of the main shrine.
As one of the “three famous stages in Japan” it is a National Treasure.
The current one was built in 1546 by Fusaaki Tanamori, a Shinto priest of the time.
The dance and music passed down by Taira no Kiyomori is still dedicated about 10 times a year and can be observed free of charge.
Hitasaki
Also a National Treasure This is the part that juts out farthest toward the sea, where bonfires were once built to guide visitors arriving to the shrine by boat.
This is the only place in the shrine where the Otorii can be viewed from the front, making it a popular photo spot.
Ōkuni Shrine
As one of Itsukushima Shrine’s auxiliary shrines it deifies Ōkuninushi no Mikoto— who is married to Tagorihime, one of the main enshrined deities of Ikushima Shrine—and famous as the god of marriage.
Tenjin Shrine
Tenjin Shrine is one of the auxiliary shrines of Itsukushima Shrine, and deifies Sugawara no Michizane(845-903), famous as “the god of learning”. The shrine was deified in 1556 by a feudal lord of the Warring States period.)
The shrine was founded in 1556 by Takamoto Mōri, a warlord during the Sengoku (Warring States) period.
Because it was built during the Muromachi period (1333-1573), it was not vermillion lacquered.
The beautiful bridges called Soribashi and Nagabashi can be seen from here.
West Corridor
This vermillion lacquered corridor is the counterpart of the East Corridor.
It is also a National Treasure.
Approximately 147 m long, it is 35 meters longer than the east corridor and exceptionally beautiful at high tide; visitors feel as if they are walking on the sea.
Noh Stage
The only Noh stage built under the sea in Japan.
Originally built on sea by Mori Motonari (1497-1571), a Sengoku (Warring States) warlord, the current building was renovated in 1680 during the Edo period.
Like Tenjin Shrine, it was built in the Muromachi period (1336-1573), so it is not vermillion lacquered, but the magnificent gable roof gives it a stately appearance.
You cannot enter the building, so view it from the west corridor.
Exit
The exit is at the end of the long west corridor, but it is said that this side used to be the entrance.
The roof is different in taste from the entrance side, with a dignified center arch and high-status cusped gable roof.
Itsukushima Shrine
It is the most famous sightseeing spot on Miyajima and a World Heritage Site (cultural). Based on its unique structure and the unbelievable idea of using the sea as its grounds, the shrine elegantly stands while the scenery changes dramatically with the rise and fall of the tide every six hours. Especially at high tide, […]
[ See details ]
| Address | 1-1 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima |
|---|---|
| Access | 15 min walk from Miyajima Pier |
| Tel | 0829-44-2020 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Sightseeing (Itsukushima Shrine Area)
Hōkoku Shrine(Senjokaku)
A huge temple with a normal tile roofing and an East Asian hip-and-gable roof. The interior is as large as 1,000 tatami mats, hence its other name Senjo-kaku— 1,000 mats palace—but actually there are only 857 tatami mats. It was built in 1587 as a sutra library by order of Hideyoshi Toyotomi (1537-1598), the top […]
[ See details ]
| Address | 1-1 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima |
|---|---|
| Access | 10 min walk from Miyajima Pier |
| Tel | 0829-44-2020 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Five-storied Pagoda
Built in 1407, this 28-meter-high tower has a cypress bark roof. It is located on a hill on the way to Itsukushima Shrine from the Miyajima Pier, adjacent to Hōkoku Shrine.
[ See details ]
| Address | 1-1 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima |
|---|---|
| Access | 10 min walk from Miyajima Pier |
| Tel | 0829-44-2020 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Sightseeing (Mt. Misen)
Misen is a 535-meter-high mountain in the center of Miyajima, and is registered as a World Heritage site together with Itsukushima Shrine.
It is a sacred mountain that has been an object of worship on Miyajima since ancient times, and few have entered the land keeping the forest unspoiled and rich in nature.
It is also the No. 1 power spot (spiritual spot) in Hiroshima.
And it is said that Kōbō Daishi (774–835)—founder of the Shingon Sect of Buddhism and an extremely famous monk in Japan—founded a temple in the mountains here in the year 806.
The view of the Seto Inland Sea from the top of Mt.Misen is absolutely wonderful and has received 3 stars in the Michelin Green Guide (the highest rating.)
Many people visit the mountain top for the spectacular view and blessings, however, it is especially crowded on New Year’s Day with people waiting to see the first sunrise of the year.
You’ll also find temple buildings and massive rocks scattered around the summit worth seeing.
Mt. Misen can be climbed from the foot of the mountain—taking 1.5 to 2 hours one way—but the road is mostly unpaved and quite hard, so a ropeway is strongly recommended.
The following is the route to take if you use the ropeway.
Momijidani Park
Momijidani Park
Located at the foot of Mt. Misen primeval forest, Momijidani Park is widely known for its autumn foliage. In November, about 700 maple trees turn bright red and yellow. Cherry blossoms in spring and early summer’s fresh green leaves are something to see as well. Take a moment to enjoy a cup of tea with […]
[ See details ]
| Address | Momijidani, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima |
|---|---|
| Access | 20 min walk from Miyakojima P[…] |
| Tel | 0829-30-9141 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Miyajima Ropeway
Miyajima Ropeway
Take in the virgin forest up close and the exciting view of the Seto Inland Sea from afar in the ropeway car. The ropeway between Momijidani Station and Kayatani Station is a small ropeway (8-seater cars) with a 1-minute interval, while the ropeway between Kayatani Station and Shishiiwa Station is a large ropeway (30-seater cars) […]
[ See details ]
| Address | Momijidani Park, Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima |
|---|---|
| Access | Take a free bus from Momijida[…] |
| Tel | 0829-44-0316 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Lion Rock Observation Deck
Lion Rock Observation Deck
The lion rock observation deck is located near the ropeway’s Shishiiwa Station. At 433 meters above sea level, there is no obstruction of view; you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea and islands of various sizes, even Shikoku can be seen on a clear day. The view is especially beautiful in […]
[ See details ]
| Address | Miyajima, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima |
|---|---|
| Access | A short walk from Shishiiwa S[…] |
| Tel | 0829-44-0316 |
| URL |
If you do not have the time, energy, or strength to climb up to the summit, it would be better to take the ropeway back down the mountain. (The mountain path to the summit is quite hard and takes about an hour there and back.)
Reikadō
Reikadō
Here, there is an “eternal flame” that has been burning for more than 1,200 years since it was lit by Kobo Daishi (saint) (774-835) in 806. This fire was also the original flame of the “Peace Light” in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Water boiled in a big teakettle over the “eternal flame” is said to […]
[ See details ]
| Address | Miyajima, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima |
|---|---|
| Access | 21 min walk from Shishiiwa St[…] |
| Tel | 0829-44-0111 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Mt. Misen main hall
Mt. Misen main hall
Mt. Misen main hall was built in 806 on the site where Kobo Daishi practiced asceticism, and is located across from Reikado. Akasagarbha bodhisattva is the principal object of worship. The big temple bell inside the hall was donated by Taira no Munemori (1147-1185), the third son of Taira no Kiyomori, a military commander.
[ See details ]
| Address | Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima |
|---|---|
| Access | 20 min walk from Shishiiwa St[…] |
| Tel | 0829-44-0111 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Kuguri Iwa
Kuguri Iwa
This tunnel is made of three large boulders and is quite impressive when viewed up close. The rocks are exquisitely balanced, and you may feel a little nervous when passing through, as if they are about to collapse.
[ See details ]
Summit/Observation Deck
Misen Summit/Observation Deck
From the 3-story observatory at the summit (535 m above sea level), visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea, islands, and the Ōtorii Gate. The scenery is so spectacular that it has received the highest rating of 3 stars in the Michelin Green Guide. The summit of Mt. Misen is […]
[ See details ]
| Address | Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima |
|---|---|
| Access | 30 min walk from Shishiiwa St[…] |
| Tel | 0829-44-0316 |
| URL |
Kanman-iwa
Kanman-iwa
A huge rock on the mountain path connecting the summit of Mt. Misen and the main hall. There is a small hole in the rock where water collects, and it is said that the water is salty and changes its level according to the tide of the sea.
[ See details ]
Eat
Oyster Dishes
Hiroshima is by far the number one producer of oysters in Japan with a 70% share of the Japanese oyster market.
Miyajima Island is particularly suitable for oyster farming because the surrounding sea is rich in phytoplankton, which feeds oysters, and the waves are calm.
There are many oyster restaurants in Miyajima, and fresh oysters can be had at a lower price than at restaurants in Hiroshima City.
Many of them sell grilled or raw oysters in their stores, and most of them sell oysters as one a piece (about ¥200 to ¥300), so you can enjoy them at your leisure.
Kaki-ya
[ See details ]
| Address | 539, Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima |
|---|---|
| Access | 7 min walk from Miyakojima Pi[…] |
| Tel | 0829-44-2747 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Yakigaki no Hayashi
[ See details ]
| Address | 505-1, Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima |
|---|---|
| Access | 8 min walk from Miyakojima Pi[…] |
| Tel | 0829-44-0335 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Momiji Manju
Momiji-manju is a typical Hiroshima sweet that was born in Miyajima in 1906.
A sponge cake-like dough made from flour, eggs, sugar, and honey is used to fill the bun with paste like strained bean paste, which is then baked in a mold in the shape of a maple leaf.
They come in a variety of flavors: green tea, chocolate, cheese, sweet potato, etc., and cost between ¥70 and ¥100 per piece.
There are many stores that bake momiji manju in their stores, but the best ones to try are the freshly baked ones.
If you go around noon, you are more likely to be able to taste the freshly baked manjus.
Most momiji-manju shops on Miyajima have an eat-in space, and what’s even better is, if you buy a momiji-manju, you will be offered free tea.
Conger Eel (Anago)
Miyajima Island is also famous as a fishing ground for conger eel.
And the most famous dish is Anago-meshi (conger eel rice).
Anago-meshi is a bowl of rice lightly flavored with sauce and topped with a fatty conger eel prepared with a sweet and spicy sauce and broiled kabayaki-style.
It usually costs around ¥2,000.
Three famous conger eel restaurants, Ueno , Fujitaya, and Wada, have been selected as Bib Gourmand restaurants by Michelin.
The most famous restaurant “Ueno” is not located on Miyajima, but at Miyajima-guchi , before crossing over to Miyajima.
Ueno
[ See details ]
| Address | 1-5-11, Miyajima-guchi, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima |
|---|---|
| Access | 2 min walk from JR Miyajima-g[…] |
| Tel | 0829-56-0006 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Fujita-ya
[ See details ]
| Address | 125-2 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima |
|---|---|
| Access | 9 min walk from Miyakojima Pi[…] |
| Tel | 0829-44-0151 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Wada
[ See details ]
| Address | 424 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima |
|---|---|
| Access | 9 min walk from Miyakojima Pi[…] |
| Tel | 0829-44-2115 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
Walking around town
Omotesando Shopping Street
The main street of Miyajima. About 70 restaurants and souvenir stores line both sides of the 350-meter street, with many stores selling oyster dishes and momiji manju (steamed buns) in particular. Be warned: Most of the stores close around 17:00. Many old traditional houses called kominka remain on Machiya Street, a back street running parallel […]
[ See details ]
| Address | 535 Miyajimacho Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima |
|---|---|
| Access | 10 min walk from Miyajima San[…] |
| Tel | 0829-44-2011 |
| URL | [ Click ] |
