Miyajima Island (Itsukushima): Location, Access, and Highlights

Where Is Miyajima?

• Region: Asia
• Country: Japan
• Prefecture: Hiroshima Prefecture
• Island Group: Itsukushima (the island's formal name)
• Location: Seto Inland Sea, 20 km (12 mi) southwest of Hiroshima city across Hiroshima Bay
• Coordinates: 34°17′N, 132°19′E
• Area: 30.39 km² (11.73 sq mi)
• Population: ~1,943 (2020)

Getting There

1. Hiroshima → Miyajimaguchi: JR Sanyo Line (25 min) or Hiroden Miyajima Line (streetcar, 70 min).
2. Miyajimaguchi → Miyajima: Ferry (JR West or Miyajima Matsudai Kisen) — 10 min, ¥360 round-trip (JR Pass covers JR ferry).

Why It's Famous

• Itsukushima Shrine — UNESCO World Heritage; "floating" torii gate at high tide.
• Mount Misen (535m): Ropeway + hike; panoramic views, wild deer, monkeys.
• Daisho-in Temple: Shingon Buddhism, henjokutsu cave, 500 rakan statues.
• Daiganji Temple: Benzaiten deity.
• Momijidani Park: Maple valley — spectacular autumn color.
• Omotesando Shopping Street: Oysters (winter), momiji manju (maple leaf cakes), crafts.

Practical Tips

• **Day trip from Hiroshima** — easy, 4–6 hours.
• **Stay overnight** — magical after day-trippers leave; ryokan available.
• **Tide timing:** Check for high tide (torii "floats") — ~2x/day.
• **Deer:** Wild but habituated; don't feed, watch bags.
• **No cars** for tourists — walk/bike/rickshaw.