1-Day Miyajima & Iwakuni Tour: Exploring the Most Iconic Japanese Landscapes

Japan is home to some of the most iconic landscapes in the world, and this tour provides you the opportunity to visit two of these famed locations: Kintaikyo Bridge and Miyajima’s “floating” shrine.

The Kintaikyo Bridge is located in Iwkauni, a city overflowing with significant cultural and historical heritage. It is best known for this iconic bridge, one of the three most famous bridges of Japan, and one of the most famous wooden ones in the world. In the past, Iwakuni developed as a castle town known for its cultural achievements and promotion of arts and industry. Within the castle town area you will be able to explore Kintaikyo Bridge, Kikko Park, Kikko Shrine, and Iwakuni Castle, all beautiful locations which help tell the story of this charming city.

The next iconic landscape, the “floating” shrine, is officially called Itsukushima Shrine. It is located in Miyajima, a breathtaking island which has long been regarded as one of the three most scenic spots of Japan. While the island itself is fairly small, it is brimming with otherworldly scenic spots, and a relaxing atmosphere which is nearly second to none.

On this part of the tour, you will be able to appreciate all the different things that Miyajima has to offer, from its beautiful shrines and temples to its abundant nature. You will gain a better understanding of Japanese religion by visiting the Senjokaku Pavilion, Itsukushima Shrine, and Daisho-in temple. You will be able to admire the iconic “floating” O-torii gate during both high and low tide and enjoy many local delicacies.

Join this 1-day tour through Iwakuni and Miyajima so you can finally experience these world-renowned landscapes firsthand.

Highlights

• Admire and cross the Kintaikyo Bridge, one of the most famous bridges in the world
• Go on a quick stroll around the spacious Kikko Park and Kikko Shrine
• Marvel at the view of the city from the Iwakuni Ropeway
• Explore Iwakuni Castle and its surroundings at the top of Mount Shiroyama
• Enjoy a ferry ride to Miyajima along the World Heritage Sea Route
• Explore Miyajima, one of Japan’s top three scenic spots and admire its natural beauty
• Tour the Senjokaku Pavilion, Itsukushima Shrine, and Daisho-in temple to gain a better understanding of Japanese Buddhism and Shintoism
• Observe the wild deer which roam the island
• Sample local delicacies such as oysters, conger eel, and momiji manjū
• Admire the iconic “floating” O-torii gate from afar and up-close as the tide changes

*For those looking to join the tour from Kyoto, Osaka or Iwakuni, please see the FAQ section.

Description

This tour will begin at Hiroshima Station at 8:30 AM. Your guide will meet you by the Shinkansen gates under the Tourist Information sign. There are coin lockers available at the station if you wish to leave any belongings behind, but we ask that you show up a bit earlier to the meet-up spot if this is the case.

From here you will depart to your first destination, Kintaikyo Bridge.

Once you arrive at the bridge, your guide will give you a detailed description of the bridge’s history, along with its unique architecture. If the tide of the river is low, you will have the opportunity to approach the foundation of the bridge and look underneath it. You will then cross five arches with plenty of time to take pictures and admire the view from different parts of the bridge.

After crossing to the other side, we will begin our short stroll through Kikko Park and Kikko Shrine. As you walk, you will be able to admire the abundant greenery, stunning fountains, and beautiful structures. Your guide will lead you through a series of stops, highlighting the most relevant landmarks within the park and temple grounds.

Our next activity of the day will be boarding the Iwakuni ropeway to reach the top of Mount Shiroyama. This is a very brief ride, but one which still provides a breathtaking view of the city, as well as the lush vegetation of the mountain. This view is particularly stunning during spring and fall, when one can admire the cherry blossoms or autumn foliage from an aerial view.

At the top of the mountain, your guide will take you on a short stroll towards Iwakuni Castle. As you walk, you will be able to observe a great variety of trees and plants, as well as breath in the fresh and crisp air of the mountain. Once you arrive at the castle, your guide will give you a detailed explanation of its history and its relation to the Kikkawa family. Inside, you will tour the different exhibitions displayed on each floor, ending with a viewing platform at the very top. From here, you will once again be able to experience a fantastic view of the city and the Kintaikyo Bridge.

After descending the mountain, your guide will lead you through the train and ferry ride necessary to reach Miyajima.  As you travel, the guide will provide you with some context and information about the island.

Once we arrive at the Miyajima pier, we will walk to the first destination, Omotesando Shopping Street. Lined with multiple shops and restaurants, this street is a perfect place to grab lunch, eat tasty snacks, or purchase souvenirs. Here, you will enjoy around two hours of free time before we begin the guided tour in Miyajima. This might also be a good time to get some pictures of the many deer around the island or take a short stroll along the shore!

Our next stop will be the Senjokaku Pavilion. This pavilion is actually a shrine whose construction was never completed and still remains unfinished to this day. This shrine is unique in its spaciousness and lack of proper entrances or exits, unintentionally creating a building in which beautiful views are accessible from all sides. Your tour guide will provide an explanation of the history and different elements found within the shrine. You will also have the opportunity to relax and take in the beautiful scenery of the island.

Next, you will make your way to Itsukushima Shrine. Your guide will provide insights about Shintoism (Japan’s indigenous religion) and the history of the shrine. As you make your way through the temple, observe the different worship halls, the unique architecture of the “floating shrine,” and the iconic O-torii gate located in the Seto Inland Sea.

Your guide will then lead you on a walk to the Daisho-in temple, a prestigious Shingon Buddhist temple located not too far from Itsukushima Shrine. Throughout the temple grounds you will be able to observe a myriad of Buddhist figures, with different statues greeting you anywhere you go. Multiple halls are also located throughout the temple grounds, but none is as stunning and breathtaking as the Daishi Hall, with its 88 statues representing the Shikoku Pilgrimage of 88 temples. The room is lit by golden lanterns which hang from the ceiling, creating a stunning and unique scenery.

After finishing the guided tour at the Daisho-in temple we will begin making our way back to the Miyajima pier.  You will have the opportunity to make any last-minute purchases or take some final photos.

A Miyajima trip is not complete without walking up to the O-torii gate during low-tide! However, due to how much the tide can vary from one day to another, your tour guide will do their best to schedule a guided walk towards the gate at the most appropriate moment during the tour. This might happen before, during, or after free time.

Once you arrive back at the pier, your guide will accompany you on the ferry back to the mainland and one last train ride, with the tour ending at Hiroshima Station. Feel free to ask the guide for dinner recommendations or instructions back to your hotel.

TOUR MEETUP POINT

HIROSHIMA STATION @ 8:30 A.M.

The meetup point is under the Tourist Information sign outside of the Shinkansen gates. 

If you are arriving via Shinkansen, the sign will be located directly to your left as you exit the gates.

If you are arriving via a JR line, please look for signs directing you towards the Shinkansen gates. It is located on the same floor as the JR lines gates.

For those coming from outside the station via bus, your first task will be to find an Underground Passage and then following the signs directing you to Hiroshima Station. These underground passages are usually located very close to bus stops. Once you have made it to Hiroshima Station, follow the signs directing you to the Shinkansen gates.

For those coming from outside the station via Streetcar, Hiroshima Station will be right next to you. Follow the signs directing you to the Shinkansen gates.

Lastly, if you wish to arrive via taxi, please ask the driver to drop you off at the Shinkansen Entrance (also known as North Entrance). After arriving, please look for signs directing you to the Shinkansen gates.

When you arrive, be sure to look for the guide holding a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour sign. We highly recommend arriving early as Hiroshima Station is currently under heavy construction and can be quite disorienting.   

NOTES

Included

• English speaking guide
• Entry fees at all tour locations
• Ropeway Tickets
• Transportation between activities (ferry included)

Excluded

• Lunch
• Accommodation
• Transportation to meet-up point

Other Information

• This tour involves several hours of walking outdoors. We recommend that you wear shoes and clothes which are easy to walk in. Please check the weather forecast before you head to the meetup point and prepare an umbrella or raincoat if necessary.
• This tour includes a ride on a ropeway to the top of Mt. Shiroyama. If you have issues with heights or any health concerns regarding this part of the tour, please contact us in advance.
• We will be doing two ferry trips, each about 10 minutes long. We ask that you take precautionary measures if you are prone to experiencing seasickness.
• In the summer, temperature highs are around 32 °C (90 °F) and above with extreme humidity. We recommend wearing something light and airy while minding sunburn and heatstroke. A parasol, sunblock, and drinking water are highly encouraged.
• Winter temperatures in Hiroshima and Yamaguchi average between 1°C-10°C. (34°F-50°F). Please wear warm clothing and footwear appropriate for cold conditions.