1-Day Miyajima Tour: One of Japan’s Most Scenic Spots

Located only a short ferry ride away from the mainland, Itsukushima, popularly known as Miyajima, is 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 full-day tour of the island, appreciate all the different things that Miyajima has to offer, from its beautiful shrines and temples to its abundant nature. Gain a better understanding of Japanese religion by visiting the Senjokaku Pavilion, Itsukushima Shrine, and Daisho-in temple. Admire the iconic “floating” O-torii gate during both high and low tide. Take in the beauty of the entire island on the ropeway to the top of Mt. Misen and the hike to the summit. Enjoy local delicacies and create wonderful memories as you stroll along the streets of this beautiful island. Our experienced guides will lead you through an unforgettable day at Miyajima.

Highlights

• Enjoy a ferry ride to Miyajima with a fantastic view of the island
• 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
• Experience the Miyajima Ropeway and take in the stunning sights from inside the cable car
• Marvel at the view of the Seto Inland Sea from the top of Mt. Misen
• 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, please see the FAQ section.

Description

This tour will begin at Hiroshima Station at 9:00 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.

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.

After arriving at the pier, we will walk to the first destination, 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.  

The next stop on the itinerary will be Omotesando Shopping Street, lined with multiple shops and restaurants. Here, you will enjoy around two hours of free time in which you will be able to have lunch and purchase souvenirs or other goods. 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!

The last main destination of the tour is Mount Misen, the highest point of Miyajima. Together with your guide, you will ride the Miyajima Ropeway all the way to the top of the mountain. Inside the cabin of the ropeway, you will be able to enjoy marvelous aerial views of the island.

Once at the top, you will have the option of staying behind at the Shishiiwa Observatory next to the ropeway station or making the trek to the Mt. Misen Observatory at the summit. Your guide will accompany you on this hike, highlighting the different landscapes, natural formations, and multiple halls. This hike is a steep and arduous walk towards the summit, but the magnificent view from the top with no obstructions whatsoever is most certainly worth it. Your guide will allow for plenty of breaks along the way and there will always be an opportunity to turn back and wait at the ropeway station while others complete the hike.

You will then take the ropeway on the way down and make your way back to the pier. On this final walk, there will be opportunities for some last-minute souvenir purchases, as well as 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. It might also occur after visiting Mt. Misen.

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 @ 9:00 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 to/from Miyajima (Ferry and Train)

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. Misen. If you have issues with heights or any health concerns regarding this part of the tour, please contact us in advance.
• If you plan to join the hike to the summit of Mt. Misen, we strongly recommend that you wear close-toed shoes, such as sneakers, and comfortable clothes.
• 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 water are highly encouraged.
• Winter temperatures in Hiroshima average between 1°C-10°C. (34°F-50°F). Please wear warm clothing and footwear appropriate for cold conditions. The temperature at the top of Mt. Misen can sometimes even drop below freezing, so we recommend wearing multiple layers which can be put on or taken off as temperatures fluctuate.