How to Get from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island Fast & Easily
Sep 26, 2024
Visiting Miyajima Island from Hiroshima is a must for anyone traveling in Japan, especially if you want to see the famous Itsukushima Shrine with its iconic "floating" torii gate. The island sits just off the coast in the Seto Inland Sea, and getting there is straightforward once you know your options.
For most travelers, the JR train to Miyajimaguchi plus the 10-minute ferry is the fastest route, taking about 45 minutes total and costing nothing extra with a JR Pass. If you're starting from Peace Park and want a direct ride, the Aqua Net high-speed boat skips the train entirely. You can also take the slower but scenic Hiroshima tram, or drive and park near the ferry terminal.
This guide breaks down all four routes with current prices, schedules, and practical tips so you can pick the best one for your trip.
This is the fastest and easiest way for many travelers to reach Miyajima Island. It combines a JR train from Hiroshima with a short ferry ride.
The journey begins at Hiroshima Station. Here, you'll board a train on the JR Sanyo Line heading west. Trains on this route run frequently, every 15 minutes or so, and the trip takes around 30 minutes to reach Miyajimaguchi Station. If you have a JR Pass, this entire leg of the trip is covered, which is a bonus for international travelers looking to save on transportation costs.
Train Frequency: Every 15–20 minutes
Train Travel Time: Around 30 minutes
Cost: Approximately ¥420 (free with JR Pass; confirm current fare on the JR West website)
Once you arrive at Miyajimaguchi Station, the ferry terminal is a five-minute walk and well-marked.
The ferry ride from Miyajimaguchi to Miyajima Island takes just 10 minutes. While on the ferry, you'll get a breathtaking view of the Itsukushima Shrine and its famous torii gate. Depending on the tide, you might see the gate "floating" on the water or standing on the exposed sandbank.
The JR Miyajima Ferry operates frequently, about every 15 minutes, so there's never much of a wait. Ferries depart from Miyajimaguchi from 6:25am to 22:42. Return ferries from Miyajima run from 5:45am to 22:14. The JR Pass includes the JR ferry, but non-pass holders can purchase a ticket for ¥200. The Matsudai ferry runs on the same route at the same price but is not covered by the JR Pass.
_Important:_ All visitors to Miyajima must pay a ¥100 visitor tax. This tax is included in the regular ticket price for walk-up purchases, but JR Pass holders must purchase a separate ¥100 ticket at the terminal.
Ferry Frequency: Every 15 minutes
Ferry Travel Time: 10 minutes
Cost: ¥200 one way + ¥100 visitor tax (free with JR Pass, tax still applies)
This route is the most common way for tourists to reach Miyajima and one of the quickest. The combined travel time from Hiroshima to the island is approximately 45–50 minutes.
We'll build a costed, pre-planned Japan itinerary you can customise to your taste.
If you're in the mood for a slower-paced, more scenic journey, Hiroshima's tram network offers a unique way to travel. While the tram takes longer than the train, it provides a great way to experience Hiroshima's local atmosphere.
Tram #2 runs from the heart of Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi. It departs from key locations in the city, including Hiroshima Station, so you can hop on wherever is most convenient for you. The tram ride lasts about 70 minutes, making it a leisurely trip, perfect for soaking in the local vibe.
Tram Frequency: Every 15–20 minutes
Tram Travel Time: About 70 minutes
Cost: Approximately ¥240–270 (check the Hiroden website for the current fare)
Once you arrive at the Miyajimaguchi ferry terminal, the ferry options are the same as with the JR route. You can take the JR ferry (if you have a JR Pass) or opt for the Matsudai ferry, which costs the same but is not covered by the pass. The ¥100 visitor tax applies here as well.
If you're short on time or want a more scenic, direct route, a high-speed ferry departs from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and takes you directly to Miyajima Island. This is one of the most visually impressive ways to make the trip.
The Aqua Net Hiroshima ferry offers direct service from Peace Memorial Park to Miyajima Island. This is an ideal option if you're planning to visit the Atomic Bomb Dome or the Peace Memorial Museum before heading to the island.
Up to 17 departures run daily from 8:30 to 17:10 (Peace Park to Miyajima). Return trips run from 8:40 to 17:30. The ride takes around 45 minutes. Along the way, you'll enjoy panoramic views of Hiroshima Bay, passing through several scenic spots that you can't see from the train or tram.
You can book online up to a day before departure, or buy tickets at the pier. Same-day bookings are not accepted online.
_Important:_ This route passes through Hiroshima's rivers and is affected by tidal conditions. High tides can prevent the ship from passing under bridges, and low tides can ground it. Check the sailing schedule for your travel date, as cancellations and route changes are possible.
Boat Frequency: Up to 17 departures daily (8:30–17:10)
Boat Travel Time: 45 minutes
Cost: ¥2,400 one way, ¥4,400 round trip, ¥2,500 package ticket (check aqua-net-h.co.jp for current fares)
_Note:_ The JR Pass is not valid on this route.
This is the most convenient option for travelers looking to maximize their sightseeing time. While it's more expensive than the train or tram, the boat ride offers stunning views and a direct connection between two of Hiroshima's main tourist attractions.
Parking is available near the Miyajimaguchi ferry terminal for travelers arriving by car.
For travelers who prefer the flexibility of driving, renting a car and driving to the Miyajimaguchi ferry terminal is another good option. Although you can't drive on Miyajima Island itself (cars are restricted), parking is available at the ferry terminal.
From Hiroshima, drive along Route 2, which follows the coast and brings you directly to Miyajimaguchi. The drive takes about 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic, and there are several parking lots near the ferry terminal where you can leave your car. Parking fees vary depending on the lot and duration of stay.
Drive Time: 30–40 minutes
Parking: Available near the ferry terminal, costs vary (confirm fees at the lot)
Once parked, walk to the ferry terminal and take either the JR ferry or Matsudai ferry to the island. The ferry ride takes about 10 minutes, and you'll have a short walk from the ferry terminal to reach the island's key attractions.
This option is ideal for those who plan to explore beyond Hiroshima and Miyajima, as it offers flexibility in terms of travel and sightseeing. Plus, it's great for families or groups with luggage, as you can leave your belongings in the car before hopping on the ferry.
Miyajima Island is easy to reach and worth at least half a day of exploring.
Best Time to Visit: Miyajima is beautiful year-round but can get crowded during peak seasons. Spring is popular for cherry blossoms, while autumn offers incredible views of the changing maple leaves. If you're visiting during these times, it's a good idea to arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
Tide Schedules: The torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine is most famous for its "floating" appearance during high tide. During low tide, you can walk right up to the base of the gate. Both experiences are memorable, so check the tide schedule ahead of time to plan your visit accordingly.
Getting Around Miyajima: The island is pedestrian-friendly, and most of the key attractions are within walking distance of the ferry terminal. Itsukushima Shrine and Daishoin Temple are within easy walking distance of the terminal, and so is the Omotesando shopping street. Plan at least half a day on the island to cover the main sights. A full day gives you time for the hiking trails up Mount Misen and a ride on the Miyajima Ropeway.
Guided Tours: If you'd rather skip the logistics entirely, guided day tours from Hiroshima that include round-trip transport to Miyajima are available. This is a good option for travelers who prefer not to navigate trains, ferries, and schedules on their own.
Luggage Storage: If you're traveling with heavy luggage, storage options are available at both the Miyajimaguchi and Miyajima ferry terminals. It's a good idea to leave any unnecessary bags behind to make exploring the island easier.
Miyajima Ropeway: The Miyajima Ropeway offers a scenic ride up Mount Misen, the highest peak on the island, providing panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea. The ropeway ride is around 20 minutes long, and once at the top, you can hike to the summit for even more spectacular views. If you're interested in taking the ropeway, allow an extra two to three hours for the round-trip journey.
Traveling from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island is quick and simple. For most visitors, the JR train and ferry combination is the fastest and most affordable way to get there. If you're starting from Peace Park, the Aqua Net boat saves you a separate transit step.
