What is the best time to visit to see the floating torii gate?

The torii gate's appearance depends on tides, which change twice daily. At high tide, the gate appears to float on water and is best viewed from the shore. At low tide, you can walk to the gate's base. Tide times vary daily and should be checked in advance. Visiting for 3-4 hours allows you to see both high and low tide.

Can you stay overnight on Miyajima?

The island has several ryokan and hotels available for overnight stays. Staying overnight allows access to the shrine area after day-trippers leave, typically after 5 PM, and early morning before crowds arrive around 9 AM. Accommodation is limited, so booking in advance is necessary, particularly during spring and autumn.

Are the deer on Miyajima safe?

Approximately 500 wild deer live on the island. They are generally docile but should not be fed, as this encourages aggressive behavior. The deer may eat paper items like maps or tickets if left accessible. Maintain distance and do not corner or touch them. Unlike Nara, deer crackers are not sold on Miyajima.

Is hiking required to visit Mount Misen?

The ropeway reaches near the summit, but a 30-minute walk on stone steps remains necessary to reach the peak. Hiking from sea level takes 1.5-2 hours via marked trails. The ropeway upper station provides views without reaching the summit. The ropeway costs ¥1,800 round trip and ¥1,000 one-way.

Is the shrine accessible at high tide?

Yes, the shrine remains open at all tide levels. The walkways and halls are elevated above water, so visitors can enter regardless of tides. High tide creates the characteristic floating appearance. Occasionally during extreme high tides or storms, outer walkways may close temporarily, but main areas stay accessible.

Miyajima

Itsukushima (Miyajima)

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Itsukushima, more commonly known as Miyajima, is a small island in Hiroshima Bay that has been considered sacred since ancient times. The island's name translates to "shrine island," reflecting its spiritual importance in Japanese culture. Itsukushima Shrine, founded in 593 AD and reconstructed to its present form in 1168, is the island's most famous landmark and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The shrine complex, built over water with interconnected buildings and corridors, represents a masterpiece of Shinto architecture that harmonizes religious structures with the natural landscape.

The shrine's floating torii gate stands 16 meters tall in the bay and has become one of Japan's most iconic images. During high tide, the gate appears to float on water, while at low tide visitors can walk out to its base. The island itself covers approximately 30 square kilometers and is home to around 1,400 residents. Mount Misen, rising 535 meters above sea level, dominates the island's interior and offers hiking trails through primeval forests that have been protected for centuries due to the island's sacred status. The mountain's summit provides panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and surrounding islands.

Visitors can explore the shrine's various halls, including the main sanctuary, purification hall, and noh theater stage built over water. Wild deer roam freely throughout the island, considered messengers of the gods in Shinto tradition. The island's commercial street offers local specialties including momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes) and grilled oysters, as Hiroshima Prefecture is Japan's largest oyster producer. The Miyajima History and Folklore Museum and Daisho-in Temple, a significant Buddhist temple with hundreds of statues, provide additional cultural insights.

Miyajima is accessible by ferry from Miyajimaguchi Station, which takes approximately 10 minutes and costs around ¥180-200 for a round trip. Miyajimaguchi is reached from Hiroshima Station via the JR Sanyo Line in about 25 minutes. Entry to the island itself is free, though Itsukushima Shrine admission costs ¥300 for adults. The Mount Misen ropeway operates for ¥1,800 round trip and reduces the climb significantly, though a 30-minute walk remains to reach the summit from the upper station. Most of the island can be explored on foot within a few hours, though a full day allows for mountain hiking and a more leisurely experience.

The area

Address

Itsukushima, Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0588, Japan

What other travelers are saying about Itsukushima (Miyajima)

Miyajima is famous for the Itsukushima Shrine which is a Shinto shrine. It is known for its "floating" torii gate. The historic shrine complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as one of the National Treasures by the Japanese government. There are lots of deer, roaming freely and very friendly. A superb place to visit. From Hiroshima, we took a tram to the Miyajima ferry terminal and took us 1 hour. Then a ferry ride for another 15 minutes.

Nearby attractions to see

Toyokuni five-story pagoda

Shishiiwa Observatory

A cable car travels above a lush, green mountainside with a large body of water and cityscape visible in the background under a clear blue sky.

Miyajima Ropeway

A traditional Japanese wooden temple with red accents stands majestically against a backdrop of lush green mountains. The foreground features a long wooden walkway leading to the entrance, flanked by ornate lanterns.

Itsukushima Shrine

Nearby attractions to see

Toyokuni five-story pagoda

Shishiiwa Observatory

Miyajima Ropeway

Itsukushima Shrine

Frequently Asked Questions

We took the long, scenic and an enjoyable bus ride going to the ferry station. Bus rides in my country is not always pleasant so I relished this one. We looked for a lunch spot first before heading off Miyajima. Next ride was a ferry boat-a short but equally enjoyable one with the mountain and sea views. The island itself deserved half or even one whole day of exploration. There so many places to be visit, take pictures, buy souvenirs from, dine or simply sit and enjoy the nature with the deer. Upon entering the island, we were greeted by the deer gently resting along the “streets”. According to Google : “Approximately 500 deer on Miyajima are tame and socialized to human presence, though they are still wild animals and can be aggressive in seeking food. They have learned to bow for snacks, which are available for purchase, and have also been known to eat paper maps and other human items” Food crackers for the deer are available for only JPY200 and this must be the only food to be fed to them. There’s enough space for everybody despite the numerous number of tourists in the island. There’s a recommended spot for taking a good picture with the Torii gate. The queue moves fast and it’s often the person at the back taking the pictures of the people in front-regardless of race :)

Susie Selorio

Nov 12, 2025