I have nothing but excellent things to say about this island. After living in Japan for 6 years, this place was absolutely a highlight. Despite it being a tourist hotspot, it didn't feel particularly overcrowded on a Thursday afternoon. Very easily accessible by ferry, only a 10-minute ride and we used our Suica card for boarding, 300 yen one way. I was shocked to see how massive this place really was. There are a couple hiking trails that take 4 to 5 hours to complete, which we will come back to and didn't have the opportunity to do this time. Plenty of shopping streets for souvenirs, plenty of food vendors, and tons of deer also! We easily spent 3 to 4 hours here. I would recommend springtime for a visit where it's not too hot yet. We went on a day where it was about 16 Celsius with the sun out, and it was just perfect. Not too windy out either. Tons of foreign visitors here, me being one of them, so just take your time while transiting the streets because it's really easy to bump into people. Otherwise, what an amazing place to visit in a staple to our visit to Hiroshima!
This place was gorgeous! We went in mid-December. The floating Tori gate is a must see! The deer are pretty chill..sometimes they bite your clothes though. Feeding these deer is prohibited not like in Nara. There are tons of shops and food places here. But we got stunning views when we rode the miyajima ropeway. This was definitely a highlight! I wish we allotted for more time here. It can definitely be a whole day trip. Also, if you're looking for convenience and staying near hiroshima peace park, there is a boat that leaves from the canal near the peace park. It's pricier then taking the train and ferry out to the island but it is another option for those who dont mind paying the higher price. Don't forget to get the famous momiji manju! There are also all kinds of flavor fillings to choose from for those who are not fans of azuki beans. I liked the lemon and chocolate.
If you’re in Hiroshima, a visit to Miyajima is a must. It’s about an hour away from Hiroshima Station, including the ferry ride, and the trip itself is part of the fun. Once you arrive, you’ll find the island pretty developed with lots of shops, restaurants, and little streets to explore. The main highlight, of course, is the giant floating torii gate — it’s really something to see in person. There are also a few temples and parks you can check out while you’re there. The island can get busy with tourists, but it still feels relaxing and charming. Great for a half-day or full-day trip if you want to experience something a little different outside the city.
An interesting highlight for a day trip from Hiroshima. Nice walk, beautiful picture points, souvenir shops with reasonable prices, enough shops to try Japanese food. If you are Oyster’s fan, you will love it there :-). Try grilled oysters with various add-ins :-). best way to go there is with Tram number 2 (Red) from the mdd as in station (or any station along the way) and get off at the last station. Either JR Railpass you just have to pay 200¥ tax.
Another option is near Atomic Bomb Dome. Costs around 2.2T yen one way and takes 45 minutes to the island.
There are a lot of friendly wild dears roaming around :-) Good for animal lovers :-)
Have fun :-)
Itsukushima, also known as Miyajima, is a breathtaking place with a serene and spiritual atmosphere. The iconic floating torii gate is stunning, especially during high tide when it appears to hover above the water. Walking around the island is a peaceful experience, with beautiful shrines, friendly deer, and scenic trails.
If possible, I highly recommend spending a night on the island. I didn’t know this was an option and regretted not being able to do so, as I believe it’s well worth it. Staying overnight allows you to experience the island with fewer crowds and gives you the chance to hike up the mountain to a viewpoint, which must be an incredible experience.
