Miyajima Half-Day Guided Tour from Hiroshima

Miyajimaguchi and the ferry crossing

The tour starts on the mainland near the Miyajimaguchi ferry terminal, the usual answer to how to get to Miyajima. From Hiroshima Station the train reaches Miyajimaguchi in about 30 minutes, while the streetcar from the city centre takes a little over an hour. From the terminal, ferries leave every few minutes and cross to the island in about ten minutes.

Ferry fares are not included, so have a transport card or some change ready. Your guide points out the best spot on deck for the first view of the torii in the water, framed by the forested slopes of Mount Misen. On arrival at the island pier you are greeted by the first deer, often waiting by the ticket gates.

Itsukushima Shrine and the floating torii

Itsukushima Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose vermilion halls are linked by long corridors built over the tidal flat. Tradition dates the shrine to the late sixth century, and its current layout to the 12th century. At high tide the sea flows beneath the floor and the shrine seems to float; at low tide you can walk across the sand to the Great Torii, about 16 metres tall and made from camphor trunks.

Your shrine ticket is included. The guide explains the shrine's sea deities, the outdoor stage over the water and why the island has been regarded as sacred for centuries. Itsukushima Shrine opening hours generally run from 6:30 until 17:00 to 18:00 depending on the season, and our morning tour reaches it before the busiest hours.

Omotesando street, momiji manju and the deer

Miyajima's main shopping street, Omotesando, is a covered lane of small shops selling crafts, wooden rice scoops and local snacks. Here you taste momiji manju, a soft sponge cake in the shape of a maple leaf, traditionally filled with sweet bean paste and now also with custard or chocolate. Grilled oysters and conger-eel rice are other island specialities you can try afterwards.

Deer wander freely through the town and are considered messengers of the gods. Feeding them is not allowed, and they will try to eat maps and paper bags, so keep them out of sight. Is Miyajima worth visiting on a short trip? The mix of shrine, street life and animals makes even a half day memorable.

Daisho-in Temple

At the foot of Mount Misen, Daisho-in is the oldest temple on the island, founded according to tradition in 806. The stone stairway leading up to it is lined with metal prayer wheels inscribed with sutras; turning them as you climb is said to bring the same blessing as reading the scriptures. Small stone statues of Buddha's disciples, many with knitted caps, line the paths.

Inside the grounds you find colourful halls, a lantern-lit cave and views across the roofs to the sea. Your guide introduces the temple's practices and the many good-luck charms you can buy. The temple is at its most beautiful in mid to late November, when the maples around it turn red, one reason this is the best time to visit Miyajima.

Back lanes and the five-storey pagoda

Away from the main street, your guide leads you through Machiya-dori, a quiet parallel lane of old merchant houses, small cafés and galleries, and up to the red five-storey pagoda built in 1407 beside the great wooden hall of Senjokaku. These are some of the island's calmest corners and favourite photo spots.

Throughout the tour your guide takes photos of your group, so everyone appears in the pictures. The tour ends on the island, so you can stay on to ride the Mount Misen ropeway, have lunch or visit the aquarium before taking the ferry back at your own pace. The last ferries run into the evening. Before you part, ask your guide for lunch and viewpoint suggestions for the rest of your day.