Miyajima

Miyajima (宮島) is one of the crown jewels of Japan, and certainly one of its finest views. Located off the coast of Hiroshima, in Hiroshima Prefecture, the serene beauty of the island is an essential coda to that city.

See: 7
Do: 2
Eat: 10

Banner: Derivative work by Shaundd . Other authors listed on source image page., CC BY-SA 3.0

19 places

See

Daisho-in

大聖院

Because it's nestled into the hills, this Buddhist temple is easily missed by tourists, but it features several interesting sights and a welcome respite from the crowds. Look for the Dai-hannyakyo Sutra (大般若経), the golden prayer wheels that are said to bring enormous fortune to anyone who touches them, and the Henjokutsu Cave (遍照窟), a fascinating and eerie collection of Buddhist icons related to the 88 Temple Pilgrimage in Shikoku.

Closed · opens 8 amFree

See

Itsukushima Shrine

厳島神社

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Itsukushima is a large, red-lacquered complex of halls and pathways on stilts. It was built this way so that commoners could visit without defiling the island with their footprints. Weddings are occasionally held at the shrine, but that doesn't bar visitors, and the priest's ceremonial dance is a memorable sight.

Closed · opens 6:30 am¥300 for temple entry, ¥500 for entry plus Treasure Hall

Eat

Kakiya

牡蠣屋

Restaurant specializing in oysters and only oysters. The Kakiya set offers a selection of seven traditional oyster dishes and is highly recommended.

Daily 10:00 till oysters are goneKakiya meal set is ¥2,600

Eat

Miyajima Brewery

Outdoor bar offering a selection of locally-brewed beers from Miyajima Brewery. Only small snacks are on offer, so plan to eat elsewhere before enjoying your beer at a standing table in the courtyard behind the bar.

Daily 10:30-17:00Flight of three beers costs ¥1000

See

Miyajima History and Folklore Museum

宮島歴史民俗資料館

A small, charming collection of folk crafts and pieces of Miyajima history, many donated by locals. The main building was built as the residence of a soy sauce mogul in the early 1800s, and has a traditional garden out back. The tour takes about one hour.

Tue-Sun 08:30-17:00¥300 (¥170 for children aged 15-18)

See

Miyajima Public Aquarium

宮島水族館

A collection of more than 380 sea creatures and daily animal events such as sea lion shows and photo opportunities with penguins. It's worth a stop if you have restless kids in tow — about a 20-minute walk from the pier.

Daily 08:30-17:00¥1420

Mt. Misen

弥山

If you have energy to spare, Mt. Misen offers gorgeous views of the island and sea. The hike takes about an hour, depending on rest stops along the way. Look for the signs for the ropeway, and when you reach it, just keep going. There is a less used, slightly more strenuous (and more rewarding) route called the Omoto Pass that begins in the mossy park near the aquarium. Those with less energy (or inclination) can cheat and take the Miyajima ropeway to an observatory near the top and hike from there (¥1100 one way, ¥2000 round trip). The ropeway closes at 17:00 (last car down 17:30). It is a 30-minute walk from the end of the ropeway to Mt Misen, you have to climb about 150 height meters after going down the first ten minutes.

See

Senjokaku

千畳閣

This huge wooden pavilion is called the 'Sentamikaku' because it is the size of 857 tatami mats. There is actually nothing but empty space in this huge wooden building. It was started by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1587, but left incomplete after his death. There's also a picturesque 5-story pagoda (五重塔 Gojuto) next door, though as of May 2025 this is entirely covered by scaffolding for restoration, and plenty of cherry trees if you are visiting in sakura season.

Closed · opens 8:30 am¥100

Eat

les Clos

宮島レ・クロ

Western European restaurant and café in a renovated 1912 mansion.

11:30-15; 17-21Lunch course ¥2800-, Dinner course ¥6600/¥8800

See Not mapped

Miyao Castle

宮尾城

A hill fort built in the early 16th century, it was a key focus of the 1555 Battle of Miyajima as part of the Mōri army’s offensive against Sue Harukata. It appears to have declined after that, and the site is now marked by a small park with an explanatory signboard, a small shrine and a pavilion.

Do Not mapped

Momijidani Park

紅葉谷公園

The ropeway station is in the middle of Momijidani Park, but the park is worth a stroll even if you're not headed up. Known for its autumn colors, there are quite a few quiet little temples to explore along the way, and many of the island's hotels are tucked away here.

Eat