Timeline
16:20
Stop at the outdoor bar for a flight of locally-brewed beer and a small snack. The courtyard offers a relaxed start to the evening.
16:47
Walk to the shrine complex. Enter the main halls while the golden light is still hitting the red lacquer. The setting sun aligns with the WSW view from this area, creating a striking contrast with the shrine’s color.
17:37
Watch the sun dip below the horizon. The light fades quickly here, so stay for the transition from gold to blue.
17:57
Stroll through Momijidani Park. The quiet paths and quiet temples provide a calm end to the visit as the day settles.
Local tip
Miyajima Brewery closes at 17:00, so arrive there before the sun starts to set. The shrine remains open until 17:00 in December and January, but in October it stays open until 17:37, giving you just enough time to see the sunset from the grounds.
Check before you go
- Miyajima Brewery is open until 17:00. If you are visiting in October, you have until 17:00 to buy your beer.
- Itsukushima Shrine closes at 17:37 in October. Plan to be inside the grounds by 17:30 to catch the final light.
- Momijidani Park is open late, but check the ropeway times if you plan to go up the mountain.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Miyajima (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).