Sights and landmarks in Miyajima

Sights and landmarks in Miyajima

1. 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 am·Free

2. 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

3. 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)

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. See Not mapped

   Miyajima Tourist Association

   1162-18 Miyajima-cho

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Miyajima (CC BY-SA 4.0).