Miyajima may be a small island, but there are many different activities to do here. Although most tourists head here for just one day from Hiroshima, the island is best enjoyed with an overnight stay.
Book a hotel on Miyajima Island
Sights and history
More popularly known as Miyajima, Itzukushima Island is mainly known for the iconic red "floating" torii gate belonging to the local Shinto temple.
Information about entrance fees, tide times and history are described in the site detail - Itsukushima Shrine.
You should definitely not forget Daisho-in, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Japan.
Hiking
The densely forested and sparsely populated island is a hiking paradise.
Even Miyajima as a whole is one of the most touristy places in Japan, and there will be surprisingly few people on most hiking trails.
The main area of marked hiking trails is the highest mountain , Mount Misen.
Click on the name above for details on the cable car, hiking trails and sights around the peak.
In addition to Mount Misen, there are two other well-known hiking trails on the island:
- Tsutsumigaura Nature Trail - a rugged forest trail connects the town of Miyajimacho to the sandy beach of Tsutsumigaura.
- Military Battery Ruins Trail - the entire trail follows the asphalt road along the coast and is the easiest trail on the island
Taste the grilled oysters
Oyster fishing in the waters of Hiroshima Bay has a centuries-long tradition. Today, oysters are mainly caught around Miyajima Island, making them a natural local specialty.
The local oysters are large and therefore rarely eaten raw.
Traditionally, oysters on Miyajima are grilled or boiled.
You can buy oysters in many street eateries and restaurants all over the city.
The normal price for two oysters is 600 jpy.
Beaches and swimming
If you'll be spending more than 1 day in Miyajima, relax on one of the local beaches.
Right in Miyajimacho town, you'll find the pretty Mikasa Beach, but it's often clogged with algae.
A much nicer beach is called Tsutsumigaura and lies outside the town about 4 km from the harbour. It can be reached on foot or by local minibus.
