9 Awesome things to do on Miyajima Day trip from Hiroshima.

Every country has its postcard landmarks. For Japan, it’s the saffron pagoda by Mount Fuji or the iconic floating torii gate in serene waters.

If you’ve dreamt of seeing this famous torii, you have to plan for a day trip to Miyajima near Hiroshima.

This peaceful island is home to the Itsukushima Shrine, where the majestic torii rises from the sea, with deer roaming freely on the shore.

While savouring okonomiyaki at Nagataya on our first day in Hiroshima, we were sceptical—was Miyajima just another overhyped tourist trap?

Thankfully, we spent a day in Miyajima and realised it is so much more than just the floating torii gate- They got wild deers on the beach, shrines, natural beauty and great food.

In this one-day Miyajima itinerary, I’ll guide you on planning the perfect day trip from Hiroshima, the best things to do, what to avoid, and all the practical tips to make it stress-free.

Things to do in Miyajima in one day

1. Walk on the Shore to see Deers and Floating Tori

As soon as you step onto Miyajima ferry terminal, you’ll notice everyone heading straight for Itsukushima Shrine. But hold on—don’t rush just yet!

Take a breather and stroll along the beach, a relaxing start to your one day Miyajima itinerary.

It’s so easy to get caught up in a “to-do” list while travelling, but Miyajima shoreline makes you slow down.

That’s where I met my first furry friends—deer! They reminded me of those cheeky ones in Nara, except these are just as bold and way too cute.

The waves gently crash onto the sandy shore, stone lanterns are scattered here and there, and deer casually roam around as if they own the place.

And then there’s the Torii gate. I’m honestly obsessed with it—it’s stunning from every angle.

At 16.8 metres tall, it looks like it’s floating on the Pacific Ocean, especially at high tide. The views are even better with Mount Misen hugging the island and Hiroshima city in the distance.

You can easily spend 30-45 admiring the deers in front of Tori or those waves crashing the shore.

Can you swim in Miyajima?

I had this random urge to dive into the water—it looked so inviting! You can swim in summer at Tsutsumigaura Beach of Miyajima, but winter’s another story.

With the temperature hovering around 8–10°C, we couldn’t even think about taking off our jackets – Japan’s winter is super cold!

2. Have coffee and some cake at Starbucks – Itsukushima

As you walk towards Itsukushima Shrine, you’ll pass by rows of ryokans, homestays, and local shops.

Tempting as the shopping lane might be, skip it for now and make a beeline for Starbucks Coffee – Itsukushima Omotesando.

We’re not usually Starbucks fans, but in Japan, they’re honestly worth checking out. After strolling along the beach, this spot is perfect for a quick breakfast or a light snack with your coffee.

What makes this Starbucks extra special? The jaw-dropping terrace view.

The upper floor has balcony seating that gives you a postcard-worthy panorama—think the iconic Torii gate, Mount Misen, and even glimpses of Hiroshima city, all framed beautifully.

It’s like enjoying pizza at Pizza Hut in Giza while gazing at the Pyramids (yep, it’s that cool).

Grabbing a coffee with an ocean view at the Miyajima Starbucks is easily one of the coolest things to do in Miyajima on your day trip.

And here’s the kicker: Japan’s Starbucks outlets are surprisingly affordable compared to other countries.

Bonus points? They even have veggie options, a rare find in Japan, which made it perfect for my vegetarian spouse, Sahana.

3. Visit Itsukushima Jinja

Sure, the floating torii gate Miyajima is iconic for grabs all the attention—and fair enough, it’s incredible. But don’t sleep on the 1,400-year-old Itsukushima Shrine.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is equally magical, with its saffron-coloured façade, open wooden decks, and rows of wooden rafters on the roof making Itsukushima Shrine Miyajima one of the best attractions on your one day itinerary.

What Makes Itsukushima Jinja Famous?

The shrine’s wooden corridors open right onto the ocean, framing the Torii gate perfectly.

As you walk through, a cool ocean breeze hits you, and you’ll find yourself caught between two worlds. One side is all water, and the other? Lush forests and gardens. It’s like the shrine is balancing on the edge of nature itself—part sea, part land.

The whole thing feels even more surreal when you realise the shrine is built on stilts over the sea.

At high tide, the floating torii gate and Itsukushima temple appear to float, but when the tide goes out, you can walk beside the wooden decks on wet sand.

No tide pools here—just the glistening intertidal zone waiting for you to explore.

None of the scenes from Princess Kaguya were based on this location. But honestly, we both felt like we had stepped into Otsutsukitarine no Miko’s mansion.

The wooden rafter ceilings above the open corridors, with water on either side, gave us serious movie vibes!

The Torii and Entry Fees : 300 yen/adult
How long to spend : 45 minutes

4. Spend time at Nishimatsubara view point

Want a quiet, crowd-free spot to enjoy the floating Torii gate? Nishimatsubara viewpoint near Kiyomori shrine is the place to be.

Here’s the trick: most people head straight from Itsukushima Shrine to the Miyajima History Museum, totally missing the right turn.

This path, shaded by trees and lined with lanterns, runs right along the ocean and is blissfully empty. You can kind of call it a hidden attraction of Miyajima not known to every visitor.

If you’re in Miyajima during the off-season like we did (November to December), it feels like your private Torii-viewing deck.

It’s just you, the stunning Floating Tori view, and the sound of waves. Absolute magic.

Spend about 30 minutes sitting under the tree and rest your feet.

5. Miyajima Public Aquarium.

Think Miyajima is just shrines and Torii gates? Nope! Add a quirky twist to your Miyajima day trip by visiting the aquarium. It’s home to 13,000 marine creatures and 350 species.

It’s all about showcasing the creatures living in the Seto Inland Sea. From Itsukushima shrine ead to the aquarium – one of the must see things in Miyajima.

The Miyajima public aquarium ’s one of the must-see stops on your one day in Miyajima.

We weren’t sold at first, but when it started drizzling on our way to Ropeway station we ducked inside. And it was totally worth it!

They even have a species of crab – “Jpanaese Horse Shoe Crab” which is older than dinosaurs themselves – A bizarre-looking species with that predates even the Jurassic era.

Then there’s the massive gallery with sharks swimming around like they own the place.

Their angry faces are a bit intimidating, but don’t worry—giant ray fish with their cute, smiling faces glide by, balancing things out. It’s a mix of awe and adorable in one tank!

Upstairs, you’ll find the “Sea of Healing” and “Blessings of the Sea”—and , the names are perfect.

Watching vibrant fish glide through the water feels so calming. Plus, the otters are ridiculously playful. You’ll want to cuddle them, but let’s be honest, they wouldn’t love that as much as we would!

And then there are the penguins, waddling around like they just stepped out of Happy Feet. It’s delightful, though bittersweet, knowing they belong in the wild.

But for those of us who can’t jet off to Antarctica, this is an incredible chance to see them up close. And yes, we even saw a pair mating—talk about timing!

Entrance Fees & Facilities: Tickets cost 1,420 yen per adult (as of December 2022)—check the official website for updates. Lockers are available for 100 yen (refunded), and the toilets are clean.
How long to spend : 1hr

Nearby restaurant : Restaurant Omoto is good for set meals for non-vegetarians. I enjoyed their Tempura set meal

6. Explore Machiya Streets

Miyajima’s machiya streets are a beautiful throwback to Japan’s past, lined with traditional wooden townhouses known as machiya.

These streets offer a glimpse into the Edo period (1600s–1860s), where life revolved around carefully crafted architecture and community spaces.

Miyajima Island is home to several machiya streets, each with its own vibe.

Omotesando Street is now packed with souvenir shops, but Takino-Ko-Jo Street, a gem of traditional Miyajima attractions, feels like a time capsule

The houses feature latticework, paper lanterns, and stone pathways.Life on Miyajima isn’t just about tourists. Locals still live in these beautifully preserved homes, continuing traditions that give the island its unique charm.

You’ll see similar streets at Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street near Arashiyama, Kyoto. But the charm of Miyajima’s Machiya streets is that deer also call these areas home.

As you explore these streets, you’ll find not just shops and snacks but also one of Miyajima’s most iconic treats—Momiji Manju. This maple-leaf-shaped dessert is a must-try when wandering through the island’s historic lanes.

We tried Momiji Manju at three different places, but Iwamura Momijiya stole the show with its unbeatable freshness.

They have glass kitchens where you can watch the magic happen—dough pressed into maple-leaf moulds, red bean paste added, and the soft cookies gliding gracefully into steamers. Watching this process is almost as satisfying as eating them!

7. Visit the unique Daisho-in Temple.

When in Japan, you’ll visit many temples. Most look pretty similar in design but hold different religious significance. Then, there are shrines like Fushimi Inari with thousands of of Torii gates or Yasaka Koshindo, adorned with thousands of colourful fabric wish balls.

Until I visited Daisho-in Temple, I thought I’d seen my fair share of unusual and beautiful temples in Japan. I was so wrong!

What Makes Daisho-in Special?

Located partially on a hill, just 900m from Miyajima’s famous Torii gate, Daisho-in is a mix of beauty, surprises, stunning views, and spiritual energy.

The hike up is easy and refreshing, with a gentle slope leading you through lush greenery.

After climbing the first flight of steps, ring the Bonsho bell and turn around—you’ll be greeted with an incredible view of Miyajima Island.

At this point, you might just fall in love with the place. Even if the hike tires you out, trust me, you’ll feel it was worth it.

The Quirky Charm of Daisho-in

Sure, you’ll find the usual Buddhist shrines here. But what makes Daisho-in so unique are the tiny statues scattered along the path, adding an adorable touch of whimsy.

As you climb further, the temple’s façade may not look impressive. But step inside, and you’ll feel like you’ve entered another dimension.

A Lantern Wonderland

Once inside, you’re surrounded by thousands of lanterns glowing softly from the ceiling. It’s like stepping into a spiritual heaven—or maybe the 4th dimension from Stranger Things!

The warm light fills the room, creating an atmosphere perfect for reflection or meditation.

The best part? This area rarely gets crowded. Most domestic tourists take a quick selfie and leave. So if you’re looking to sit, meditate, or just soak in the serenity, Daisho-in’s lantern room is the ultimate spot.

You could easily spend an hour here without realising it.

Buddha Statues and More

After immersing yourself in the lantern room, head down the steps and take the path through a garden filled with over 1,000 Buddha statues.

You’ll see everything from classic depictions to unusual (and slightly eerie) statues of demons and dragons. We loved the “Garden of Unborn Temple” at Tokyo’s Zojoji full of cute statues.

But here the statues are dedicated to Buddha – Some have scarves, others have mufflers! And they are kept along the slope like a collection of plants

Entrances fees : free, unless you want a religious service
How long to spend : 1.5hr
Facilities : Toilet and gift shop

8. Take ropeway to Mount Misen Observatory

To enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Miyajima, head to its highest point—Mount Misen, standing at 530m.

You could hike all the way up, but if you’re spending just one day in Miyajima, like we did, it’s smarter to take the ropeway.

This 10-minute uphill ride gets you to the Shishiiwa Observatory with plenty of time to spare for other activities.

The ropeway starts at Momijidani Station, stops at Kayatani Station, and then takes you to Shishiiwa Station.

While Shishiiwa isn’t the very top, the views of the forest and ocean from here are stunning.

Want to reach the highest point? Walk 1km further from Shishiiwa—a slightly uphill trail that takes about 20–25 minutes.

Your reward? The breathtaking Mount Misen Observatory, where the scenery is nothing short of magical.

What makes this spot unique are the irregularly shaped giant rocks scattered around the viewpoint.

When we visited in the third week of December, the last hints of autumn foliage dotted the forest, giving us a semi-kaleidoscopic view from the top. It was simply unforgettable!

Ropeway fees : 2000 yen round trip / adult
Time taken for one-way ride : 10 minutes
Hiking time to Mount Misen observatory : 30 minutes
Check Miyajima official website for seasonal timings.

9. Have early Dinner and shopping at Omotesando Shotengai

Sure, the Machiya streets of Miyajima, especially on Takino-Ko-Jo Street, are full of old-world charm. But Omotesando Shotengai brings its own energy!

This narrow, bustling street is packed with shops selling Japanese souvenirs.

But let’s talk food! Skip the tacky teddy bears and cute dolls (you’ll find more authentic ones in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district) and head to the local food stalls.

The star of the show? Miyajima oysters!

Traditionally, oysters here are roasted over a wood fire, which gives them a smoky flavour you won’t forget. I have tried a lot of seafood in Japan, surely this is one of my favourites.

When we asked the cook at a local café, he explained that Miyajima’s waters are rich in nutrients, creating the perfect conditions for oysters to grow and develop their famously rich and deep flavour.

It also explained why Miyajima oysters are larger than usual. Farmers here monitor their growth carefully, ensuring top quality before hand-selecting each one for harvesting.

For the best roasted oysters, check out Miyajima Hanayashiki. It’s a cosy café with a souvenir store attached.

The chef is super friendly, so don’t hesitate to pepper him with questions about oysters and general Japanese food—you’ll learn a lot while enjoying this local delicacy!

Things not to do in Miyajima near Hiroshima

Don’t feed the deer at Miyajima.

Deers in Miyajima are wild and aren’t friendly. Unlike Nara’s deer, they shouldn’t be fed with sikels (deer crackers.

Some deers may approach you to eat paper from your hands (like the map you holding) and even your scarves.

So be cautious about it. They are unafraid of humans but aren’t friendly. You don’t want to feed them with cookies and end up being a reason for their death by choking. Right?

Don’t get worried with sign boards!

Being an island nation, and typical of Japan, you’ll often come across signs saying things like “Beware of Tsunami” or “Way to Tsunami Evacuation Area.”

But don’t panic when you see these emergency warnings – they’re pretty common.

Most of the time, these warnings are just precautions, and the island gets closed off during extreme weather to prevent casualties.

So, if you’re on Miyajima and spot one of these signs, there’s no need to worry.

However, something that did give me a bit of a fright, as someone with ophidiophobia (fear of snakes!), was the sign at Daisho-in Temple that said, “Beware of Snakes.”

Now, I didn’t actually spot any, but it’s worth being cautious, especially if you’re hiking up to the ropeway or exploring other areas.

How to get to Miyajima from Hiroshima?

The nearest airport and railway station to Miyajima island is Hiroshima. Getting to Hiroshima by bullet train from other parts of the city is super easy. So once you arrive at Hiroshima, you must take a ferry to Miyajima.

How to take a ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajima on a day trip.

Two types of ferries can take you from Hiroshima to Miyajima island.

Without JR Pass

• Take the Aqua Net Hiroshima Co. Ltd. boat from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
• Costs over 2,000 yen for a 45-minute journey.
• Offers sunset cruises to see the lit-up Floating Torii gate.
• Not covered by JR Pass.

With JR Pass:

• Take the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station (30 minutes we took this as our Japan Rail Pass was active).
• Walk 5 minutes to the ferry pier.
• Use the JR Ferry (covered by JR Pass) for a 10-minute ride to Miyajima.
• Avoid Masudai Ferry, as it’s not included in the JR Pass.
• Avoid tram line number 2 from central Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi—it’s not covered by the JR Pass.

Use Japan Transit Planner app to check the most suitable ferry option. And to use that, you have to have good data network on your Mobile.

We used Mobal SIM of Japan and recommend it.

How to Get Around Miyajima Island?

Getting around Miyajima Island is easy by foot, bicycles, ropeway, local buses.

Essential Travel tips to visit Miyajima

How much time do you need in Miyajima?

You need a full day to truly experience Miyajima. The Floating Torii and temples transform between high and low tides, offering unique views.

A full day lets you explore beyond the Torii and enjoy the island’s highlights at a relaxed pace.

Don’t make a half-day plan—it won’t do justice!

Can I stay overnight in Miyajima Island?

Staying in Miyajima isn’t worth for most tourists. The town shuts immediately after sunset. There were hardly any cafes open post 5.30PM in December. It felt like an abandoned island!

I am a small-town lover. But this much emptiness, especially in December was spooky.

Staying in Hiroshima and planning a one-day trip to Miyajima is much better than staying overnight.

Check this detailed guide to find best hotels in Hiroshima that suits your budget and style.

Most tourists we met that day were making a day trip. However, some arrived later in the evening to stay overnight. Unfortunately, the island has limited accommodation options, so the prices are higher.

If you still want to stay in Miyajima, here are some options.

Best places to stay in Hiroshima

Best Season to visit

October to December first week is the ideal time to visit Miyajima. The place may not be as famous as Osaka or Kyoto. But it does receive a large number of people.

Through March to May, with Sakuras all over, it can be a nice time to visit, as the prices of everything will be higher. And the place can be crowded.

We were there on December 3rd week. Wearing enough layers and our favourite heat pads, we had a chilly yet sunny awesome day at Miyajima with only a few tourists on the island.

What time of day to go to Miyajima?

Early mornings and evenings are the best times to avoid crowds.

Catch the first or second ferry in the morning to enjoy the calm and glittering sea. Stay until nightfall to experience the Floating Torii lit up—it’s magical.

High Tide and Low Tides

At the Miyajima Matsudai Kisen Ferry Terminal, you’ll notice signs showing the low and high tide timings for the island.

While the tide levels don’t affect the ferry schedule, they do change how the Itsukushima Torii looks. During low tide, the Torii doesn’t appear to be floating – in fact, you can even walk right up to the gate!

But when it’s high tide, the Torii truly gives the illusion of floating, which is quite the sight.

Best Places to eat in Miyajima.

Tips for Visiting in December

How to avoid Crowd at Floating Tori?

Arrive early morning or stay until late evening. Most tourists visit during afternoon. SO early mornings and late evenings give you the Torii’s serene beauty without the crowds.

Miyajima Day Trip Cost

A day trip to Miyajima costs around 7700 to 8200 yen per person, which includes:

1. Transport Costs 1400yen :   Hiroshima to Miyamguchi + Miyamguchi to Miyajima ferry one way cost roughly 700 yen/adult
2. Entrance Fees / adult approx 3800 yen : Itsukushima jinja 300 yen, Public Aquarium 1420, Ropeway Round trip 2000.
3. Meal: 2500 to 3000 yen (streetfood plus cafe/restaurant meal)