Exploring Miyajima Island while in Hiroshima, Japan
Hiroshima, Japan (ISO 800, 24 mm, f/8, 1/5000 s)
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Miyajima Island was one of those places that was off my radar when I went to Japan. I had only heard about it while I was on my way to Hiroshima and then I found out that you can get a ferry ride there for free with your Japan Rail Pass. For more information on what a Japan Rail Pass is, check out my blog post.
Hiroshima has such a vibe to it. A very dark history but present day, the city basks in its rise from ashes, figuratively and literally. While I really did enjoy exploring the city itself, I enjoyed Miyajima Island just as much. Miyajima Island is also known as ‘Itsukushima’, meaning ‘Shrine Island’. I found the island to possess the wonderful nature that was missing from Hiroshima. To be able to access this nature with just a ferry ride was super convenient.
Once on the island, I was able to have some delicious food, do some hiking, enjoy a variety of temples, have incredible views, admire the fall foliage, meet some friendly deer, and just relax in nature from my city-dominated Japan trip thus far. In this blog post I will talk about what places you should check out and what you can expect on your trip to Miyajima Island in Japan.
Miyajima Island, Hiroshima, Japan (ISO 1000, 24 mm, f/8, 1/1600 s)
Also, if you find yourself in Japan for an extended period of time and want to figure out what else is worth seeing, check out my other Japan Blog Posts below:
Tokyo (See Blog Post - A Guide to Exploring Tokyo)
Kyoto - (See Blog Post - Why Kyoto is one of the best places to visit in Japan)
Hiroshima (See Blog Post - Why you should see Hiroshima on your visit to Japan)
Mt. Fuji (See Blog Post - Why a Mini-Road Trip around Mt. Fuji is Amazing)
Japan Guide - (See Blog Post - A Guide to Japan)
Miyajima Island, Hiroshima, Japan (ISO 2000, 24 mm, f/4, 1/800 s)
SIDENOTE: I cannot recommend getting the Japan Rail Pass enough for your trip to Japan. It greatly simplifies your intercity travel, is easy to use, and gives you the most flexibility for your trip. Furthermore, I managed to save a good amount of money (to be used instead for all of the great FOOD of course), by using the JR Pass on the longest parts of my trips. To order one yourself, click on the links below and choose between 7, 14, or 21 day pass in 1st or 2nd class.
If you like some of my photos that you have come across, just know that I have many prints showcasing a variety of landscapes available for purchase below! (Sold as Posters, Canvas, or in Metal-Frames and Wooden-Frames).
How to get to Miyajima Island
Since Miyajima Island is off the coast of Hiroshima, you will have to make your way to that city first. Then you can leave from the city center by taking the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station (covered by the Japan Rail Pass). You can also take tram line 2 from central Hiroshima bound for Miyajimaguchi (not covered by the JR Pass). From Miyajimaguchi Station the ferry pier is close by. Be sure to take JR ferries which is covered by the JR Pass.
Miyajima Island, Hiroshima, Japan (ISO 1000, 24 mm, f/4, 1/4000 s)
Itsukushima Shrine
Upon arriving, you will see the Itsukushima Shrine on your right which you can walk right up to depending on the tide. This Shinto Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is designated a national treasure according to the Japanese government. The shrine is located in a small inlet, which allows you to get quite close to it from land. Alternatively, when the tide goes out, you can walk up to the structure directly. The Shrine is lit up until about 11pm but the best time to view it has to be around sunset.
Unfortunately for me, by the time I arrived at the Itsukushima Shrine, it was covered in scaffolding as it was undergoing restoration work. I kind of have to laugh at myself for just having the worst timing and tried to make the most out of the situation. Plus, all the more reason to come back. (See photo below)
Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima, Japan
Sarasvati Coffee Shop
I wanted to find a place to relax after a few hours of exploring. Luckily there was a very cozy coffee shop on the island called Sarasvati. This charming cafe is on a back street, not as saturated with tourists with excellent coffee. I really enjoy places off the beaten path, for the solitude and to reflect on the things I had just seen and this place fit the bill.
Daishoin Buddist Temple
The Daishoin Buddhist Temple is historic. It possesses a flame that has been burning for more than 1200 years. The temple is included in a list of pilgrimage temples for Japanese buddhists. No pun intended, but the entire experience was Zen-like. Walking along the temple grounds I saw small man statues with their heads covered in knitted and colorful hats, large bells, illuminated lanterns, and the occasional buddhist monk. The temple is free to enter and a must see stop on your trip here.
Momijidani Park
This park is located at the foot of Mt. Misen on a river of the same name. I would say the best time of year to see Momijidani Park has to be in the autumn. If you are a fan of Japanese Maple trees, this is the place to be. You can see them in all their glory from bright and deep reds to light yellows, this is a paradise for fall lovers. You can get to the park easily from the Miyajima pier, which takes about 20 minutes.
You can also reach the Miyajima Ropeway that takes you over Mt. Misen in two minutes from here as well. Also, keep an eye out for the occasional deer in this area too. If you know anything about Japanese deer, especially in Nara, you will find them to be very friendly and not dangerous.
