Only a limited number of backpackers head off to Miyajima Island, but we came up with an article that helps urge most visitors to explore in future one of beautiful yet underrated travel destination in Japan.
Obviously destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka are major attractions to us if we plan to decide to go to Japan. But there are plenty of destinations waiting for us to explore its breathtaking beauty and history. This Miyajima Island will sit in the same row as the rest of Japan’s most underrated destinations like Takayama.
Miyajima Island is located in Hiroshima Bay, so we need to take a short boat ride from Hiroshima to reach the island. Well known for its stunning natural beauty and cultural attractions, backpackers would enjoy spectacular attractions and activities. Listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site, even today the island is considered to be more sacred and home to local fauns like deers and birds, making it worth your every penny.
Related Search: What are the unique things we can do in Japan.
Things to Do in Miyajima Island
Visiting Miyajima Island is all about exploring its cultural, historical and natural beauty. We just can’t conclude a place often known for one particular reason, but major reasons/things make Miyajima Island one of the perfect destinations to visit in Japan. Let’s dig more about what are those things;
1. Look the Great Torii
Let’s start our tour from one of the iconic and historical attractions in Miyajima Island is “The Great Torii”. Also called Itsukushima’s Torii Gate or Floating Torii Gate, recognised by the UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1875 making it the primary attraction in the island today.
Great Torii heavily influenced by the Taira no Kiyomori, contains 2 hashira (main posts) and 2 kasagi/shimaki (crossbeams). Today the site stands as the testimony of Japan’s most sacred Shinto site with the unique design and immense size of 33.9m and 16 meters of height. But its name floating only will be applicable during high tides, since its design is made according to adjustment, but not during low tide. During the time of low tide visitors can walk from the island out to the gate.
Built from locally available grown cedar trees with Cyprus which makes 7 tonnes of torii gate today. Despite its significance, the gate is an ideal place to spot shellfish and gorgeous sunset views. Today Torii is the gate stand between the everyday world and sacred space in Japanese people tradition.
2. Visit Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine is yet another popular thing you shouldn’t miss during your Miyajima Island Tour. Itsukushima Shrine is a 13th century shrine built on the pillars over the Inland sea, making it the entrance to The Great Torii once accessed by boat directly. Located in the island’s mountainous backdrop places that emphasis on the natural and traditional divinity, and stands as the most deserved Shinto religion of Japan architectural style.
Built during the 13th century, but people believed that the shrine was a forest founded in 593, but it was redesigned in 1168 in order to keep the sacredness of the island. When it comes to internal architecture, shrines consist of many halls and shrines, each interconnected by the corridors with lanterns. Its multiple buildings are interconnected by boardwalks, therefore it is easy to reach the prayer hall and help theatre performance quickly.
However, its stilt architecture is impressive, and the building is uniquely made on stilts, especially to adjust to the marine environment. UNESCO World Heritage Site, Itsukushima Shrine today stands as the combinations of natural and cultural symbols encounter indigenous Japanese history and culture along with some of most photographic beauty located against you. Open daily with an admission fee of 300¥ for adults, but if you need any guided tour or boat cruises then better to book your tours well in advance.
3. Meet Island’s Most Friendly Deer’s
The most sought after thing in Miyajima Island is meeting the island’s most sacred deer. These whitetail sika deer roam around the island, still today native people believe that these deer’s are the most sacred one and some facts/ stories explain why it is so close to humans. Feeding is strictly not allowed for safeguard deer and minimise the issue with them.
During ancient times, these deer’s were recognised as a messenger of the god, and people believe these deer’s sent by the god. Therefore, people built separate temples to these deer’s and offering food. This process continued over a period of time until WW II, but after war effects its populations drastically reduced.
If you compare deer from Nark Park, Miyajima Island’s deer are a bit wilder in nature (semi sika deer’s) and wander more freely and come very close to visitors. But Nara Deer’s are Sika deer’s, where visitors can feed, and make close interactions. After 2008, island authority decided to completely stop feeding for years to minimise dependence on food. So, if you are planning to take your family members or children, make close interaction with that and touch it, but don’t try to feed any food.
4. Make Your Pray at Daisho-in Temple
If you are looking to spend more calm and spiritual time amidst these places, Daisho-in Temple is for you. Located in the Mount Misen near Hatsukaichi, Miyajima Island temple is considered as the holiest and birthplace of Shingon Buddhism. Temple’s vast collections of unique statues, power spots and prayer wheels or caves makes its richness in religious spirituality doubled.
Founded in 806, by the Monk Kono Daishi (the person who founded Shingdon Buddhism). Daisho-in Temple’s vast temple complex witnessing multiple tengu statues, gardens and calm atmospheres help visitors to indulge in ancient Miyajima culture and history. Once you enter the temple complex you’ll see several wheels of ancient Japanese inscriptions that contain Buddhist sutra, scriptures and designs. However its three main halls and sand mandals are interesting ones, which were built by the Buddhist Tibetans monk once he visited here.
But the most interesting part of your Daisho-in Temple journey is its 500 rakan, which means 500 statues that believed to be the first disciples of Lord Buddha. But the curious part of this rakan is when you closely observe all these statues each one has its own unique look and facial appearances. Each year each rakan’s looks pretty with its nifty knitted hats, so don’t miss it.
5. Take a Leisurely Walk in Monijidani Park
Located on the coast of Hiroshima, Monijidani Park is a popular maple leaves valley where more than 700 maple trees exist. Park’s trees were planted during the Edo period including several species of malpe trees such as “iroha” malpes, dominant over the park’s 500 trees. Mono maples other sets of maple trees change its leaf color to yellow during autumn seasons and turn to vibrant red, today these trees consist only 100 out of total numbers. The remaining 100 trees are Urihada maples, which are relatively small both in size and number but offer more yellow leaves during autumn.
Taking a leisurely walk amidst these trees is a relatively super exciting activity especially during autumn in the entire Miyajima Island. Your walk must be continued until you reach and finish Momijidani Bridge. It is a vermilion walkway situated at the eastern end of the park where the bridge is surrounded by the most beautiful maple trees. If you cross during the autumn season surely you’ll enjoy red, yellow and other unique colors of leaves across the gorge. Try to take a ride on the Miyajima Ropeway, which helps to catch up more breathtaking views of autumn foliage and major island landscapes.
6. Enjoy Your Mount Misen Hiking
Mount Misen is a famous hill of Miyajima and offers the most sweeping views of the island once ready to take hiking to its summit. Highest peak on the island, summit of Mount Misen always ready to exhibit the most epic views of Seto Inland Sea and surrounding vast landscapes. Its hiking trail includes 535 meters of long, backpackers much fortunate to different hiking trails according to their fitness.
Miyajima Ropeway is a more common thing to reach the top of Mount Misen since ropeway service is offered from 2 major stations such as The Kayatari Station and the Shishi-iwa Station. Besides the ropeway, Mount Misen is accessible through even foot, which helps us to find some of the best views, endangered species and also help to take some rest.
Your trekking journey usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours to reach its top. Once you reach its summit surely visitors get aerial views of the island including some of the popular attractions like Itsukushima Shrine, Torii Gate, and Hiroshima City. However its peak is blessed by the several Buddhist sculptures and artifacts, one of the favourite spots of Kobo Daishi’s. Along with this, the summit is home of Eternal Flame, which has been continuously for over 1,200 years by the Kobo Daishi. If you are going with couples or hiking with your partner, then you can light a flame that symbolizes their love and bond.
7. Explore Miyajima Aquarium
Another most sought after activity in Miyajima Island is to explore breathtaking collections of abundance of sea creatures. After your close interactions with the island’s deers, we suggest you take another step to Miyajima Aquarium to intensify your inner animal love. The aquarium today boasts a total 1,300 creatures representing 350 saltwater and freshwater species, the majority of which are local to the area.
The aquarium allows visitors inside to find 389 species and 15,000 different aquatic friends, including fish and mammals. But interesting part of your Aquarium tour is its interactive corners, where daily sea lion shows at the live pool, interaction with penguins, otters and seals are perfect things to enjoy with family members. Aquarium designed according traditional Japanese architecture includes a titled roof blends seamlessly historic surroundings of Miyajima Island.
Compared to Island’s Deer, feeding completely allows to fish and sea lions, including a penguin pool where we can watch penguins swim overhead. Opens daily from 9:00 AM to 17:00 PM (reception closes at 4:00 PM). Make sure that you do not keep your travel day during January 20 and January 21. Exploring Miyajima Aquarium has some cost, to know your entry fee and book your aquarium ticket online visit its official website.
8. Visit Five-Story Pagoda
Five-Story Pagoda is a symbol of deep Buddhist culture representing stunning beauty, striking vermilion color and nature friendly architectures making it the perfect place to seek richer historical and cultural site in Miyajima Island. This stunning vermilion masterpiece built during 1407, perfectly blends ancient Japanese Zend Buddhism techniques. Since it’s located on the left side of the Torii Gate, always overlooking the Itsukushima Shrine.
It stands 27 meters tall, each 5 stories trying to explain to us five different elements of Buddhist philosophy such as earth, fire, water, wind and sky. Its beautiful vermilion beams are the most attractive element in the Five-Story Pagoda, which is filled with red colors and intricate details on its rooflines.
No matter which type of travelers you are, taking a camera along with you is the great idea to capture the beauty of Five-Story Pagoda especially during Cherry blossoms. Surrounded by ancient pines, maple trees and cherry trees, it allows us to capture more breathtaking photos during our trip. Along with its historical, cultural and spiritual importance’s, the site plays a key role in local festivals especially during traditional ceremonies and performances. Since Five-Story Pagoda is a more spiritual and historic site, entry is strictly forbidden, so enjoy the outer design and get plenty of photos.
9. Go for Shopping in Omotesando Street
Spending your time shopping on Omotesando Street is unique way to explore Miyajima Island compared to other things you have done before. Omotesando Street is known for its stylish blend of high end brands, boutique shops, and vast number of local artisan stores. Market variety stuff and items reflect Japanese culture and craftsmanship in each step you’re gonna take.
During your stroll do not forget to enjoy the beautiful streets and trees while you shop. These trees offer more serene and picturesquare atmospheres during your shopping. Despite that, the street even filled numerous cafes and restaurants where backpackers enjoy local cuisine including sweets, unique snacks and traditional Japanese cuisines.
Since it is located on island major cultural sites such as Itusushima Shrine, they can easily reach once after exploring the shrine. If you plan to make a day trip then do not miss these 2 attractions, since its easy accessibility and convenience. If you are trendy or a fashion lover, then the street won’t disappoint you, its lively atmosphere helps to catch more of the latest fashion and lifestyle trends.
10. Eat Local Cuisines
Food is a huge part of our travel experience and we love to do so. You might think experiencing the local cuisine of Miyajima Island is a similar activity to the rest of Japan’s destination. But here you’ll eat and experience more unique dishes including traditional local mouthwatering food stuff.
“Kakiya” is the most sought after dish, often called an oyster, made after being grilled in charcoal flame. Kakiya cuisine is a recommended dish to try during your island trip and it is available in different Oyster types like deep fried oysters.
“Moniji Manjya” Japanese traditional sweet looks like a maple leaf. This unique sweet has its own flavour and sweetness, filled with sweet red azuki bean paste. Monji Manjya available in different forms in different restaurants, don’t miss to taste original Monji Manjya.
When to Visit Miyajima Island?
When to visit Miyajima Island is a constant question every backpacker will ask before packing their bags, because the entire trip depends on when you plan to visit. The best time to visit Miyajima Island is during the Spring (from March to May) and Autumn (from September to November) season.
If you plan to visit during the spring season, then ready to enjoy island’s cherry blossoms. Addition to that, island’s most iconic Maple trees’ colorful blossoms only experience during spring as well as its hillside colorful display. During this season you’ll experience mild and pleasant weather conditions, making it ideal time to do outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Autumn/fall is another ideal season to help pack your bag to Miyajima Island. This period is the perfect time to spot dramatic sakura blossom displays and the changing color of maple trees. It is a great season for hiking to Mount Misen, visiting attractions such as Miyajima Aquarium, Itsukushima Shrine and walking in Monijidani Park and for shopping.
Miyajima Island Ferry
Getting to Miyajima Island through the popular ferry option is the most renowned option, actually ferry is the most sight-after thing to enjoy. But choosing a perfect travel friendly ferry option is a crucial task for every backpacker, so today we are going to discuss 2 major ferry options for you and you need to decide which one to choose.
1. Matsudai Kisen
Matsudai Kisen is one of the ferry services operating to connect Miyajima to Aki. This ferry helps us to catch the most breathtaking scenic views of Miyajima Island. Matsudai Kisen is a 10 minutes journey, in between we can cover most scenic views of landscapes from Miyajimaguchi to Itsukushima Shrine. Your journey will start from Miyajima, via Itsukushima and Itogi.
Its facilities include 3 floors of seating arrangements, while 1st floor for comfortable premium seating with a wide entrance. 2nd floor for family or group visitors where counter seating facilities are available with some basic amenities. However, ferry provides free Wi-Fi facilities, a cage for pets, and free wheelchair access and power outlets for mobile charging.
Matsudai Kisen first departs every morning at 7:15 AM and works until its last departure at 8:15 PM. As usual ticket cost is compulsory, for Adults is ¥200 for one way and ¥400 for your round trip. If you come up with children (ages between 6 to 12 years), then you need to give an additional ¥100 for one way and ¥200 for round trip. If you have a child less than 6 years old, then you need to pay for entry. Make sure that you always keep ¥100 for Miyajima Visitors Tax for every visit which charges separately.
2. JR West Miyajima Ferry
JR West Miyajima Ferry operates from Miyajimaguchi between 9:10 AM to 16:10 PM, and ends at Great Torii Gate. Through this ferry service visitors are much fortunate to see Itusukushima shrine directly with a floating torii gate foreground. Remember this route may cancel if the weather is not very supportive to travel, so be conscious about your trip.
Fares include ¥200 for adults and ¥400 for round trip, likewise if you have a child more than 6 years old then it is better to keep extra ¥100 for one way and ¥200 for 2 ways. But for infants it is completely free of cost, but as usual here in JR West Miyajima ¥100 is mandatory for visitor’s tax.
