Miyajima, officially Itsukushima, is a small sacred island in the Seto Inland Sea just off Hiroshima and one of the most beautiful places in Japan. Its centrepiece is Itsukushima Shrine, a vermilion complex built out over the water on wooden piles so that at high tide it appears to float, and its huge O-torii gate, standing offshore, rises straight from the sea — one of the country’s three most celebrated views and a World Heritage Site. Wild deer roam the streets, the forested slopes of Mount Misen rise behind, and the shrine changes utterly between high tide, when it floats, and low tide, when you can walk out to the gate.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima |
| Hours | Shrine ~6:30–18:00 (seasonal) |
| Admission | Shrine ~¥300; ferry extra |
| Time needed | Half to full day |
| Best time | High tide for the floating shrine; check tide tables |
What to See
- The floating O-torii gate rising from the sea at high tide.
- Itsukushima Shrine built on stilts over the water.
- Wild deer roaming the island’s streets.
- The forested slopes of Mount Misen behind.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Mount Misen hiking above the shrine.
- Pair with momiji manju from the island’s shops.
- Read our Hiroshima overview .
Getting There
- By train + ferry: JR to Miyajimaguchi, then a 10-minute ferry to the island.
- By tram + ferry: Hiroshima streetcar to Miyajimaguchi, then the ferry.
Tips
Check the tide tables before you go, as the island is a completely different experience at high tide, when the shrine and gate float, versus low tide, when you can walk across the sand to the torii — ideally see both. Stay past the day-trip crowds into the evening if you can, when the island quiets and the gate is lit, and don’t feed or tease the deer, which will investigate bags and maps.
