Miyajima (宮島) is a small island less than an hour outside the city of Hiroshima. It is most famous for its giant torii gate, which at high tide seems to float on the water. The sight is ranked as one of Japan's three best views.
While officially named Itsukushima, the island is more commonly referred to as Miyajima, Japanese for "shrine island". This is because the island is so closely related to its key shrine, Itsukushima Shrine. Like the torii gate, the shrine's main buildings are built over water.
Miyajima is a romantic place, best enjoyed by staying overnight at one of the island's ryokan. While there are usually many daytime tourists, in the evening the area becomes much quieter and more peaceful. There are also wild deer on the island that have become accustomed to people. In the day the deer wander around the same sites as the tourists, and in the evening they sleep along the walking paths. Unlike in Nara, the deer on Miyajima must not be fed.
Top attractions in Miyajima
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Getting there and around
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Links and Resources
Hotels around Miyajima
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Ryoso KawaguchiLocated at Miyajima and featuring beautiful views of the five-story pagoda of Itsukushima Shrine, Ryoso Kawaguchi offers Japanese-style accommodations with free Wi-Fi. Guests can take the ferry boat from Miyajima-guchi Ferry Terminal to Miyajima Ferry Terminal, which is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. A free shuttle is also available from Miyajima Ferry Terminal. This hotel was selected as one of Top 25 B&Bs and Inns in Japan by TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Award 2013. Smoking is prohibited in all areas. The air-conditioned rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) flooring and Japanese futon beddings. A flat-screen TV, a fridge, and an electric kettle with green tea are included. Yukata robes and a private toilet are included in each room, but bathrooms are shared. The shared bath is available from 16:00 to 23:00. A common room is located on the 3rd floor and features books, a microwave, and mineral water. A free-use computer with internet is provided by the lobby. Drink vending machines and luggage storage services are also available. Dinner and breakfast can be served at extra charge. A Japanese set menu prepared with local delicacies is offered for dinner. For breakfast, guests can choose between a Western or Japanese set menu. Meals are served at the dining room. Kawaguchi Ryoso is a 5-minute walk from the historical Itukushima Shrine, and a 10-minute walk from Momijidani Park.View on Booking.com
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Oyado TsukiusagiOyado Tsukiusagi offers Japanese-style rooms and free WiFi, within a 10-minute walk from Itsukushima Shrine. Some rooms come with sea views, and all have a private bathroom. Rooms feature a traditional minimalist interior with a tatami (woven-straw) floor, Japanese decorations and traditional futon bedding. They are fitted with air conditioning, a TV and a bathroom with a shower, bathtub and toilet.View on Booking.com
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Yamaichi BekkanOnly a 1-minute walk from Miyajima Ferry Terminal, Yamaichi Bekkan features accommodations with free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. Yukata robes are provided for all guests. The Itsukushima Shrine is a 10-minute walk away. All rooms feature air conditioning and an electric kettle with green tea bags. Some rooms have carpeted floors and Western beds, and some feature tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. Each room has an en suite bathroom. Luggage storage is available at the front desk. Japanese dishes featuring local ingredients are available at the restaurant. Guests can choose a Japanese or Western set menu for breakfast. Bekkan Yamaichi is a 7-minute walk from the Five Story Pagoda, and a 15-minute walk from Miyajima Aquarium. Momijidani Park is also a 15-minute walk away.View on Booking.com
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Itsukushimahigashimonzen KikugawaItsukushimahigashimonzen Kikugawa in Miyajima provides adults-only accommodation with a garden and a shared lounge. This 2-star ryokan offers luggage storage space and a housekeeping service. Tsutsumigaura Beach is 2.3 km away and The great Torii is 600 metres from the ryokan. With a private bathroom, units at the ryokan also offer free WiFi. Popular points of interest near the ryokan include Five Storey Pagoda, Itsukushima Shrine and Daisho-in Temple. The nearest airport is Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport, 28 km from Itsukushimahigashimonzen Kikugawa.View on Booking.com
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JukeisoJukeiso features Japanese-style rooms overlooking the majestic entrance gate (Torii) of Itsukushima-jinja Shrine, only a 5-minute walk from the Unesco World Heritage Site itself. The hotel offers public and private hot baths and a free shuttle to/from Miyajima Ferry Terminal. Free Wi-Fi is provided at the lobby. Japanese-style hotel Jukeiso is a 10-minute walk from Hokoku Shrine and Goju-no-To Pagoda. It's a 14-minute walk from Momijidani Park, and a 19-minute walk from the Miyajima Ropeway at Momijidani Station. Guests can unwind in a public indoor bath, which is available 24 hours, while an outdoor bath for private use offers views of Itsukushima-jinja Shrine. Jukeiso serves a Japanese breakfast and dinner at its restaurant. Besides amazing nature views, comfortable rooms come with a flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge and an en suite bathroom. Yukata robes and green tea are provided. Guests sleep in Japanese futon bedding on the tatami (woven mat) floor.View on Booking.com
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Miyajima Guest House MikuniyaLocated on Miyajima (Itsukushima), Miyajima Guest House Mikuniya offers a Japanese-style accommodation and a small garden. Free Wi-Fi is available. Miyajima Ferry Terminal is a 20-minute walk away. Guests can choose to stay in a private Japanese-style room or a dormitory room shared with other guests. Private rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon mattress whereas dormitory room provides wooden beds. Bathrooms, shower rooms and toilets are shared with other guests. The common lounge features tourist guide books, a TV and a desktop computer. Lockers and the common kitchen are also available to guests for free. Mikuniya Miyajima Guest House is a 6-minute walk from Itsukushima Shrine and Daisho-in Temple. Guests can also walk to Marine Plaza Miyajima within a 10-minute walk. A complimentary breakfast and dinner are provided; however, guests are welcome to bring their own food and use the kitchen to prepare meals.View on Booking.com
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Miyajima Grand Hotel ArimotoA 3-minute stroll from Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto boasts an outdoor hot spring bath. It offers luxurious Japanese-style and Western rooms and a free shuttle from Miyajima Pier. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas. Spacious rooms feature either traditional futon bedding on a tatami (woven mat) floor, or carpeting and twin beds. All feature a minimalist interior in neutral colours, with a Japanese-style as well as a Western seating area and an LCD TV. Guests can unwind in a soothing artificial hot spring, which is separate for men and women. Arimoto Grand Hotel houses a souvenir shop, drinks vending machines and limited free parking. Authentic Japanese cuisine featuring fresh seafood is served at restaurant Shioji in a stylish contemporary setting, and in more traditional surroundings at Kappo Karaku. The Miyajima Arimoto also offers a coffee lounge, a bar and a Japanese noodle restaurant. Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto is less than a 5-minute walk from the beautiful Pagoda Goju-no-To and historical Senjokaku Hall. The Miyajima Ferry Terminal is a 10-minute walk away.View on Booking.com
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IwasoLocated in the World Heritage Miyajima Island, Iwaso features Japanese-style accommodations with beautiful surrounding views. Guests can relax in the indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths and request for massages. A free shuttle is available from Miyajima Ferry Terminal, which is also a 5-minute walk away. The air-conditioned rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. Rooms in the Annex include a private bathroom with a bath and toilet, while rooms in the historical Main Building and Cottage Annex have shared bathrooms and toilets. Guests can purchase local gifts at the souvenir shop and enjoy singing at the karaoke room. Photocopying and luggage storage services are available at the 24-hour front desk. A computer with internet is provided in the lobby for an extra charge. A traditional multi-course dinner featuring seafood and local ingredients and a Japanese breakfast are served at the restaurant. Iwaso Inn is a 5-minute walk from Itsukushima Shrine and Momijidani Park. Miyajima Aquarium is a 10-minute walk away.View on Booking.com
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KinsuikanLocated in Miyajima with Five Storey Pagoda and Itsukushima Shrine nearby, Kinsuikan provides accommodation with free private parking, as well as access to a hot spring bath. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a lift and full-day security, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The accommodation features luggage storage space and a housekeeping service for guests. All units in the ryokan are equipped with a coffee machine. There is a private bathroom with bidet in some units, along with slippers, a hair dryer and free toiletries. The units will provide guests with air conditioning, a safety deposit box and a flat-screen TV. A bar can be found on-site. Guests can also relax in the garden or in the shared lounge area. Popular points of interest near the ryokan include Daisho-in Temple, The great Torii and Momijidani Park. The nearest airport is Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport, 29 km from Kinsuikan.View on Booking.com
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Miyajima Seaside HotelOnly a 5-minute drive from Miyajima Ferry Port with its free shuttle, beautiful ocean views can be enjoyed from Miyajima Seaside Hotel. The hotel features a public bath, a karaoke room and free WiFi at the lobby. Japanese-style rooms feature a tatami (woven mat) floor and shoji sliding paper screens. Some rooms offer tranquil views of the Seto Inland Sea. They are fitted with an LCD TV, a mini-fridge and traditional futon beds. An en suite bathroom and yukata robes are provided. Guests can savour Japanese dishes for breakfast and a traditional Japanese set menu for dinner. Miyajima Hotel houses a soothing hot public bath, a souvenir shop and free-use laundry facilities. Drinks vending machines are on-site, and free parking is available. Seaside Hotel Miyajima is a 5-minute drive from the Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, a Unesco World Heritage Site. It's a 5-minute drive from Senjokaku Hall, and an 8-minute drive from Daisho-in Temple. Miyajima Ropeway lift is a 5-minute shuttle and a 20-minute walk away.View on Booking.com
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Experiences around Miyajima
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Hiroshima Peace Cycling Tour with Local Guide (2h Course)Visit Hiroshima during your trip to Japan and learn about the impact of the atomic bombing in this tourView on Klook
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An Amazing set of Cultural experience in Miyajima: Kimono, Tea Ceremony and CalligraphyImmerse yourself in Japanese culture by joining a tea ceremony, calligraphy experienceView on Klook
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