Miyajima Island Itsukushima Shrine is a very beautiful place to visit. You can visit the island during high tide or low tide or even better, during both high and low tides, which was what I did ! It is like visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine but on water 🙂
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About Miyajima Island
Miyajima Island. Also known as Itsukushima Island, it is a small island located in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan, near the city of Hiroshima. Miyajima is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, historical significance, and the famous Itsukushima Shrine.
Apart from the shrine, the island offers scenic views of mountains, forests, and beautiful coastlines. The island is also home to wild deer that roam freely and are considered sacred animals. But it is not the same as deers at Nara Park.
Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, exploring the historic streets of the town, trying local delicacies like momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes with various fillings), and taking in the serene atmosphere of the island. Miyajima Island is easily accessible by ferry from Hiroshima and is a popular day trip destination for both locals and tourists alike.
There are actually quite a fair amount of things to do in the island but as usual, it was just a day trip for us.
About Itsukushima Shrine
The Itsukushima Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks. What makes it particularly unique is its torii gate, which stands in the water, giving the illusion of floating during high tide. This torii gate is a symbol of Miyajima and attracts many visitors and photographers from around the world.
The Itsukushima Shrine, located on Miyajima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, is one of the most famous and significant Shinto shrines in the country. The shrine is dedicated to the three daughters of the Shinto deity Susano-o no Mikoto, who is the god of seas and storms, and the sister of the sun goddess Amaterasu.
The main hall of the Itsukushima Shrine, called the Honden, is built on stilts over the water, supported by massive wooden pillars. This architectural style, known as “shinden-zukuri,” is a representation of the unique relationship between humans and nature in the Shinto religion. The design allows the shrine to coexist with the natural surroundings, particularly during high tide when the structure appears to float on the sea.
One of the most famous features of the Itsukushima Shrine is its iconic torii gate, known as the “Otorii.” This magnificent gate is one of the most photographed and recognized symbols of Japan. The torii gate stands around 16 meters (52 feet) high and is made of camphor wood. Its vibrant vermillion color makes it stand out beautifully against the backdrop of the sea and the island’s lush greenery.
During high tide, the Otorii gate appears to be floating on the water, creating a breathtaking sight that attracts tourists and photographers from all over the world. However, during low tide, visitors can approach the torii gate on foot and even walk underneath it.
The Otorii gate holds great spiritual significance as it marks the boundary between the sacred land of the shrine and the secular world. Passing through the torii gate is considered a symbolic act of purification before entering the sacred space of the shrine.
The Itsukushima Shrine and its Otorii gate have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognizing their cultural and historical importance. These iconic landmarks continue to be an essential part of Japanese culture and a symbol of the profound connection between humans and nature in Shinto beliefs.
How to get to Miyajima Island Itsukushima Shrine
From Hiroshima, where we stayed at the Nest Hotel Hiroshima, it was a simple tram ride to the Hiroshima Station. From there, we took San-yo Line (Line R) from Hiroshima JR station to Miyajimaguchi Station.
From Miyajimaguchi Station, you then take a ferry to Miyajima Island and Itsukushima Shrine.
The train ride from Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi Station is a nice comfortable simple train ride that even comes with toilets. As we have purchased the JR Rail Pass Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass, we were able to use that for the ride to Miyajimaguchi station too.
At Miyajimaguchi Station
Miyajimaguchi Station (宮島口駅, Miyajimaguchi-eki) serves as a passenger railway station situated in the city of Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The station is managed and operated by the West Japan Railway Company (JR West). Adjacent to the station, travelers can find convenient ferry services to Miyajima (Itsukushima) provided by JR Miyajima Ferry and Miyajima Matsudai Kisen.
It is like one of those quiet country side train stations in Anime 🙂
Just outside the train station, you will spot an underground footpath to go to the Miyajima ferry terminal.
Miyajima Ferry Terminal and JR Ferry to Miyajima Island Itsukushima Shrine
This is the Miyajima ferry terminal.
There are actually two main ferry companies operating at the Miyajima Ferry Terminal:
- JR Miyajima Ferry: This is a ferry service operated by Japan Railways (JR). They offer frequent departures to Miyajima Island from Miyajimaguchi Station, which is located on the mainland near Hiroshima.
- Miyajima Matsudai Kisen: This is another ferry company that provides transportation between Miyajima Island and Miyajimaguchi. They offer additional options for visitors traveling to and from the island.
But because we purchase the JR Rail Pass Kansai-Hiroshima Area, we will have to use the JR ferry if we want to pay nothing 🙂
Boarding the JR Ferry to Miyajima Island Itsukushima Shrine
That’s Miyajima Island in front of us..
You can catch a glimpse of the already on the ferry. See if you can spot Miyajima Island Itsukushima Shrine in my poorly taken photo.
Miyajima Island
Arriving at the Miyajima Island, you will be greeted by a nice calm atmosphere.
A map of the island will be helpful but not really necessary.
And yes, just like Nara, deers are all around the island ! Pretty fun !
There are hotels on the island and this one seemed to be the best …
Hotel Miyarikyu seemed to be a great hotel as it faces the sea. I would have love to stay for the night !
And as you walked along the sea coast, you will start to see the star of the island, the Itsukushima Shrine torii gate.
The torii gate of the Itsukushima Shrine
The torii gate of the Itsukushima Shrine, also known as the “Otorii,” is one of the most iconic symbols of both the shrine and Miyajima Island.
- Location: The Otorii gate is situated in the water, just off the coast of Miyajima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. It is positioned in the sea in front of the main hall (Honden) of the Itsukushima Shrine.
- Size: The torii gate stands approximately 16 meters (52 feet) tall. It is made of camphor wood and is painted in a vibrant vermillion color, which is traditional for Shinto shrines in Japan.
- Floating Appearance: One of the remarkable aspects of the Otorii gate is the optical illusion it creates during high tide. At high tide, the base of the gate is submerged in water, giving the impression that it is floating on the sea. This striking visual effect is a significant reason why the gate is so famous and attracts numerous visitors.
- Symbolic Importance: The Otorii gate marks the boundary between the secular world and the sacred space of the Itsukushima Shrine. In Shinto beliefs, crossing through a torii gate is seen as a purification ritual before entering a sacred area.
- Access: Visitors can approach the Otorii gate on foot during low tide. During high tide, it becomes more distant from the shore, and boats and ferries are commonly used to view it up close.
- UNESCO World Heritage: The Itsukushima Shrine, including the Otorii gate, is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its cultural and historical significance.
How to know when it is high tide or low tide at Miyajima Island Itsukushima Shrine
So you can enjoy both the high tide of Miyajima Island Itsukushima Shrine. At high tide the Otorii gate is pretty for photos that you can post on Instagram. At low tide, you can walk right up to the Otorii gate too.
So how to know when it is high tide or low tide at Miyajima Island Itsukushima Shrine.
My advice is to use this web site : Miyajima tide times and tide charts for this week. You should then use the information against the Ferry Terminal timing too (if you are not staying for the night).
For example, the low tide for 6th August 2023 is 6:26am and the high tide is 12:23pm. The next low tide is 6:34pm but then the sun set is at 7:08pm. Can you make it by 6:26am. Doubt so but certainly if you stay the whole day, you can wait till 6:34pm for the low tide and then catch the ferry back to mainland.
Walking along the coast to the Torii Gate
A nice walk along the coastline takes to the Torii Gate
Hello.. A peep of the Torii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine Torii Gate at High Tide
It is amazingly beautiful. It is super Instagramable. It is just an amazing experience to be finally here.
And deers are still everywhere 🙂
Itsukushima Shrine Torii Gate at Low Tide
And of course, if you come with the right timing, you can visit the Torii Gate at low tide too. You can even walk up to it ! In terms of photos, it is definitely not as nice as high tide but still, I am glad to say I have done both 🙂
And you can even see (and perhaps walk up to) the Shrine itself at low tide.
Food Street at Miyajima Island
Omotesando Street is the main shopping street on the island, and it is lined with various restaurants, cafes, and shops where visitors can try local delicacies and souvenirs. Omotesando Street is a vibrant and lively place that captures the essence of Miyajima Island. It is an ideal spot to try local delicacies, shop for souvenirs, and immerse yourself in the unique culture and atmosphere of this beautiful island.
It is also where you might spend time if you are waiting between high tide and low tide 🙂
On Omotesando Street, you can find a wide range of traditional Japanese street foods and Miyajima specialties, such as momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes with various fillings), oysters prepared in different ways, anago-meshi (grilled conger eel over rice), and other delicious treats.
You can buy little Torii Gates for your souvenirs.
Food at Omotesando Street Miyajima Island that you might want try :
- Momiji Manju: This is perhaps the most famous and iconic treat on Miyajima Island. Momiji manju are small, maple leaf-shaped cakes with various fillings such as red bean paste, custard, chocolate, green tea, and more. They are not only delicious but also make for a perfect souvenir to take home.
- Grilled Oysters: Miyajima is renowned for its fresh and succulent oysters. You can find food stalls and restaurants along Omotesando Street offering oysters grilled over charcoal. It’s a delightful experience to savor these local delicacies while strolling through the street.
- Anago-Meshi: Anago-meshi is a dish consisting of grilled conger eel served over rice. It’s a local specialty of Miyajima and a must-try for seafood lovers.
- Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki: While not specific to Miyajima, you can find Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at some restaurants on Omotesando Street. This savory pancake is layered with ingredients like cabbage, noodles, pork, and topped with a tangy sauce and mayonnaise. But I suggest you try this at Hiroshima itself. Read my article on where to try Hiroshima Okonomimura.
- Grilled Seafood Skewers: There are food stalls along the street offering an assortment of grilled seafood skewers, such as scallops, prawns, and squid. These skewers showcase the island’s fresh seafood flavors.
- Miyajima Soft Serve Ice Cream: For dessert, try the Miyajima soft serve ice cream, often available in unique flavors like chestnut or maple. It’s a refreshing treat, especially during the warmer months.
- Mikan (Mandarin Oranges): Miyajima is known for its delicious mikan, or mandarin oranges. You can find fresh mikan sold at some stalls, offering a sweet and juicy local fruit experience.
- Mitarashi Dango: Mitarashi dango is a traditional Japanese sweet made of rice flour dumplings coated in a sweet soy sauce glaze. You can find them at some of the shops or food stalls on Omotesando Street.
The oysters are life changing.. damn good ! 🙂 We tried the ones at this shop and loved it so much…
If you do not stay the night at Miyajima Island
You might ask what happened after we left Miyajima Island as we did not stay the night and many of you will probably not do so too.
For us, we took the train to Shin-Kobe station (again, the train trip is covered by the JR pass) and stayed at the ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe. The next day we took a day trip to Arima-Onsen !
Conclusion : To Go or Not To Go
No need say.
GO !
MUST GO !
REALLY MUST GO !!!
