Experience the spiritual heart of Hiroshima. From the wild deer of the coast to the eternal flame of Mt. Misen.
Coordinates: 34.29°N 132.31°E
Area: 30.39 km²
Highest Peak: 535m (Mt. Misen)
"For centuries, the entire island of Itsukushima has been worshiped as a god. To keep the ground pure, the shrine was built on stilts over the tide, ensuring no human foot would touch the sacred soil."
The island's interior is a strictly protected primeval forest, home to rare species and ancient maple groves.
Surrounded by the calm, nutrient-rich waters of the Setouchi sea, creating a unique micro-climate.
Three pillars of the perfect island journey.
A UNESCO World Heritage site built over the water. Watch the tide transform the shrine from a boardwalk to a floating palace.
Ride the ropeway or hike the Momijidani trail to the summit. Visit the "Eternal Flame" that has burned for over 1,200 years.
Gentle wild deer roam the island. They are considered messengers of the gods though they are very fond of tourists' maps!
"The Floating Illusion"
Best for photography. The Torii gate and shrine appear to float magically on the Seto Inland Sea.
"The Earthly Connection"
The water recedes, allowing you to walk directly across the sand to touch the base of the massive Torii gate.
Check local 2026 tide tables before your visit
Capture the scent of roasting chestnuts and sea salt as you wander the ancient alleyways.
Mount Misen is the highest peak on the island. While the ropeway is effortless, the three ancient trails offer a spiritual passage through primeval forests.
The most popular. Winding through maple trees, it takes roughly 1.5 - 2 hours to reach the summit.
The most scenic. Features 2,000 stone steps and stunning coastal vistas. Best for a morning climb.
The quietest. A rugged path through ancient rock formations and the island's oldest forest. Perfect for solitude seekers.
"At the summit, you'll find the Reikado Hall, where the sacred fire has burned for over a millennium. This same flame was used to light the Peace Flame in Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park."
"While the floating shrine captures the eyes, Daishoin captures the soul. It is one of the most prestigious Shingon Buddhist temples in Japan."
Walk past 500 unique stone statues of Shaka Nyorai's disciples, each wearing a hand-knitted colorful hat.
Spin the Mani wheels as you climb the temple steps to receive the same blessings as reading the entire Buddhist sutra.
Commercial photography requires permits. For personal use, please be mindful of worshippers at the shrines.
There are very few trash cans on the island to protect the deer. Please carry all your waste back to the mainland.
Respect the 'Quiet Hours' after 6:00 PM when many residents and overnight guests are resting in the ryokans.
Late March to early April. Over 1,300 cherry trees bloom around the shrine and Momijidani Park.
August. Famous for the Water Fireworks Festival where rockets are launched from boats into the sea.
November. The island's peak beauty. The Momijidani (Maple Valley) turns a deep, firey crimson.
February. The Oyster Festival takes place. Snow occasionally dusts the Torii gate for a rare, silent view.
Plan your attire for the maritime climate of the Seto Inland Sea.
Crisp & Dry.
Pack heavy coats.
Mild & Fresh.
Light layers needed.
Humid & Lush.
Stay hydrated.
Cool & Vibrant.
Perfect for hiking.
June is the rainy season (Tsuyu). Expect misty views, gorgeous for photography but bring an umbrella.
August can feel like 35°C (95°F) due to high humidity. The ropeway is your friend.
A curated timeline to experience the island's transition from morning mist to evening glow.
Take one of the earliest ferries to arrive before the crowds. Walk the Omotesando street while it’s still quiet and watch the deer wake up along the shore.
Start your climb up Mt. Misen via the Daishoin Trail. The light at this hour is perfect for capturing the 500 Rakan statues.
Indulge in Grilled Oysters and Momiji Manju. The shopping street is vibrant and is perfect for finding authentic Miyajima shakushi.
As the sun dips, the lanterns are lit. If the tide is out, walk to the base of the massive Torii gate for a sacred perspective.
Day-trippers leave. Enjoy a multi-course Kaiseki dinner at your Ryokan and a final walk under the silent stars.
Five hidden truths about the Island of Gods.
Since the island is considered a god, births and deaths are forbidden on its soil. There are no cemeteries here; even today, residents leave for the mainland for these life events.
The O-Torii gate isn't buried in the seabed. It actually stands by its own massive weight. The roof is weighted with 7 tons of stone, and the pillars are hollowed and filled with cobbles to keep it stable during typhoons. The pillars are filled with stones to keep it stable during tides.
Miyajima is the birthplace of the *shakushi* (wooden rice scoop). A monk dreamt of the Goddess Benzaiten holding a lute and carved a scoop in that shape for good luck.
On the shopping street, you can see the *O-Shakushi* the world's largest wooden rice scoop. It is 7.7 meters long and took nearly 3 years to craft.
Miyajima deer have a strange appetite for paper. Keep your ferry tickets and paper maps hidden, or they might become a midday snack for a "sacred" messenger.
"When the last ferry leaves at 10 PM, the island returns to the gods. The stone lanterns along the shore are lit, casting a golden glow across the water."
Book a night cruise to pass through the Torii gate under the moonlight. Seeing the shrine illuminated from the sea is the island's most profound spiritual experience.
"The silence is broken only by the sound of the tide and the occasional call of a deer."
Built in 1407, this 27-meter pagoda combines Japanese and Zen-Buddhist styles. Its vibrant vermilion paint is made from mercury-based pigment to protect the wood from the salty sea air.
The "Hall of 1,000 Mats." Commissioned by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, it remains unfinished to this day, leaving a massive, open-air wooden skeleton that offers the best breeze on the island.
Take the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi. From there, a 10-minute ferry ride across the Seto Inland Sea brings you to the island. JR Pass holders can ride the JR Ferry for free.
While most visit as a day trip, staying overnight in a Ryokan allows you to see the Torii gate after dark when the day-trippers have left. The silence of the island at night is a religious experience in itself.
Since late 2023, a 100-yen visitor tax is included in your ferry ticket to help preserve the island’s delicate ecosystem and ancient heritage sites.
Miyajima deer are wild animals. Do not feed them crackers (unlike Nara). Feeding them changes their natural behavior and can lead to illness. Keep your paper maps tucked away!
"Our team is currently deep in the heart of Japan, curating hidden trails, local stories, and the most authentic stays to build the ultimate comprehensive guide for your 2026 adventure."
Please stay tuned! Something truly special is arriving soon.
A Note to our Guests
Thank you so much for spending a few moments here with us today. We know how precious your travel dreams are, and we are honored to be a small part of your discovery.
— The Miyajima Travel Team