Miyajima in 3 days
A sacred island in Hiroshima Bay, where a vermilion torii stands in the sea before a shrine on stilts and deer doze by the ferry pier. Mount Misen rises to 535 metres above it all, and the island feels quite different once the last day-trippers leave in the late afternoon.
The plan, day by day
Day 1
- Morning
The floating torii of Itsukushimafree · about 1 hThe 16.6-metre vermilion gate stands on the seabed about 200 metres offshore, held by its own weight alone; it was restored between 2019 and 2022.
- Afternoon
Itsukushima Shrineabout 1 hLacquered corridors run 300 metres over the water, linking halls and a noh stage on the sea, on a plan dating from the 12th century.
- Late afternoon
Senjokaku and the five-storey pagodaabout 30 minA huge sutra hall of 857 tatami begun by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1587 and left unfinished at his death, with no ceiling or front walls.
Day 2
- Morning
Omotesando street and grilled oystersabout 1 hA covered shopping street from the pier to the shrine, with grilled Hiroshima oysters, momiji manju baked on the spot, and a 7.7-metre rice paddle.
- Afternoon
Daisho-in Templefree · about 45 minThe island's main Buddhist temple, fifteen minutes' walk from the shrine and away from the crowds, with prayer wheels to spin along the entrance steps.
- Late afternoon
Momijidani Parkfree · about 30 minA small valley of some 200 maples along a stream crossed by stone bridges, which gave its name to the leaf-shaped momiji manju cakes.
Day 3
- Morning
Miyajima Ropewayabout 1 hTwo linked lines climb from Momijidani to Shishiiwa station at about 430 metres: small cabins over the canopy, then a larger car across the valley.
- Afternoon
Mount Misenfree · half a dayThe island's 535-metre summit, above protected primeval forest, reached from the village by three trails past granite boulders and small shrines.
Where to sleep in Miyajima
- Guest House Mikuniya · €55 a night
- Sakuraya · €70 a night
- Miyajima Coral Hotel · €95 a night
- Miyajima Seaside Hotel · €110 a night
- Kikunoya · €140 a night
- Kinsuikan · €180 a night
- Iwaso · €300 a night
Plan this trip
Hotel prices per room per night, checked when written. Some links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.