Itsukushima shrine
At the heart of Miyajima is Itsukushima shrine, the island’s main attraction. The island is officially named Itsukushima, but it’s commonly called Miyajima, meaning “shrine island”. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been a symbol of Japan since 1996, and its serene beauty is enhanced by the friendly wild deer that roam the area, much like in Nara.
The Shinto complex, connected by walkways that seem to float on water at high tide, is a breathtaking example of Heian-period architecture. The design is intentional, reflecting the Shinto belief that nature, particularly mountains, is sacred.
And then there’s the iconic floating torii gate—one of Japan’s most recognizable landmarks. Standing over 16 meters tall, the current structure dates back to 1875 and is the eighth reconstruction since the original was built in 1168.
Access
The most common route to Itsukushima shrine is from Hiroshima, and you have two main options:
- By JR Sanyo Line train: From Hiroshima Station, take a JR Sanyo Line train to Miyajimaguchi Station (about 25 minutes). From there, it’s just a short walk to the ferry terminal, where you can catch a ferry to the island. The train ride is covered by the Japan Rail Pass, as is the JR-operated ferry, which takes about 10 minutes to reach Miyajima.
- By Hiroden tram: If you’re near Hiroshima Peace Park, another option is to take Hiroden tram line 2 to Hiroden-Miyajimaguchi Station. This takes around 40 minutes and is a convenient alternative if you’re exploring Hiroshima before heading to Miyajima. Keep in mind, the tram is not covered by the JR Pass.
Once you’re at Miyajimaguchi, you’ll need to take a ferry. Two companies operate ferries: JR and Matsudai. Both take about 10 minutes to get to the island. If you have a JR Pass, I recommend using the JR ferry since it’s included in your pass.
Price
Itsukushima’s goshuin is 500 ¥.
Opening Hours
- The shrine entrance fee is 300 yen, and another 300 yen will grant you access to the Treasure Hall. A combined ticket is also available for 500 yen.
- Itsukushima is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except in December when it closes an hour earlier.
- The Treasure Hall operates from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
