The island of Miyajima, also known as the 'Sacred Island', is just a short 10-minute ferry ride from the coast of Hiroshima. It's a stunning place, often considered one of the most beautiful in Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Miyajima is well-known for its floating torii, which seem to emerge from the water at high tide.
As well as this iconic symbol, the island has some stunning natural scenery, historic temples and some fascinating wildlife, including the famous free-roaming deer that you can see roaming the streets. It's a great place to explore on foot, get a feel for Japanese culture and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. A trip to Miyajima is often an unforgettable experience that combines natural beauty, spirituality and history.
Even with the JR Pass, we still had to pay a 'tourism' tax of 100 yen to take the ferry to the island of Miyajima. This is a small contribution to help preserve this magnificent site.
If you don't have a JR Pass, the fare is 300 yen. It's also useful to know that you can use a Suica card to pay the amount, which makes it easier to pay without having to search for change. The ferry offers a lovely view of the sea and the island as you approach, making the journey even more enjoyable. It's a great way to get to this iconic destination while enjoying the experience of the sea crossing.
When you get to Miyajima Island, you'll see deer, hinds and their young roaming around freely. The deer are very used to humans and will approach visitors, especially if they think there's food nearby.
They're pretty greedy, so be careful with your sandwiches and other snacks, as they may try to steal them! It's great to interact with these animals in their natural habitat, but it's best to keep an eye on your belongings to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Make the most of this unique moment to contribute to the charming and friendly atmosphere on the island.
As you walk through Miyajima's shopping arcade, you'll see lots of food and souvenir shops on both sides. The mall is a real feast for the senses, with stalls offering a great variety of local foods, from traditional snacks to pastries.
You'll find regional specialities like momiji manju, sweet cakes in the shape of maple leaves, often filled with azuki paste, as well as oyster products, which are particularly popular in the region. The smells from the different stalls make the stroll even more enjoyable.
As well as the food, you'll also find lots of handcrafted souvenirs, local handicrafts, clothing and traditional items to remind you of your visit. It's a great way to experience Japanese culture and hospitality, and it's a great way to bring a bit of the island back with you. This mall is a must-see in Miyajima, and it'll add a vibrant touch to your exploration of the island.
I'd been looking forward to this for a long time, so I finally did it: I hired a kimono for a few hours. It may not have been my first time, but every chance to wear a kimono still fills me with enthusiasm.
I went for the ¥5,900 package, which gave me a few different options. I was really happy to be able to choose the colour of the kimono, as well as the colour of the belt and the flower-shaped bow, which were made by the lady herself. Every detail was just right and made my outfit feel really personal.
However, I soon discovered that walking in geta, those traditional Japanese shoes, was a real challenge! But that's all part of the fun of getting to know Japanese culture. Every step was an adventure, and I was excited to capture the memories while wearing this beautiful kimono. It was an amazing experience that I'd highly recommend to anyone visiting Japan!
I popped by Tsukushima Jinja, which is located by the sea at low tide. It's the ideal time to visit this incredible shrine. When I went into the temple, I could get to a pontoon that gives you a great view of the famous floating torii.
If you visit at low tide, you can get closer to admire the structure from a different angle. It's really impressive to see this iconic structure surrounded by water at high tide, but then you can walk right up to it at low tide and admire it from a different angle. The atmosphere is really peaceful, and the natural setting makes the place even more beautiful. It's the ideal time to take photos and soak up the spirituality that comes from this UNESCO World Heritage site. If you're visiting Miyajima Island, you've got to check out the Tsukushima Jinja.
We finally made it to the torii, and I can see why so many people go all the way to Miyajima! It's absolutely amazing. The view of this iconic gate, with the seascape in the background, is simply stunning.
In this glorious weather, we can't help but feel lucky. The sun's rays are shining on the torii, creating a magical atmosphere that makes this moment even more special. It's a truly unforgettable experience to be here, right in the heart of this iconic site, surrounded by such natural and cultural beauty. Every moment here is a real gift, and I'm looking forward to capturing these unforgettable memories!
If you're not interested in entering the temple, you can enjoy the beach free of charge when the tide is out! It's a great way to enjoy the site's beauty without spending any extra money.
The beach offers a stunning view of the torii and allows you to get close to the water, creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere. It's the ideal chance to take a stroll, snap some photos or simply relax and enjoy the view. The sound of the waves and the sea air make it an even more pleasant experience. It's a great way to enjoy nature while getting to know more about Miyajima's culture!
After a long walk, we decided to take a break and grab a bite to eat at a restaurant we'd found by chance on the way to the cable car. It was a fantastic find!
The place had a warm, welcoming atmosphere, which was just what we needed after exploring the island. The menu had some great local specialities on it, which we were lucky enough to try, including some typical dishes from the region.
It was great to be able to enjoy the view of the surrounding countryside while we were eating. This moment of relaxation was just what we needed after a day of adventures, giving us all the energy we needed to continue exploring the island. Sometimes the best culinary experiences are right on our doorstep!
We got to try soba, which is delicious cold buckwheat noodles served with tea. This refreshing and tasty dish was just what we needed after our long walk. The umami sauce was a great accompaniment to the noodles, and every bite was a real treat.
The miso soup was a great accompaniment, making the noodles both light and nourishing. The combination of cold soba and hot soup was spot on, giving us a bit of warmth and satisfaction. It was a great way to experience the local cuisine and add a tasty touch to our trip in Miyajima!
The walk to the cable car seemed to take forever, mostly because of my geta. I didn't mind walking in these traditional shoes, but the kimono did make me move a little more slowly. However, I didn't let that put me off!
If you wear the right shoes, you'll get to the cable car in no time. The route is really lovely, meandering through the countryside and offering stunning views of the surrounding area. It's a lovely walk that lets you enjoy the island's tranquility and beauty to the full. While the walk might seem a bit longer with the kimono, it's definitely worth it!
You can either do the round trip on the cable car or just go up. I'd suggest just doing the outward journey and coming back down on foot. The wait for the return journey can often be quite long, which can make the experience a little frustrating.
If you descend on foot, you can make the most of the scenery and explore the surrounding countryside at your own pace. It's a great way to extend your adventure, observe the flora and fauna and take some wonderful photos. Plus, the descent gives you a different view of the route you've taken. It's a great way to round off your visit to Miyajima and enjoy the sights!
We decided to take the cable car down, but we had to wait for almost 50 minutes. The wait was a bit long, but the view from the cable car was so beautiful that it made the time fly by.
I'd recommend doing this as soon as you get to the island of Miyajima, if you can, in the morning. That way you can avoid the long queues that build up over the course of the day. Plus, the morning light is great for photos and the island is nice and quiet. Starting early lets you make the most of all the island has to offer!
The view from the cable car is absolutely stunning! It's easy to see why Miyajima is such a popular destination. The scenery is stunning, with the iconic torii standing tall in the water, surrounded by lush green mountains. The magnificent natural setting will stay with you forever.
If you ever come back to the Hiroshima area, I'm sure you'll be pleased to return to the island. There's always something new to discover on each visit, whether that's by taking different walks, trying new dishes or simply savouring the natural beauty once again. It's a place where you always feel at home, and every moment spent here is a real pleasure!
When we got back to Hiroshima station, we decided to have dinner at a yakitori restaurant, which was a great choice for enjoying some delicious grilled meats. It was the perfect way to reward ourselves after a busy day in Miyajima. The friendly atmosphere of these restaurants, where you cook your own food on grills, makes the dining experience really special.
Once we'd had a good meal, we headed back to the hotel to get some rest. Tomorrow we're off to Osaka, where we're looking forward to a new adventure! Osaka is known for its delicious cuisine, vibrant culture and lively streets. We're really looking forward to finding out more!row.
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