Upon arriving in Hiroshima, I already planned my next day’s trip to Itsukushima Island, also known as Miyajima. Located near Hiroshima, this island is famous for its floating shrine and breathtaking landscapes.
In this article, I will share my experience on this magnificent island, provide personal anecdotes, and give tips for planning your visit.
Arrival on the island
To reach Itsukushima Island, I took the ferry from the terminus of tram number 2. There’s no need to buy a ticket for the ferry; you can use your transport card.
The journey lasts only ten minutes, and the ferries are frequent. I was already excited to discover this island I had heard so much about.
On the ferry, as you slowly approach, you can see the mountains, the shrine, and its Torii gate in the distance.
And then, you disembark and are immediately overwhelmed by the sensory experience. When I visited the island in July, the lush greenery, the sound of cicadas, and a warm breeze combined perfectly to make me feel enveloped by nature.
The Itsukushima shrine
Upon arrival, I headed straight to Itsukushima Shrine, the island’s most iconic attraction. This Shinto shrine is famous for its large red torii gate, which appears to float on the water at high tide (I visited at low tide 😅). Walking along the shore for about ten minutes, with the sound of waves in the background, I reached the temple entrance. The entrance ticket costs 300 ¥, and the path through the shrine is well-marked.
The temple itself is stunning, with its wooden structures painted orange and adorned with lovely red and white lanterns. I followed a group of Japanese tourists, impressed by their calm and discipline. The shrine consists of several pavilions connected by wooden walkways, each dedicated to different aspects of prayer and meditation. The atmosphere is peaceful, enhanced by the sound of footsteps on the wooden planks and the chirping of cicadas.
In the center of the temple, there is a square offering a magnificent view of the torii gate. Visitors queue to take photos with this iconic symbol in the background.
Depending on the time of day, you will see the torii surrounded by water at high tide or accessible on foot at low tide. I visited at low tide, which allowed me to get up close.
The deer of Miyajima
Like in Nara, Miyajima Island is home to free-roaming deer. These sacred animals wander among the tourists, adding a touch of magic to the experience.
They don’t bow like in Nara, but they do nip at your backside if you’re holding food. And it hurts! 👿
Visiting Daisho-in temple
Later, I decided to take a short walk to visit Daisho-in Temple. This temple is incredibly beautiful, with its various structures and stone and bronze statues. The place is surrounded by nature, and the sound of the nearby river creates a fabulous ambiance. Even in the rain (at the time of my visit), Daisho-in Temple amazed me with its beauty and serenity.
Don’t miss the path among the thousands of small stone Buddha statues wearing red knitted hats. Each statue’s face is different, making it feel like a magical garden. Instead of fairies and garden gnomes, there are little Buddhas!
Climbing Mount Misen
Next, I headed to the cable car for the ascent of Mount Misen. You can walk there in about twenty minutes or take the free shuttle. I chose to walk to enjoy the natural environment (you pass through the woods on marked dirt paths) and the sound of cicadas.
Then, it was off to the cable car.
The first section offers an extraordinary view of the mountain, the bay, and the oyster farms in the sea. The round trip costs 2000 ¥.
After the first section, you take a very short second cable car to a platform with several options.
The first option is to go to the observation deck of the bay, a 2-minute walk away.
The second option is to start the hike to the summit of Mount Misen. When I say hike, I mean a real hike, with ups and downs and rougher terrain. After about 30 minutes of walking, I reached a viewpoint offering a stunning view of the Seto Inland Sea.
Then you arrive at a temple. The first thing you notice is the gentle incense smoke rising into the air. Entering the temple where the incense is, be prepared for a thick atmosphere that stings your eyes and throat.
The temple consists of several pavilions, each dedicated to different deities and adorned with beautiful sculptures and traditional lanterns.
But it’s not over yet; we’re not even halfway to the summit. But it’s definitely worth it.
Then finally, after climbing up and up, at one point, we start being surrounded by huge rocks, and there’s even one cut in the middle to form a tunnel. This passage tells us we’re just a few meters away from arriving.
At the top, the view is breathtaking. You can see the city, the sea, the mountains, and the bay with all its islands. I was lucky to have sunshine throughout the hike and upon arrival, making the panorama even more spectacular. It’s hard to describe this view. It’s so beautiful. Even photos don’t do justice to the beauty of the place.
The return isn’t any easier as you first descend only to climb again for the last kilometer, while your calves are clearly saying stop.
Then I took the two cable cars in reverse and even the free shuttle 🆓 because it was already 2 PM and I was very hungry.
The little alleys and local life
There are also the traditional tourist streets, where you can buy souvenirs and taste the local cuisine. The prices are a bit higher than usual, but that’s understandable in such a touristy place.
I took the opportunity to have a meal, and since I was accompanied by a Japanese woman I met in the cable car, she was able to recommend the typical dishes of the island. We chose the grilled conger eel with Zaru soba. It was so good. A pure delight!
Afterward, we took a break by exploring the cute little alleys with their typical Japanese houses around and beyond the shrine. Walking through these streets lets you feel the peaceful ambiance of the island.
The five-level pagoda and its temple
I ended my day by visiting the foot of the five-story pagoda and the adjacent temple. The pagoda, with its five beautifully stacked levels, is an architectural masterpiece standing proudly against the sky. Painted in vermilion red, it contrasts beautifully with the surrounding greenery and the blue sky. This ancient structure, dating back to the 15th century, is dedicated to the goddess of mercy, Kannon.
Next to the pagoda is Senjokaku Temple, also known as the “Pavilion of 1,000 Mats.” Unlike the vibrant pagoda, this temple is an unpainted wooden structure, creating a striking contrast between the vivid red of the pagoda and the natural wood tones. The temple, designed as a large prayer hall, is spacious and airy, allowing the wind to flow freely. The wooden floor creaks softly underfoot, making it the perfect place to sit and meditate, accompanied by the sound of cicadas.
I spent a long time admiring the architectural details, walking between the wooden columns, and appreciating the serenity of this place. The view from the temple, with the pagoda in the background and the sparkling sea in the distance, is simply breathtaking.
Itsukushima Island is a true gem of Japan. Whether you are drawn by history, nature, or spirituality, this island has something to offer everyone. My stay in Miyajima was an enriching and memorable experience, and I highly recommend this destination to anyone traveling to Japan. The beauty and serenity of Itsukushima Island will forever remain in my heart.
