Miyajima, Japan
Visiting Miyajima solo was one of the most peaceful and rewarding day trips I took while living in Hiroshima, Japan. As a solo traveler, exploring this sacred island offered the perfect mix of scenic beauty, cultural depth, and quiet reflection. From the iconic floating torii gate to the local street food and curious deer, Miyajima delivered a uniquely personal experience I won’t forget.
Quick Trip Details
📅 Duration: 1 day
📍 Base location: Hiroshima, Japan
⛴️ How I got there: JR train to Iwakuni, bus to Kintaikyo Bridge, ferry to Miyajima
🚶♀️ Transport tip: Get a prepaid IC card like ICOCA for local trains and streetcars. Plan your visit around low tide for the best view of the floating gate. And wear comfortable shoes, there’s a lot of walking.
Morning: Exploring Kintaikyo Bridge in Iwakuni
To kick off my Miyajima itinerary, I started the morning with a train ride from Hiroshima to Iwakuni, followed by a short bus ride to the historic Kintaikyo Bridge. This wooden arch bridge is one of the top sightseeing spots in the region and a great addition to any Hiroshima day trip plan.
Lunch: Hiroshima Style Okonomiyaki at Tanokyu
At Miyajimaguchi Station, I stopped at a small restaurant busy with tourists. I ordered Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a local specialty made with cabbage noodles and bits of pork.
It was exactly what I needed before heading out to the island.
Afternoon: Visiting Miyajima Island and Itsukushima Shrine
From the ferry terminal, I crossed over to Miyajima Island. The ride was short but beautiful, and arriving at the island felt like stepping into another world.
My timing was perfect. Low tide meant I could walk right up to the famous floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. It’s one of the most photographed places in Japan and it was easy to see why. Standing beside it instead of viewing it from afar made the experience feel surreal.
After snapping plenty of photos, I wandered through the shopping street, where I took way too many selfies with the free-roaming deer, they’re basically the island’s unofficial mascots. I tried a freshly grilled oyster, sipped a lemon mojito to cool down and gave ramune soda a go—it took me longer than I’d like to admit to open that marble-sealed bottle.
To wrap up the day, I stopped for dinner at a Japanese BBQ spot to put in the extra work of cooking my own food.
The Deer Situation
Just like in Nara, Miyajima has free-roaming deer that are friendly, but also a little bold. One sniffed at my camera, another tried to chew my map.
Final Thoughts on My Day Trip to Miyajima
This solo day trip was a peaceful and refreshing break from my daily routine in Hiroshima. It was easy to plan, easy to navigate, and filled with unforgettable moments—from standing under a floating shrine gate to eating okonomiyaki that tasted like a warm hug.
If you’re visiting Hiroshima or anywhere nearby, Miyajima deserves a full day on your itinerary. It’s the perfect mix of history, nature, and spiritual calm.
Budget Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of what I spent on the day trip:
- JR Train from Hiroshima to Iwakuni: ¥670
- Bus to Kintaikyo Bridge: ¥300
- Entry to bridge, ropeway, and castle: ¥940 (combo ticket)
- Train to Miyajimaguchi: ¥320
- Lunch at Tanokyu (Okonomiyaki): ¥900
- Ferry to Miyajima: ¥180 one way
Total: Around ¥4,000 (~$30 USD)
⛩️ Miyajima Day Trip – FAQ
🚉 How do I get from Hiroshima to Miyajima?
Take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station (30 mins), then board the JR ferry (10 mins). If you have a JR Pass, both are covered. There’s also a direct boat from Hiroshima Peace Park for about ¥2,200 one-way.
⏰ When is the best time to visit the torii gate?
Visit during low tide to walk up to the floating torii gate and snap close-up photos. At high tide, it appears to float in the sea, which is also beautiful for scenic shots.
🦌 Are the deer on Miyajima dangerous?
Not dangerous, but bold! They’ll sniff your bag or try to eat anything paper, like maps or tickets. Don’t feed them, and keep snacks sealed up.
🍴 What should I eat while on the island?
Grilled oysters are a Miyajima specialty, as well as Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki near the station. You’ll also find momiji manju (maple-leaf sweets) and ramune soda on the shopping street.
🎒 Do I need to book tickets or tours?
Not at all! The ferry and shrine are open to walk-ins. Only the ropeway to Mount Misen may have a short wait on weekends or holidays—no reservation needed.
👟 What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable walking shoes are a must. The area near the torii can be muddy during low tide. Bring a reusable water bottle and cash. Some shops don’t accept cards.
