Hi Pals,
When you think about Torii shrines in Japan, one of two places will come up: Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto (check my post here) and the iconic Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima.
Itsukushima is known as Miyajima which literally means “shrine island.” Said that when you die your soul will cross over via boat into the next world.  I can’t suggest going to this little off the track island from Hiroshima enough!  It’s become one of my favourite places in Japan so far!

 

THE BASICS

Getting to Miyajima:

 From Hiroshima 

Check out how to get Hiroshima here under ‘the basics.’

🚃 Rail:

25m  ¥410 | AUD: $5.18| USD: $3.69
From Hiroshima / Nishi-Hiroshima take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station. This is covered by the JR PASS

 

When you get to Miyajimaguchi, the first thing you’ll see is signs for the Ferry Port. You need to go under the road and continue straight to get to the port.

⛴️Ferry:

10m  ¥180| AUD: $2.27| USD: $1.62
There are two ferries that run you over to Miyajima – both cost the same, however, the JR pass is only valid on the JR Miyajima line.

⛵ Boat

There is a direct boat that connects to the Miyajima that runs from down from the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima Peace Park that costs ¥3600 return trip.

MY TOP CHOICES! 

Miyajima is known for the iconic red Torii shrine which during low tide you can walk out to and then high tide allows you to take a boat under. From what I read/remember – the reason why they built the shrine with the sea levels is so as not to disrupt the whole island, which is considered to be a god in itself.

Whilst researching for prices again, I came across this post here called Daisho-in Temple and If I had known about this temple, it would have been my top choice!

Itsukushima Torii Gate

You can walk out to this shrine during low tide and while in high tide you can catch a gondola ride underneath. Check the High/Low tide here. Interestingly, the Torii Gate stands by its own weight. It is the boundary between the spirit world and human world.

 

Itsukushima Shrine

⏰  Mon-Sun 6:30 to 18:00
💰 ¥300
The Itsukushima shrine is wonderful to walk through. Dedicated to the gods Itsukushima means ‘Island of Worship.’

 

Mt Misen

Mt Misen is the tallest mountain on Miyajima at 500m above sea level, but it’s also only one of two mountains. There are a few routes you can take to see different gates, dams and monuments. Because I’m me, I missed them all but if you want to see them check here.
You can take a cable car up for ¥1000 or round trip for ¥1800.

 

WHERE TO STAY

🏢 H O S T E L:

HOSTEL MALLIKA  T A (Trip Advisor)
Great location – take bus #24/25 from Hiroshima Station. It’s about a 15-minute walk to Nishi-Hiroshima.

WHAT I DID

I got up pretty early to head off to the island, I got lost three times on the walk to Nishi-Hiroshima station because I had previously broken my phone (typical) however once I noticed other tourists I asked if they were off that way and then we walked together.

 

Arriving at the island, I saw some deer trying to get into a store and so I sat by an apple tree cracking apples and feeding the deer probably too long for it to be normal but hey, they’re pretty cute, and much tamer than Nara. As well as all the things I recommended, I grabbed some juice that was made out of oranges on the island  – perfect for the heat.

 

While climbing Mt Misen – you’re supposed to be able to see a bunch of temples and things along the way but I didn’t see any? I don’t know if I missed the whole area but I really just saw the summit and the surrounding areas. I think it’s because there was a path I didn’t take. This just means I’ll have to return.

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Have you been to Miyajima? Is it on your list?
As always, stay cool.
– Sarah.