The sacred island with the floating torii, a UNESCO jewel of the Inland Sea
Miyajima, officially Itsukushima, is a sacred island in Japan's Inland Sea, 30 minutes from Hiroshima. Its bright orange floating torii — one of Japan's treasures — rises from the water at high tide in front of the Itsukushima Shinto shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island is also home to free-roaming deer, the forest of Mount Misen and a culinary tradition built around oysters and momiji manju, maple-leaf-shaped cakes.
Miyajima accommodation
Oysters and momiji manju
Itsukushima Shrine, Mount Misen, torii
The sacred island with the floating torii, a UNESCO jewel of the Inland Sea
| Capital | Hatsukaichi (ville liée) |
|---|---|
| Area | 30,4 km² |
| Language | Japanese |
| Currency | Yen (JPY) |
| Visa | 90 days visa-free (EU) |
| Best time to visit | April – May, Oct – Nov |
The island of the floating torii is reached by a short ferry crossing from the Hiroshima area.
10-min crossing from Miyajimaguchi, covered by the JR Pass. Departures every 15-20 min, from 6:30am to 10:30pm.
Schedules & booking ↗
Private operator on the same Miyajimaguchi ↔ Miyajima crossing, at a similar fare. Useful if the JR Ferry is full.
Schedules & booking ↗
Scenic ~45-min crossing from Hiroshima with Aqua Net (World Heritage Sea Route), with a view of the torii from the sea.
Schedules & booking ↗
The best time to visit is April – May, Oct – Nov. The weather is ideal for outdoor activities.
90 days visa-free (EU). Always check current entry requirements before travelling.
Flights serve Miyajima. Check available transport options from your departure point.
The sacred island with the floating torii, a UNESCO jewel of the Inland Sea. Miyajima, officially Itsukushima, is a sacred island in Japan's Inland Sea, 30 minutes from Hiroshima. Its bright orange floating torii — one of...