Is Miyajima a Day Trip? Or Should You Stay Overnight? (The Ultimate Miyajima Guide)

Miyajima Island is absolutely worth visiting and is widely considered one of the most beautiful and iconic destinations in all of Japan. But if you are wondering whether to stay in the island or not, we will give you some tips to help you decide.

Should I Stay in Miyajima?

Miyajima Island is one of the most popular and recommended day trips from Hiroshima, but it is not strictly just a day trip—you can definitely choose to stay overnight to enhance your experience.

Miyajima is easily accessible from Hiroshima (about an hour by train and ferry) and can be explored thoroughly in one full day (6-8 hours on the island). While a day trip is sufficient for sightseeing, staying overnight offers a much more unique and peaceful experience.

Therefore, we highly recommend spending at least 1 night in Miyajima.

ALSO READ: WHERE AND WHAT TO EAT IN MIYAJIMA ISLAND

How Many Days in Miyajima

For most travelers, one full day is the ideal amount of time to spend on Miyajima Island. This allows you to comfortably visit all the main highlights without rushing.

For half-day, you can see the Floating Torii Gate (from the shore), walk through the Itsukushima Shrine, and quickly browse the Omotesandō shopping street.

For 1 full day, you can add a visit to Daishoin Temple and a trip up Mount Misen (either hiking or via the ropeway). This is the standard, satisfying visit.

For a night or two, you can add experiencing the island at night (seeing the illuminated shrine and gate), enjoying a traditional dinner at a ryokan (Japanese inn), and seeing the Torii Gate at both high and low tides.

ALSO READ: Hiroshima Yakiniku Guide: 6 Must-Try Spots for Mouthwatering Grilled Meat

How to Get to Miyajima

1. The Fastest & Cheapest Option (JR Pass Friendly)

This is the most common and efficient route if you are starting from Hiroshima Station or have a Japan Rail Pass.

Step 1: Train to Miyajimaguchi Station

Route: Take the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station.

Duration: Approximately 25–30 minutes.

Cost: ¥420 (covered by the Japan Rail Pass).

Step 2: Walk to the Ferry Pier

Walk: It's a short 2–5 minute walk from Miyajimaguchi Station to the ferry terminals.

Step 3: Ferry to Miyajima

Operators: You have two options:

• JR Miyajima Ferry: This ferry is covered by the Japan Rail Pass and also often takes a route that gives you a great view of the "floating" Torii Gate from the sea.

• Matsudai Ferry: A slightly different company, but the travel time is the same.

  
  

Duration: 10 minutes.

Cost: ¥200 (for non-JR Pass holders, excluding the mandatory ¥100 visitor tax).

Frequency: Ferries depart frequently (about every 15 minutes).

*Mandatory Visitor Tax: Visitors to Miyajima must pay an additional ¥100 tax, which is usually included in regular tickets or IC card fares. JR Pass holders must purchase a separate ¥100 ticket for this tax at the ferry terminal.

2. The Most Scenic & Direct Option

This route saves you a transfer and is convenient if you are visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park first.

Route: Take the Aqua Net Hiroshima direct boat from the Motoyasu Pier (right next to the Peace Memorial Park/A-Bomb Dome) directly to Miyajima Island.

Duration: Approximately 45 minutes.

Cost: Around ¥2,200 one-way.

JR Pass: Not covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

Good for: Convenience, as you avoid the train, and for the scenic views of the bay.

3. The Slowest, Budget-Friendly Option

This is a slower, more leisurely ride but is cheaper if you don't have a JR Pass and are traveling from central Hiroshima.

Route: Take the Hiroden Tram Line 2 (streetcar) from central Hiroshima (or Hiroshima Station) all the way to Hiroden-Miyajimaguchi Station.

Duration: Approximately 70 minutes.

Cost: Around ¥270 one-way.

JR Pass: Not covered.

Final Step: From the Hiroden-Miyajimaguchi Station, it's a short walk to the ferry pier to catch the 10-minute ferry ride as described in Option 1.

What to Do in Miyajima Island

See the "Floating" Torii Gate at Night

The gate and Itsukushima Shrine are beautifully illuminated after sunset, creating a magical view that day-trippers miss.

Experience the Island's Quiet Side

The island receives millions of visitors annually, but once the last ferry departs (around 10:00 PM), the streets become very quiet and serene. You'll get to see the deer wandering freely and have the main sights almost entirely to yourself in the evening and early morning.

Timing the Tides

An overnight stay increases your chances of seeing the iconic Torii Gate at both high tide (when it looks like it's floating) and low tide (when you can walk right up to the base).

See Wild Deers

The island is famous for its nearly tame wild deer, which roam freely. They are designated as sacred messengers of the gods and are quite comfortable around visitors, adding a unique charm to your walk around the island.

Try Local Cuisine

The island is a foodie destination known for:

Oysters: Hiroshima is Japan's largest oyster producer, and you can enjoy freshly grilled oysters sold on the main street.

Momiji Manju: This is Miyajima's signature dessert—a maple-leaf-shaped cake filled with ingredients like sweet red bean paste, cream cheese, or chocolate.

ALSO READ: 10 Must-Try Japanese Desserts in Hiroshima

If you are short on time, a day trip is perfect, and you will see the highlights. If you want a quieter, more atmospheric experience, Plan to stay one night on the island.

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