Hiroshima, Japan: Miyajima

I HIGHLY recommend visiting Miyajima if you're anywhere near it. Miyajima is an island just off the coast of Hiroshima and it's beautiful.It is, in fact, one of the top three scenic spots in all of Japan - the other two being the islands of Matsushima and the sandbar of Amanohasidate.

Miyajima has a wonderful, old-fashioned, historical, mystical feel to it.The day I visited it rained all day long, but the fog created by the rain hung over the mountains and dipped into the valleys and created a world that I had really only ever seen in my head. There is a lot to do on Miyajima and I recommend a full day at least.

To get to the island take the JR line to the Miyajimaguchi Station. From there it's a short walk to the pier to catch the ferry. If you have the JR Rail Pass make sure you take the JR ferry, so you don't have to pay. It's a quick 10 minute ferry ride. You can also catch boats from Hiroshima Peace Park and Hiroshima Port, but you'll have to pay for these whether you have a pass or not.


When you get to the island find a map so you can plan out your route. You'll most likely start with the Itsukushima Shrine and its floating torri gate. You should also be able to get a great view of the gate as your boat nears the island. While the gate doesn't actually float, during high tide it appears that way, and nothing holds it down other than its own weight.

Tour the Shrine buildings and boardwalks, and catch some great views of the torri gate. Check the tide charts to make sure you're around to see it during high tide.At low tide it looks like it's just sitting in mud. By this point you've probably noticed the deer all over the island. They are wild, but extremely calm and tame. They aren't bothered in the least by people and will often stand in front of stores and along sidewalks. Don't feed them, but if one comes up to you feel free to pet it. It'll let you. It might even start chewing on your clothes or bags, so be careful.

Continue along the map route to Daisho-in Temple. It's truly amazing. It sits at the base of Mount Misen and is one of the most important temples in Shingon Buddhism. You'll find many different buildings, and even more statues. Along stairways you'll find small pillars inscribed with scripture. Legend says spinning these or touching them as you walk along provides wisdom and luck.

Hakkaku Manpuku Hall

500 Rakan

At Daisho-in Temple

Along the left side of the main path you'll find the stairways lined with the 500 Rakan Statues, each one with a unique face. The path to walk up the stairs is a little obscured, but search around the side of one of the buildings lining the path and you'll find it. Also along the left is the Hakkaku Manpuku Hall - enshrining the Seven Deities of Good Fortune. A complete list of buildings and meaningful statues can be found here.

The main street of Miyajima and some of the streets off of that one have great dining and shopping. Along one of the shopping streets look for world's largest rice paddle - a symbol seen in many Miyajima souvenirs. If you have time for a hike, take the trail up Mt. Misen where more shrines and temples have been preserved. Take the Ropeway for a great view of the primeval forest, or visit the island's aquarium. There is a plethora of things to do during your visit to Miyajima. A great site of all you can do is this one, here, the official Miyajima site.