How to Get to Miyajima from Hiroshima, Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto
Miyajima, also called Itsukushima, is an island in Hiroshima Prefecture reached by train plus a short ferry ride. This guide covers routes from the big cities, compares train, bus and rental car, and explains how passes fit in.
早わかり
- The standard route is the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi, roughly half an hour, then a ferry of about 10 minutes.
- From Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto, take the shinkansen to Hiroshima first, then continue by local train and ferry.
- A rental car is not needed because the island is not set up for cars; check fares, ferry timetables and pass coverage with the operators before you go.
Miyajima is the name most visitors use for Itsukushima, an island in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, home to Itsukushima Shrine and its famous torii gate that appears to float on the water. The island sits in Hiroshima Bay and has no rail or road bridge, so you always cross by boat. The good news is that the route is simple: a mainline train followed by a short ferry hop. Most people use Hiroshima city as a base and visit the island as a half-day or full-day trip.
The fastest routeの概要
- 1Board JR at Hiroshima StationTake a JR Sanyo Line train heading toward Iwakuni and get off at Miyajimaguchi, roughly 25 to 30 minutes. Check the destination sign, as some trains do not run that far.
- 2Walk to the ferry terminalThe terminals are very close to the station and well signed. Two companies operate the crossing, the JR West ferry and Matsudai Kisen, and the trip takes about 10 minutes.
- 3Land and walk to the shrineFrom the island pier it is roughly a ten to fifteen minute walk to Itsukushima Shrine, past shop streets and deer wandering freely.
From Tokyo
Tokyo to Hiroshima by shinkansen takes roughly four hours, so a same-day round trip is not sensible. Plan at least one night in Hiroshima and visit Miyajima on another day. You can also fly from a Tokyo airport to Hiroshima Airport, but that airport is a fair distance from the city and needs a bus of roughly an hour to Hiroshima Station. Once you add airport access and check-in time, flying is not always faster than the train, so compare using the fares and flight times on your own dates.
From Osaka and Kyoto
From Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima on the Sanyo shinkansen takes roughly an hour and a half, and from Kyoto roughly two hours, so a day trip is possible if you start early and keep the plan light. After Hiroshima you take the JR Sanyo Line and the ferry as in the main route. Leave a safety margin on the return, because the last ferry and the last shinkansen have limits, and if you want to see the torii at dusk or after dark, staying in Hiroshima or on the island is more relaxed.
From the airport and nearby cities
From Hiroshima Airport, take the bus into Hiroshima Station and then follow the main rail route. From Okayama or Fukuoka the shinkansen reaches Hiroshima in a fairly short time. If you are staying in Iwakuni or a town west of Hiroshima, you can ride the JR Sanyo Line straight to Miyajimaguchi without going through Hiroshima Station. In some seasons there are also sightseeing boats from central Hiroshima to the island, so check whether one operates on your dates.
Train vs bus vs rental car
| 選択肢 | Route in short | 最適な用途 | 注意点 |
|---|---|---|---|
| JR Sanyo Line | Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi, then ferry | Most travellers; fast and direct | Check the train's destination |
| Hiroden streetcar | Runs from central Hiroshima to Miyajima-guchi | Stays near a tram stop and no rush | Noticeably slower than JR |
| Rental car | Drive to a car park near the pier, then take the ferry | Continuing on to other places in the region | Taking a car onto the island is impractical; car parks fill up on holidays |
In short, the train is the answer for almost everyone. Long-distance buses into Hiroshima exist but are not faster than the shinkansen, and a rental car only pays off if you are heading on to places outside the big cities, and even then you leave it on the mainland side.
Passes and tickets
Passes that cover the shinkansen and local JR trains usually work on the Sanyo Line, and the JR West ferry has traditionally been among the services such passes cover, whereas Matsudai Kisen boats and the Hiroden streetcar are usually not included. Pass conditions, prices and the types sold to visitors change often, so do not decide from an old article, and a pass that you use for only a couple of days may not pay off. Add up the tickets you will actually use and compare. A rechargeable IC card works on trains and city trams, but check whether the ferry accepts it.
Luggage and booking
- The ferry normally needs no advance booking, but arrive well before the last return sailing and check the final departure of the day.
- Leave large bags in coin lockers at Hiroshima or Miyajimaguchi station, since the island has walks and lanes that are awkward for suitcases.
- If you plan to stay on the island, book early and ask about luggage handling from the pier, because rooms on the island are limited.
- Check the tide table when planning: at high tide the torii looks afloat, while at low tide you can walk out close to it.
The trip involves changing from the shinkansen to a local train and then a boat, so having data helps you check ferry and train times and the tide on the spot. An eSIM installed in advance makes it easy to open maps and train apps right at the station.
よくある質問
よくある質問
How long does it take to reach Miyajima from Hiroshima?+
Roughly half an hour by train plus about 10 minutes by ferry; with walking and waiting it is usually a little over an hour, depending on connections.
Can I visit Miyajima from Tokyo in one day?+
Not recommended, since the shinkansen to Hiroshima takes a long time. Stay at least one night in Hiroshima.
Does a JR pass cover the ferry to Miyajima?+
The JR West ferry has been covered by such passes, while other companies' boats usually are not. Conditions can change, so check the JR West site before buying.
Do I need a rental car for Miyajima?+
Not necessary. Train and ferry are easier and the island is walkable. If you already have a rental car, leave it on the mainland near the pier.
Is it better to visit Miyajima at high or low tide?+
It depends on what you want to see. High tide gives the floating look, low tide lets you walk up to the gate. Check the tide table for your date and plan around it.
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