Miyajima Highlights: Itsukushima Shrine & Island Nature

Hiroshima , Japan

Miyajima Highlights: Itsukushima Shrine & Island Nature

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(18 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Discover the spiritual heart of Miyajima Island on a fully private walking tour guided by a long-time Hiroshima resident with deep personal connections. This experience offers cultural depth and local insight beyond standard sightseeing.

Visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its floating torii gate. Learn about the island’s long-standing spiritual traditions, symbolism, and why Miyajima has been considered sacred for centuries.

Beyond the main landmarks, explore quieter areas of the island, natural scenery, and everyday local life. Your guide shares cultural context and stories that help you understand Miyajima not just as a destination, but as a living community.

As a private tour, the itinerary is flexible and can be adjusted to your interests and pace—whether you want to focus on history, photography, nature, or a more reflective visit.

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a deeper, more meaningful experience.

Available options

Discover Miyajima half-day private tour w/ local

Pickup included

What's included

Tour photo data

Entrance fee of Itsukushima shrine

Live Local Tour Guide

Meet up with guide in Hiroshima on foot

Advance customization consultation

Detailed itinerary

The tour departs from a hotel or train station in Hiroshima City; the order of the tour can be changed between Miyajima and Peace Park to see the Floating Torii Gate. We use public transportation. Travel time to Miyajima is 1 hour.

Stop 2

Visit a spiritual island "MIYAJIMA" that has been revered as the gods' island since ancient times. Deer, the messengers of the gods, welcome you!

The Floating Torii gate appears on the sea when the tide is high. At low tide, you can walk by it and be impressed by its size and beauty!

Stop 4

Itsukushima Shrine floats on the sea and is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This shrine, also a national treasure, changes its appearance with the ebb and flow of the tide. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the majestic Heian-period Japanese architecture. If you are lucky, you will be witness to a wedding ceremony or a dance dedicated to the gods!

Daisho-in Temple is a unique and rare temple. The oldest temple on Miyajima, it is located in the midst of rich nature and has many attractions. This temple was loved by Shogun Hideyoshi and many other influential people, and is a must-see!

Part of the Itsukusima shrine, UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in 16th century. Large halls and wall-less spaces are quiet and peaceful. Shogun Hideyoshi order to built.

Stroll Omotesando shopping street. Lined with food stores and souvenir stores selling Miyajima's specialty products such as oysters, conger eel rice bowl, and momiji manju (steamed buns). Momiji-manju hand-baking workshops are also available.

We will move toward Peace Memorial Park. Basically, we use a ferry, JR, or train. It takes about 1 hour. As an option, you can also take a direct boat (45 minutes) to Peace Memorial Park. Please check your email after booking for details.

What's not included

Any food or drink are not included

Basic (non-JR Pass users)

Optional: fast boats, direct boats or taxis (¥2300~¥8000/one way)

Tips

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

8 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

10 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Pick up on foot.

This is a walking tour. We basically use public transportation.

Transportation fee is not included, please pay by your own.

Please do not participate if you have cold symptoms

About Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a vibrant city known for its poignant history and remarkable resilience. It is the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture and serves as a powerful reminder of the atomic bombing during World War II, while also offering rich cultural experiences and natural beauty.

Top Attractions

Peace Memorial Park and Museum

A poignant and powerful site dedicated to the memory of the atomic bombing in 1945. The park and museum serve as a symbol of peace and a reminder of the horrors of war.

Historical 2-3 hours Free (Museum: ¥200)

Miyajima Island

A beautiful island known for its floating torii gate, scenic views, and historic temples. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination near Hiroshima.

Nature/Historical Full day Ferry: ¥360 (round trip), Shrine: ¥300

Shukkeien Garden

A beautiful traditional Japanese garden with ponds, bridges, and meticulously landscaped areas. It offers a peaceful retreat from the city bustle.

Nature 1-2 hours ¥260

Hiroshima Castle

A reconstructed castle that offers a glimpse into Hiroshima's feudal past. The castle houses a museum and provides panoramic views of the city.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours ¥370

Hiroshima Okonomimura

A multi-story building dedicated to Hiroshima's famous okonomiyaki (savory pancake). It houses several restaurants and offers a fun, interactive dining experience.

Food/Cultural 1-2 hours Budget to Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki

A layered savory pancake made with noodles, cabbage, and various toppings, typically cooked on a teppan (iron griddle).

Dinner Contains wheat, meat, and seafood. Vegetarian and vegan options may be available.

Hiroshima-style Oysters

Hiroshima is famous for its oysters, which are often grilled, fried, or served raw. They are typically harvested from the Seto Inland Sea.

Snack/Dinner Contains shellfish. Not suitable for those with seafood allergies.

Hiroshima-style Udon

Thick, chewy wheat noodles served in a hot broth, often with various toppings like tempura or beef.

Lunch/Dinner Contains wheat. Vegetarian and vegan options may be available.

Hiroshima-style Anago Meshi

Grilled saltwater eel served over rice, a local delicacy with a rich, savory flavor.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish. Not suitable for those with seafood allergies.

Popular Activities

Hiking on Miyajima Island Cycling around Hiroshima Kayaking in the Seto Inland Sea Visiting Shukkeien Garden Taking a leisurely streetcar ride Enjoying a traditional tea ceremony Visiting the Peace Memorial Park and Museum Exploring the Hiroshima Castle

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

Spring offers cherry blossoms and mild weather, while autumn provides comfortable temperatures and vibrant foliage. These are the best times to visit for pleasant weather and outdoor activities.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Hiroshima is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and pickpocketing or petty theft is uncommon. However, travelers should still exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of unlicensed taxis and always check that the taxi has a meter.
• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.
• Use reputable tour guides and services, and be wary of offers that seem too good to be true.

Getting there

By air

Hiroshima Airport • 50 km from city center

By train

Hiroshima Station

By bus

Hiroshima Bus Center

Getting around

Public transport

The streetcar system is the main form of public transport in Hiroshima, offering an affordable and convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Naka-ku Higashi-ku Nishi-ku Minami-ku Asaminami-ku

Day trips

Miyajima Island

10 km from Hiroshima • Full day

A beautiful island known for its floating torii gate, scenic views, and historic temples. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination near Hiroshima.

Onomichi

80 km from Hiroshima • Full day

A charming port city known for its historic temples, scenic views, and literary connections. Onomichi offers a mix of cultural attractions and natural beauty.

Iwakuni

50 km from Hiroshima • Full day

A historic city known for its stunning castle, beautiful gardens, and traditional samurai district. Iwakuni offers a mix of cultural attractions and scenic views.

Festivals

Hiroshima Flower Festival • May 3-5 Hiroshima International Animation Festival • August (varies by year) Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony • August 6

Pro tips

Get a Hiroshima Amazing Pass for unlimited rides on the streetcar, bus, and ferry to Miyajima Island, as well as entry to major attractions.
Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum early in the morning for a more serene and reflective experience.
Try cooking your own Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at Okonomimura for a fun and interactive dining experience.
Hike Mount Misen on Miyajima Island for stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea and the surrounding area.
Use IC cards like ICOCA for seamless payments on public transport and to save money on fares.