Home to Japan's most photographed image — a vermilion torii gate rising from the sea — Miyajima pairs a UNESCO World Heritage shrine with deer that roam freely among the temples, street-grilled oysters, and sweeping views from sacred Mt. Misen.
How you reach Miyajima depends on where your ship docks — most passengers transfer via ferry from the mainland.
💡 Pro move: Allow 45–75 min transit each way from Hiroshima piers. Confirm your ship's docking location before planning.
Cruise ships call at Hiroshima's mainland piers; only small/expedition vessels anchor off Miyajima itself.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Princess, Celebrity, MSC, Holland America, larger ships | Hiroshima Itsukaichi Wharf or Hiroshima Port (Ujina)📍 | Docked |
| Windstar, Ponant, Silversea, small/expedition ships | Hiroshima Bay anchor, tender to Miyajima Ferry Terminal📍 | Tendered |
Miyajima rewards independent explorers — the main sites are flat, walkable, and inexpensive — but organized ship excursions often combine Hiroshima Peace Memorial with the island.
Walk the covered corridors of the 12th-century UNESCO shrine built on stilts over the tidal inlet, then step out to photograph the Great Torii gate — floating at high tide, walkable at low tide. Entry ¥300.
Find Miyajima shrine tours →Take the two-stage ropeway up to the Mt. Misen Observatory for panoramic views across the Seto Inland Sea and dozens of islands. Fit hikers can push 30 min further to the sacred summit and its eternal flame.
Find Mt. Misen tours →One of Japan's most important Shingon Buddhist temples, set at the foot of Mt. Misen. Explore its cave of 88 icons, the 500 uniquely hat-wearing Rakan statues, and manicured gardens — all free to enter.
Find Miyajima cultural tours →Most ship excursions pair Miyajima with the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, one of the world's most moving sites. The A-Bomb Dome and Atomic Bomb Museum can be visited in 2-3 hours.
Find Hiroshima & Miyajima tours →Miyajima's main shopping street is a gauntlet of free samples and open-air grills. Load up on fresh-grilled oysters over charcoal, warm momiji manju cakes in every flavor, and deep-fried age-momiji on a stick.
Find Miyajima food tours →The island's historic core is entirely pedestrian — one flat coastal path links the ferry terminal, shopping street, shrine, and pagoda.
The classic Miyajima walk. Exit the ferry terminal, pass through the deer-filled town square, stroll Omotesando Shopping Street (stop for momiji manju), then follow the torii-lined coastal path to the shrine entrance. Continue to the Five-Story Pagoda and Senjokaku for an extra 5 min.
From the shrine, follow signs inland and uphill through quiet residential lanes to Daisho-in Temple. Pass through the spinning dharma wheel gate, explore the cave of 88 icons, and enjoy the panoramic view back over the torii gate and bay.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Itsukushima (Miyajima), Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 48°F / 9°C | 37°F / 3°C | 7 | 7:16 AM | 5:23 PM |
| Feb | 50°F / 10°C | 37°F / 3°C | 8 | 6:56 AM | 5:53 PM |
| Mar | 58°F / 14°C | 42°F / 6°C | 10 | 6:21 AM | 6:18 PM |
| Apr | 65°F / 18°C | 50°F / 10°C | 10 | 5:40 AM | 6:42 PM |
| May | 73°F / 23°C | 58°F / 14°C | 10 | 5:09 AM | 7:05 PM |
| Jun | 78°F / 26°C | 66°F / 19°C | 14 | 4:58 AM | 7:24 PM |
| Jul | 85°F / 29°C | 74°F / 23°C | 17 | 5:09 AM | 7:23 PM |
| Aug | 87°F / 31°C | 76°F / 24°C | 15 | 5:31 AM | 6:58 PM |
| Sep | 81°F / 27°C | 70°F / 21°C | 14 | 5:53 AM | 6:17 PM |
| Oct | 72°F / 22°C | 59°F / 15°C | 8 | 6:16 AM | 5:36 PM |
| Nov | 62°F / 17°C | 50°F / 10°C | 8 | 6:43 AM | 5:06 PM |
| Dec | 51°F / 11°C | 40°F / 4°C | 7 | 7:09 AM | 5:01 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
The only way to reach Miyajima Island is by ferry from Miyajimaguchi pier. The JR ferry takes ~10 minutes and is covered by the Japan Rail Pass; the Matsudai Kisen ferry runs the same route at the same price.
High-speed sightseeing boats depart from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (45 min, ¥2,200) and Hiroshima Port (30 min, ¥2,100) directly to Miyajima Pier, skipping the city transit step.
Nearly all attractions on Miyajima — Itsukushima Shrine, Omotesando shopping street, Daisho-in Temple — are within a 10–20 minute walk of the ferry terminal. Walking is the primary way to get around.
The Miyajima Ropeway ascends toward the summit of Mt. Misen in two stages; a short hike from the upper station reaches the peak. Views of the Seto Inland Sea are exceptional on clear days.
Cruise ships dock at Ujina Wharf (taxi to Hiroshima city ¥2,400–¥3,000) or Itsukaichi Wharf (taxi to Hiroshima Station ¥4,500–¥5,500, or port shuttle to JR station + ¥200 train). From the mainland, take JR train to Miyajimaguchi for the island ferry.
Upcoming cruises that call at Itsukushima (Miyajima), Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.