A sacred Japanese island known for its floating red torii gate and 12th-century Shinto shrine. Wild deer roam freely among ancient temples and maple forests.
Itsukushima Island, or Miyajima, lies in the Seto Inland Sea near Hiroshima. You can watch the tide rise around the 16-meter vermillion torii gate, climb Mount Misen's stone steps to spot wild monkeys, or taste freshly grilled oysters at the waterfront markets. The island's 2,000 Sika deer roam freely between centuries-old temples and maple-filled valleys.
The Floating Shrine and Torii Gate
The 16-meter tall vermillion torii gate stands in the sea about 200 meters from shore, marking the entrance to Itsukushima Shrine. At high tide, seawater surrounds the shrine's wooden pillars and flows beneath its covered boardwalks. The complex includes a prayer hall, main hall, and a Noh theater stage where performers still present masked dance-dramas during festivals. During low tide, you can walk across the sand to examine the torii gate's massive pillars, which maintain their position through weight alone.
Hiking Mount Misen
Three trails lead to Mount Misen's 535-meter summit. The Daisho-in route takes you past stone Buddhist statues and through maple forests, with a 1.5-hour climb to the top. From the summit, you'll see the islands of the Seto Inland Sea dotting the water to the horizon. If you prefer a shorter hike, take the Miyajima Ropeway and walk the remaining 30 minutes to the peak.
Local Food and Markets
Along Omotesando Street, you'll find food stalls and bakeries preparing local dishes. Vendors grill fresh oysters throughout the year, and several shops make momiji manju - maple leaf-shaped cakes filled with sweet bean paste or custard. You can stop to watch bakers press and cook these cakes through the shop windows.
Deer and Wildlife
Around 2,000 Sika deer live on Miyajima, descendants of animals long associated with the island's Shinto shrines. The deer walk through the streets and temple grounds, often coming close to visitors. To protect their natural behavior, the island prohibits feeding them.
Getting to Miyajima
Ferries connect Miyajimaguchi pier to Miyajima Island every 15 minutes, with a 10-minute crossing time. To reach Miyajimaguchi, take the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station - the trip takes 30 minutes. You can also choose a direct ferry from Hiroshima Peace Park to the island, which takes one hour and passes by the city's coastal areas.
