Traditional buildings

Machiya Street is a well known shopping street which is usually filled with tourists. The street is lined with many old, traditional Japanese buildings, which are fun to look at. The buildings have a very retro feeling to them, and the main and side shopping streets and many of the buildings were build in the Edo period architectural forms. It’s a very interesting town, where you can relax and explore the quiet area.

Aquarium entrance

Further in you can see the Miyajima Aquarium, which was renewed and reopened in August, 2011. The aquarium houses creatures from the Seto Sea as the main attraction, and its symbol is the finless porpoise.

Route to Misen mountain
Past the aquarium, is Misen Mountain, located in the central area of Miyajima, and the entrance to the largest route there.

The top of Misen Mountain is accessible by rope way, or it is possible to hike to the top. Hiking does take a long time, so please make sure you have enough time. Also, when hiking, it is necessary to wear hiking shoes and to take plenty of food and water with you.

Misen Mountain is 535 meters high, and from the top you can see the Seto Sea and Shikoku. In the past it was believed that this was the island on which god lived, and there are many forests that have been untouched by man.

By using the hiking path from Omoto Park, located near Miyajima Aquarium, the climb to the top takes about two hours. Due to it being the furthest route there were almost no climbers.

Climbing path

The path slowly becomes steeper, and becomes a bit difficult to navigate, so please be cautious.

Fall colors

View from above

After about an hour you can exit out of the trees of the mountain. From there you can look below and see the Itsukushima Shrine and the ocean in the distance.

The top

After exiting the trees, it is another 30 minutes to the top and from there you can reach the viewing platform.

From the viewing platform of you can see the Itsukushima Shrine and large torii right below you.

From the mountain top viewing platform you can head towards the ropeway station. It is possible to climb back down the mountain, but if you are tired it is recommended that you take the ropeway.

To reach the ropeway from the viewing platform you have to walk quite a distance, so please be careful and watch out for steep slopes. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the ropeway.

Location map

Ropeway

The ropeway is a fun, relaxing way to see the mountain from a different point of view as you return to the bottom.

A beautiful fall scene

In the autumn the tree leaves change colors and many parks in the area are famous for the brilliant colors that appear once a year.

Main street

Preparing oysters

Delicious oyster!

There are many shops located along the main street that sell souvenirs and serve food. Oysters are famous in Hiroshima, and highly recommended when you visit Miyajima.

High tide

The main hall appears to be floating in the water.

Visiting Itsukushima Shrine at high tide completely changes the scene and feeling of the area. The high water makes everything appear as if it is silently floating on top of the sea water.

The Itsukushima Shrine, it’s beautiful red color, and its architectural forms of the residential housing were strongly influenced by the Heian period about 1000 years ago. The shrines placement so it appears to float on the top of the ocean and the landscape of Misen Mountain in the background make this shrine truly beautiful.

Inside the main hall

Flooring of the main hall

The flooring of the main hall is unique because it the boards have small spaces between them. This was done because the shrine is built on top of water and water often comes up over the floorboards. During high tide, rain, and typhoons the space lets the water come in and out so the wood does not become eroded. The design is amazing!

View from afar

Torii against the dark sky

The contrast of the bright red torii and with that of the darkening sky is beautiful. The scene changes yet again as the sun sets and day turns into night.

Night falls

Torii at night

The main hall illuminates, creating a beautiful night scene made even more enchanting with a full moon.

When visiting Miyajima it is possible to explore and enjoy all of the activities the island has to offer in just half a day. But if you have time, it is highly recommended to until sunset so you can witness the beautiful changes that occur at the Itsukushima shrine as the sun sets and the tides rise.

Also, the deer that live in Miyajima will be waiting for you!