For all Japan lovers, here's what to do in Miyajima in one day: unforgettable atmosphere, breathtaking views and relaxation in a Ryokan surrounded by greenery.
Miyajima it is a sacred island that is located in front of Hiroshima, it is easily reached and for this reason many integrate it into the day tour. But we decided to enjoy it to the fullest and to spend the night there too.
How to get to Miyajima
From JR Hiroshima station take the Sanyo line and in 25 minutes you will arrive at Miyajimaguchi station. From there, a 5 minute walk and you are at the port.
With 10 minutes of navigation (first ferry at 5:00 and the last at 22:42.), Admiring Hiroshima from the sea, you arrive at the port of Miyajima.
Japan's most famous Torii
You are greeted by the most famous Torii in Japan, symbol of Miyajima, present on the cover of every self-respecting guide.
The Torii is built in vermilion red varnished camphor wood. The main pillars are about 17 meters high and have a circumference of 10.
Although it appears firmly planted in the ground, it only stands by its own weight on the sand.
The torii is located in the sea, 200 meters from the sanctuary and, at low tide, it can be accessed on foot to admire hundreds of cards containing prayers set among the cracks in the wood.
What to do in Miyajima
The island itself is the main attraction, a jewel.
You are greeted at the port by curious and hungry deer (pay attention to the map: they are crazy, if you have maps sticking out of your pockets, get ready for theft), you will find deer everywhere that walk freely and snuggle up to sleep, often in pairs.
In addition to the unique beauty of the island, here's what to see in Miyajima:
Itsukushima Shrine
The complex consists of the main sanctuary and several secondary sanctuaries connected to each other by bridges and corridors. Each side of the complex stretches out to sea and, at high tide, the building appears to float on water.
Daishō-in Temple
Buddhist temple located at the foot of Mount Misen, the sacred mountain. It also deserves to be visited for the splendid view over Miyajima.
Mount Misen
530 meters high, it can be reached on foot or by cable car, then continuing on foot to reach the top.
Shishiwa Observatory
From here you can enjoy a wonderful view and on the mountain there is the Daishō-in Buddhist Temple which allows you to enjoy an excellent view of the island.
The weather is uncertain and it starts to rain heavily, we walk along the only "commercial" street in the town, near the port. It seems to be immersed in a cartoon: given the bad weather and the fall of the evening all the tourists have returned to Hiroshima and the commercial activities have closed.
Tips for sleeping in Miyajima
We head towards the Ryokan we booked: Iwaso. Superb Ryokan surrounded by greenery, with Onsen (which I can also access with tattoos) directly overlooking the thick vegetation and with staff who welcomes us with a smile.
After a lavish dinner served directly in the room, they prepare the tatami for us and, it will have been the busy day, it will have been the onsen with hot water or it will be the conciliatory sound of the rain, but I only know that that night was one of the most restful of the my life.
Thank you little jewel island, hope to see you again!
