Descripción General
Itsukushima Shrine has been a place of worship for many centuries; its current layout dates largely to the 12th-century patronage of Taira no Kiyomori. The shrine and the forested slopes of Mt Misen behind it were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
The island is lively by day and calm in the evening, when the day-trippers leave and the torii is illuminated. Staying overnight in a ryokan is a memorable splurge. Since October 2023 visitors to the island pay a small Miyajima visitor tax (currently ¥100 per person per visit, collected with ferry fares or via ticket machines; check for changes).
Qué Ver y Hacer
- Itsukushima Shrine: Corridors and halls built on piles over the tidal flats. Small admission fee.
- Great Torii (Ōtorii): At high tide it appears to float; at low tide you can walk out to its base. Check tide tables before your visit to see both.
- Mt Misen: The island's sacred peak (535 m). Take the Miyajima Ropeway most of the way, then walk 20–30 minutes to the summit, or hike up one of three trails (about 1.5–2 hours).
- Daishō-in: An atmospheric Shingon temple with hundreds of small statues, prayer wheels and a lantern-lit cave.
- Senjōkaku & five-storey pagoda: A large unfinished hall commissioned by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, next to a red pagoda overlooking the town.
- Evening light-up & boat cruises: The torii and shrine are illuminated after dark; small boats offer evening cruises close to the gate.
Gastronomía y Platos Típicos
- Oysters: Hiroshima Bay oysters grilled, fried or in rice — best in the cooler months.
- Anago-meshi: Grilled conger eel over rice, a specialty of the Miyajima area.
- Momiji manju: Maple-leaf-shaped cakes filled with bean paste, custard or chocolate; also deep-fried versions.
Cómo Llegar y Transporte
Take the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi (around 25–30 minutes), or the slower Hiroden streetcar line 2. Then take a ferry (about 10 minutes). Two companies run ferries; the JR ferry is covered by the JR Pass and some departures pass closer to the torii.
High-speed boats also run direct from Hiroshima's Peace Park area (Aqua Net Hiroshima) — a scenic option that pairs neatly with the Peace Memorial Museum.
The town area is walkable. A free shuttle bus runs from near the shrine toward the ropeway station. Mt Misen requires good shoes.
Dónde Alojarse
- Económico: Stay in Hiroshima city or Miyajimaguchi on the mainland, where there are guesthouses and hostels.
- Gama media: Small hotels and ryokan on the island, many with dinner included.
- Lujo y Ryokan: Traditional ryokan near the shrine with kaiseki dinners and some torii-view rooms.