Ferry to Itsukushima: All Routes to Miyajima Island by Sea
Two Ferry Operators, One Destination
Getting to Miyajima Island (officially Itsukushima) means taking a ferry — there is no bridge. Two companies operate the 10-minute crossing from Miyajimaguchi on the Honshu mainland: JR West Miyajima Ferry (JR西日本宮島フェリー) and Matsudai Kisen (宮島松大汽船). Both depart from adjacent terminals at Miyajimaguchi Pier, and both take approximately 10 minutes to reach Miyajima.
The practical differences come down to route, pass coverage, and combo tickets. JR West's ferry offers a special route that passes close to the Great Torii Gate on select departures — a unique photo opportunity. Matsudai Kisen takes the fastest direct route and sells bundled tickets with the island's ropeway. For a broader look at Hiroshima ferry routes, see our hub guide.
Ferries depart approximately every 10-15 minutes from both operators, so you rarely need to plan around a specific departure time. The service runs year-round without seasonal closures.
JR West Miyajima Ferry: The Great Torii Route
The Great Torii Route Experience
The standout feature of the JR West ferry is the Great Torii Route (大鳥居コース). On select departures — typically during daytime hours — the ferry detours from the direct path to pass remarkably close to Itsukushima Shrine's iconic vermilion torii gate standing in the water. This route gives passengers a close-up view of the gate with the shrine buildings perfectly framed behind it.
For the best photographs, stand or sit on the right (starboard) side of the ferry as you approach the island. The Great Torii Route is included in the standard fare — there is no additional charge. Not all departures use this route, so if the torii view is important to you, check the JR Miyajima Ferry detailed guide for current schedule information.
The crossing on the Great Torii Route takes slightly longer than the direct route — still under 15 minutes. JR West also operates the earliest morning and latest night departures, giving you more flexibility if you plan to stay late on the island.
JR Pass Coverage
JR Pass holders ride the JR West Miyajima Ferry for free — simply show your pass at the gate. This makes the JR ferry the obvious choice if you are traveling with any JR Pass (nationwide, regional Sanyo-San'in, or Hiroshima-Yamaguchi). The mandatory ¥100 Miyajima Visitor Tax still applies even with a JR Pass.
For a detailed breakdown of how the JR Pass applies to Miyajima ferry travel and where the savings add up, see our JR Pass savings for Miyajima ferry guide.
Matsudai Kisen: Direct Route and Combo Tickets
Enjoy Ticket: Ferry Plus Ropeway Bundle
Matsudai Kisen's main advantage is the Enjoy Ticket (エンジョイチケット) — a combo package that bundles the round-trip ferry, Miyajima Visitor Tax, and round-trip ropeway access for ¥2,100 (~$14) for adults and ¥1,100 (~$7) for children. According to japan-stroll.com, this saves approximately ¥400 per adult compared to buying each ticket separately.
If you plan to ride the Miyajima Ropeway to Mount Misen for panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea, the Enjoy Ticket is the most cost-effective option. Purchase it at the Matsudai Kisen ticket counter at Miyajimaguchi before boarding.
Matsudai Kisen also offers a value ticket that includes the ferry, visitor tax, and a local sweets voucher for ¥600 — a modest add-on if you want to try Miyajima's famous momiji manju (maple leaf cakes).
The Aki Vessel and Onboard Amenities
Matsudai Kisen's newer vessel, the "Aki" (安芸), offers modern amenities including power outlets at the second-floor counter seating, AED emergency devices, and complimentary Wi-Fi (availability varies by vessel and time). Both floors have indoor and outdoor seating.
Matsudai Kisen prioritizes the fastest, most direct route across the strait. If getting to the island quickly is your priority and you do not have a JR Pass, Matsudai Kisen is a practical choice — especially with the Enjoy Ticket if you plan to ride the ropeway.
Fares, IC Cards, and the Visitor Tax
Fare Comparison Table
| JR West Ferry | Matsudai Kisen | |
|---|---|---|
| One-way fare | ¥200 (~$1.30) | ¥180-200 (~$1.20-1.30) |
| Round-trip fare | ¥400 (~$2.70) | ¥400 (~$2.70) |
| Miyajima Visitor Tax | ¥100 | ¥100 |
| Total round-trip | ¥500 (~$3.30) | ¥500 (~$3.30) |
| JR Pass coverage | Yes (free ride) | No |
| Great Torii Route | Select departures | No |
| Ropeway combo ticket | No | Yes (¥2,100 adult) |
| Crossing time | ~10 min (direct) / ~15 min (Torii Route) | ~10 min |
Both operators charge essentially the same fare. The decision comes down to: do you have a JR Pass (use JR), do you want the torii gate route (use JR on a Great Torii departure), or do you want the ropeway combo ticket (use Matsudai Kisen).
Payment Methods and IC Cards
Both operators accept all major transportation IC cards including ICOCA, Suica, PASMO, and other nationwide IC cards. Simply tap your card at the gate. Cash tickets are available from ticket machines and staffed counters at both terminals.
The ¥100 Miyajima Visitor Tax (宮島訪問税) is mandatory for all visitors and is included in round-trip ticket pricing. It is a conservation fee that supports maintenance of the island's temples and natural areas.
Getting to Miyajimaguchi Ferry Terminal
Both ferry terminals are located at Miyajimaguchi (宮島口), directly accessible from Miyajimaguchi Station on the JR Sanyo Line. From the station, the ferry terminals are a short walk — approximately 5 minutes.
| Route | Transport | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hiroshima Station → Miyajimaguchi | JR Sanyo Line | ~28 minutes | Covered by JR Pass |
| Hiroshima Peace Park → Miyajimaguchi | Hiroden streetcar | ~60 minutes | Scenic route through city |
| By car | Parking at Miyajimaguchi | — | Both operators offer vehicle ferry |
If arriving by car, both operators offer vehicle ferry services with separate boarding points near the main passenger terminals. Parking is available at Miyajimaguchi, though it can fill up during peak tourist periods.
Tips for Timing Your Crossing
- For the Great Torii Route: Check the JR West departure schedule for Great Torii Route sailings. These are select departures during daytime hours — not available on every sailing.
- For the best torii gate photos: Time your arrival to Miyajima around high tide, when the gate appears to float in the water. At low tide, you can walk to the gate on the exposed seabed — a different but equally worthwhile experience.
- Avoid the morning rush: Weekends and holidays see the heaviest traffic between 9:00-11:00 AM. Arriving earlier or later avoids the peak.
- Last ferry: JR West operates the latest departures. If you plan to stay for an evening event or dinner, confirm the last sailing time to avoid being stranded.
- Right side for photos: On the outbound crossing (Miyajimaguchi to Miyajima), the right/starboard side faces the torii gate and shrine. Position yourself there before departure for the best angle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ferry gives the best view of the Great Torii Gate?
The JR West Miyajima Ferry's Great Torii Route passes remarkably close to the gate on select daytime departures. Stand on the right (starboard) side for the best photos. Matsudai Kisen takes a direct route that does not pass as close to the gate — you can still see it, but from a greater distance.
Can I use my Suica or ICOCA card on the Miyajima ferries?
Yes. Both JR West and Matsudai Kisen accept all major IC cards including ICOCA, Suica, and PASMO. Simply tap your card at the gate. Cash tickets are also available at machines and counters at both terminals.
Is the JR ferry to Miyajima free with a JR Pass?
Yes. JR Pass holders ride the JR West Miyajima Ferry for free — show your pass at the gate. The ¥100 Miyajima Visitor Tax still applies. Matsudai Kisen is not covered by the JR Pass.
How often do ferries run to Miyajima?
Approximately every 10-15 minutes from both operators on weekdays, with more frequent service during peak hours. The crossing takes about 10 minutes. You rarely need to wait long or pre-plan your departure time.
What is the Miyajima Visitor Tax?
A mandatory ¥100 (~$0.70) per person conservation fee collected with your ferry ticket. It helps maintain the island's temples, shrines, and natural areas. The tax is included in round-trip ticket pricing from both operators.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which ferry gives the best view of the Great Torii Gate?
- The JR West Miyajima Ferry's Great Torii Route passes remarkably close to the gate on select daytime departures. Stand on the right (starboard) side for the best photos. Matsudai Kisen takes a direct route that does not pass as close to the gate — you can still see it, but from a greater distance.
- Can I use my Suica or ICOCA card on the Miyajima ferries?
- Yes. Both JR West and Matsudai Kisen accept all major IC cards including ICOCA, Suica, and PASMO. Simply tap your card at the gate. Cash tickets are also available at machines and counters at both terminals.
- Is the JR ferry to Miyajima free with a JR Pass?
- Yes. JR Pass holders ride the JR West Miyajima Ferry for free — show your pass at the gate. The ¥100 Miyajima Visitor Tax still applies. Matsudai Kisen is not covered by the JR Pass.
- How often do ferries run to Miyajima?
- Approximately every 10-15 minutes from both operators on weekdays, with more frequent service during peak hours. The crossing takes about 10 minutes. You rarely need to wait long or pre-plan your departure time.
- What is the Miyajima Visitor Tax?
- A mandatory ¥100 (~$0.70) per person conservation fee collected with your ferry ticket. It helps maintain the island's temples, shrines, and natural areas. The tax is included in round-trip ticket pricing from both operators.