JR Miyajima Ferry: Schedule, JR Pass Coverage & Boarding Guide
JR Miyajima Ferry: What You Need to Know
The JR Miyajima Ferry (JR西日本宮島フェリー) is the most popular way to reach Miyajima Island from the mainland, and for good reason — it is covered by the Japan Rail Pass. The ferry runs from Miyajimaguchi (宮島口) pier to Miyajima Island, a crossing that takes approximately 10 minutes across the Seto Inland Sea.
Two ferry companies operate from adjacent piers at Miyajimaguchi: the JR West Miyajima Ferry and the privately operated Matsudai Kisen. Both charge the same fare and take the same amount of time, but only the JR ferry accepts the Japan Rail Pass. For most international visitors, this makes the JR ferry the obvious choice.
What sets the JR ferry apart beyond pass coverage is the Great Torii route (大鳥居航路) — a special daytime sailing path that swings closer to Itsukushima Shrine's iconic floating torii gate. This route operates at no extra charge, making it one of the best free photo opportunities in all of Hiroshima. For a complete overview of Hiroshima ferry options, see our hub guide.
Schedule, Fares, and the Great Torii Route
Standard Schedule: First and Last Ferry Times
According to the JR Miyajima Ferry official timetable, the ferry operates year-round with the following schedule:
| Direction | First Ferry | Last Ferry | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miyajimaguchi → Miyajima | ~6:25 | ~22:42 | Every 15 min (peak), 20-30 min (off-peak) |
| Miyajima → Miyajimaguchi | ~5:45 | ~22:14 | Every 15 min (peak), 20-30 min (off-peak) |
The early morning ferry from Miyajima (5:45) serves overnight guests on the island heading back to the mainland. Service frequency is highest during daytime hours with departures roughly every 15 minutes. After evening, the interval widens and the last ferry from Miyajima leaves around 22:14 — plan your return accordingly.
During peak periods like Golden Week and Obon, additional services may run. On New Year's Eve, the ferry operates through the night with reduced frequency (approximately 2 sailings per hour between 3:00 and 5:00) for visitors attending the midnight shrine visit.
The Great Torii Route: Closer to the Floating Gate
Between 9:10 and 16:10, JR ferries departing Miyajimaguchi take the Great Torii route — a detour that passes closest to the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社). This is unique to the JR ferry; Matsudai ferries take the direct route at all times.
There is no extra charge for this route. The ferry swings north after leaving the pier, passing within clear view of the vermilion gate rising from the water. On clear days, this is the single best vantage point for photographing the torii with the shrine buildings behind it. Position yourself on the right side (starboard) of the ferry for the best angle.
Outside the 9:10-16:10 window, JR ferries take the same direct route as Matsudai.
JR Pass Coverage: How It Works on the Ferry
The JR West Miyajima Ferry is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass — all types, including the standard nationwide pass and regional JR West passes. You do not need to buy a ticket or reserve a seat. Simply show your JR Pass at the gate and walk on board.
This is significant because the JR Pass already covers the train from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station, making the entire Hiroshima-to-Miyajima journey effectively free for pass holders. For a detailed breakdown of the savings, see our guide to JR Pass savings tips for Miyajima.
Without a JR Pass, the one-way fare is ¥200 (~$1.30) for adults and ¥100 (~$0.65) for children. There is no round-trip discount — you pay ¥200 each way. Payment options include:
- Cash — at the ticket counter or machines
- IC transport cards — ICOCA, Suica, Pasmo, and other nationwide IC cards work for tap-and-go boarding
- JR Pass — show at the gate, no ticket needed
| Ticket Type | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| One-way | ¥200 (~$1.30) | ¥100 (~$0.65) |
| Round trip | ¥400 (~$2.60) | ¥200 (~$1.30) |
| JR Pass holders | Free | Free |
JR Ferry vs Matsudai Ferry: Which Pier to Board
How to Identify the JR Pier
Both ferry companies operate from the same Miyajimaguchi terminal building, but from separate piers. The JR ferry pier is on the left side as you face the water, marked with a large JR sign. Matsudai Kisen operates from the right side. The distinction matters if you have a JR Pass — board the wrong ferry and you will pay ¥200.
Many visitors on TripAdvisor note the potential confusion, especially during busy periods when crowds funnel toward whichever ferry is loading next. Look for the JR logo on the pier signage and the ferry hull.
When Matsudai Makes More Sense
If you do not have a JR Pass, both ferries cost the same ¥200 and take the same 10 minutes. In this case, simply board whichever is departing next — the schedule alternates, so you rarely wait more than a few minutes. The only advantage of specifically choosing JR without a pass is the Great Torii route between 9:10 and 16:10.
For a comprehensive comparison of all ferry routes to Itsukushima, including high-speed options from Hiroshima Peace Park, see our detailed access guide.
Boarding at Miyajimaguchi: Step-by-Step
The boarding process is straightforward:
Arrive at Miyajimaguchi Station — JR Miyajimaguchi Station (JR宮島口駅) on the JR Sanyo Line is the nearest station. The ferry terminal is a 2-minute walk from the station exit.
Enter the terminal — Follow signs to the JR ferry pier (left side). JR Pass holders go directly to the gate; others buy tickets at the counter or use IC cards at the tap reader.
Board the ferry — Ferries are large enough that there is no assigned seating. Open-air observation decks on the upper level offer the best views. For the Great Torii route (9:10-16:10), position yourself on the right side of the vessel.
Crossing time — Approximately 10 minutes. The ferry docks at Miyajima Pier on the island's northeast shore, a short walk from the Itsukushima Shrine approach.
Return trip — Same process in reverse. Last ferry from Miyajima is around 22:14 — set an alarm if you are exploring the island in the evening.
The terminal has restrooms, a small waiting area, and vending machines. There is no need to arrive early — the frequency means you simply catch the next departure.
Getting to Miyajimaguchi from Hiroshima
From Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station. The ride takes approximately 25 minutes on the rapid service and costs ¥410 (~$2.70) one-way — covered by JR Pass. Trains run frequently throughout the day.
The Hiroden streetcar (tram) also connects Hiroshima city center to Miyajimaguchi, but takes approximately 60-70 minutes and is not covered by JR Pass. The streetcar is a scenic option if you are not in a rush and want to see the city along the way, but the JR train is faster and more practical for most visitors.
If driving, parking is available near the Miyajimaguchi ferry terminal at approximately ¥500 (~$3.30) per day, though this may vary by lot. Arrive early on weekends and holidays as lots fill up.
| Route | Time | Cost | JR Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| JR Sanyo Line (Hiroshima → Miyajimaguchi) | ~25 min | ¥410 (~$2.70) | Covered |
| Hiroden streetcar | ~60-70 min | ¥280 (~$1.85) | Not covered |
| JR Ferry (Miyajimaguchi → Miyajima) | ~10 min | ¥200 (~$1.30) | Covered |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Japan Rail Pass cover the JR Miyajima Ferry?
Yes. All Japan Rail Pass types — including the nationwide pass and JR West regional passes — cover the JR Miyajima Ferry. Show your pass at the gate and board without buying a ticket. The competing Matsudai Kisen ferry is not covered by any JR Pass.
How much does the JR Miyajima Ferry cost without a JR Pass?
The one-way fare is ¥200 (~$1.30) for adults and ¥100 (~$0.65) for children. There is no round-trip discount. IC transport cards including ICOCA, Suica, and Pasmo are accepted for tap-and-go boarding at the gate.
What is the Great Torii route and is it worth waiting for?
Between 9:10 and 16:10, JR ferries take a special route that passes closest to Itsukushima Shrine's floating torii gate — the best photo opportunity from the water. There is no extra charge. Outside these hours, the ferry takes the direct route. If you are arriving during the daytime, the JR ferry with its torii approach is worth choosing over Matsudai.
How do I tell the JR ferry apart from the other company?
Two ferry companies operate from adjacent piers at Miyajimaguchi terminal. The JR ferry pier is on the left side with a large JR sign; Matsudai Kisen is on the right. Both charge ¥200 one-way, but only the JR ferry is covered by the Japan Rail Pass and offers the Great Torii approach route.
What time is the last ferry back from Miyajima?
The last JR ferry from Miyajima departs around 22:14. Service frequency drops in the evening, so check the schedule if you plan to stay for dinner on the island. On New Year's Eve, ferries run through the night with reduced frequency for shrine visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the Japan Rail Pass cover the JR Miyajima Ferry?
- Yes. All Japan Rail Pass types — including the nationwide pass and JR West regional passes — cover the JR Miyajima Ferry. Show your pass at the gate and board without buying a ticket. The competing Matsudai Kisen ferry is not covered by any JR Pass.
- How much does the JR Miyajima Ferry cost without a JR Pass?
- The one-way fare is ¥200 (~$1.30) for adults and ¥100 (~$0.65) for children. There is no round-trip discount. IC transport cards including ICOCA, Suica, and Pasmo are accepted for tap-and-go boarding at the gate.
- What is the Great Torii route and is it worth waiting for?
- Between 9:10 and 16:10, JR ferries take a special route that passes closest to Itsukushima Shrine's floating torii gate — the best photo opportunity from the water. There is no extra charge. Outside these hours, the ferry takes the direct route. If you are arriving during the daytime, the JR ferry with its torii approach is worth choosing over Matsudai.
- How do I tell the JR ferry apart from the other company?
- Two ferry companies operate from adjacent piers at Miyajimaguchi terminal. The JR ferry pier is on the left side with a large JR sign; Matsudai Kisen is on the right. Both charge ¥200 one-way, but only the JR ferry is covered by the Japan Rail Pass and offers the Great Torii approach route.
- What time is the last ferry back from Miyajima?
- The last JR ferry from Miyajima departs around 22:14. Service frequency drops in the evening, so check the schedule if you plan to stay for dinner on the island. On New Year's Eve, ferries run through the night with reduced frequency for shrine visitors.