JR Ferry to Miyajima with Rail Pass: Tips, Savings & How It Works
Does the Japan Rail Pass Cover the Miyajima Ferry
Yes — the Japan Rail Pass covers the JR West Miyajima Ferry (JR西日本宮島フェリー) for both directions between Miyajimaguchi (宮島口) and Miyajima Island. If you are holding a nationwide Japan Rail Pass, you can board the JR ferry without purchasing a separate ticket. Simply show your pass at the staffed gate.
This applies to the nationwide JR Pass as well as regional JR West passes. According to JRailPass, pass holders ride the JR ferry at no additional ferry cost. The standard adult fare is ¥180 (~$1.20) one-way or ¥360 (~$2.40) round-trip — a small saving on its own, but it adds up when you consider the JR Pass already covers your train from Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi.
One cost the JR Pass does not cover: the Miyajima visitor tax (入島税) of ¥100 per person, collected at turnstiles when you arrive on the island. This is a separate fee from the ferry fare. For a broader look at all Hiroshima ferry options, see our hub guide.
JR Ferry vs Matsudai Kisen: Cost and Route Comparison
Two ferry companies operate between Miyajimaguchi and Miyajima: the JR West Miyajima Ferry and Matsudai Kisen (松大汽船). Both depart from adjacent terminals at Miyajimaguchi, and both take approximately 10 minutes to cross. The key differences come down to pricing, pass acceptance, and routing. For the full JR Miyajima ferry schedule and guide, see our dedicated article. For all ferry access options to Itsukushima, see our access overview.
Fare Comparison Table
| JR West Miyajima Ferry | Matsudai Kisen | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult one-way | ¥180 (~$1.20) | ¥200 (~$1.30) |
| Adult round-trip | ¥360 (~$2.40) | ¥400 (~$2.60) |
| Child one-way | ¥90 (~$0.60) | Check with operator |
| JR Pass accepted | Yes | No |
| Great Torii Route | Yes (9:10-16:10) | No |
| IC card (ICOCA, Suica) | Yes | Yes |
Fares sourced from the official JR West Miyajima Ferry fare page and Japan Stroll.
Which Ferry Should JR Pass Holders Choose
If you have a JR Pass, the JR ferry is the clear choice. You ride free, and you get the Great Torii Route — a scenic detour that passes close to the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. Matsudai Kisen does not accept JR Passes and does not offer the torii gate route.
The only scenario where Matsudai Kisen might make sense for JR Pass holders is if the next JR departure is more than 15 minutes away and a Matsudai boat is leaving immediately. Even then, the ¥200 fare is modest. In most cases, wait for the JR ferry.
How to Board the JR Ferry With Your Rail Pass
The boarding process for JR Pass holders at Miyajimaguchi terminal is straightforward, but there is one common mistake to avoid.
Step-by-step:
- Walk from JR Miyajimaguchi Station to the ferry terminal — approximately 2 minutes on foot
- Look for the JR West Miyajima Ferry gate (the terminal building has clear signage in English and Japanese)
- Go to the staffed gate and show your JR Pass to the attendant
- Board the ferry — no ticket, no reservation, no tap required
Do not use the automatic ticket gates. According to TripAdvisor reviews, a common mistake is attempting to use the automatic gates with a JR Pass. These gates require a purchased ticket or IC card — your JR Pass will not work on them. Always head to the staffed window.
On the return from Miyajima, the process is the same: show your JR Pass at the staffed gate on the Miyajima side.
Ferries depart approximately every 15 minutes throughout the day. According to the official JR timetable, departures from Miyajimaguchi run from 6:25 to 22:42, and from Miyajima from 5:45 to 22:14. No reservation is needed.
The Great Torii Route: Scenic Detour Past the Floating Gate
The JR ferry's signature feature is the Great Torii Route (グレートトリイルート) — a special routing that takes the ferry close to the great torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社大鳥居). This is a floating vermillion gate standing in the water off the shrine's shore, and one of the most photographed structures in Japan.
According to japan-guide.com, the Great Torii Route operates on Miyajimaguchi-to-Miyajima departures between 9:10 and 16:10. Outside these hours, the JR ferry takes the direct route across the strait.
For the best photo opportunity:
- Position yourself on the right side of the ferry (starboard) when departing Miyajimaguchi
- The torii gate appears on the right as the ferry curves past the shrine
- Morning light is generally better for photography — the gate faces roughly south
The Matsudai Kisen ferry does not take this route, so if you want the close-up torii view from the water, the JR ferry between 9:10 and 16:10 is your only option.
Getting to Miyajimaguchi Terminal
Miyajimaguchi Station (宮島口駅) on the JR Sanyo Main Line is the access point for both ferry terminals. The ferry terminal is approximately 2 minutes on foot from the station.
From Hiroshima Station: Take the JR Sanyo Main Line to Miyajimaguchi. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes on a rapid service train. This ride is covered by the JR Pass.
From Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park area: You can take the Hiroden streetcar (Route 2) to Hiroden-Miyajimaguchi Station, but this takes approximately 60-70 minutes and is not covered by the JR Pass. The JR train is faster and free with your pass.
Driving: Parking is available near Miyajimaguchi, at approximately ¥500 (~$3.30) per day. Some lots offer ferry passenger discounts.
For JR Pass holders, the most efficient route is always the JR train from Hiroshima Station. The total journey from central Hiroshima to Miyajima Island — train plus ferry — takes under 40 minutes door-to-door.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the Japan Rail Pass cover the JR ferry to Miyajima?
- Yes. The nationwide Japan Rail Pass and regional JR West passes cover the JR West Miyajima Ferry for both the outbound and return crossings. Show your pass at the staffed gate at the terminal — no separate ticket purchase is needed. The ¥100 visitor tax at Miyajima Island is paid separately and is not covered by any rail pass.
- What is the difference between the JR ferry and Matsudai Kisen ferry?
- The JR ferry costs ¥180 (~$1.20) one-way and is free with a JR Pass. It also offers the Great Torii Route, passing close to Itsukushima Shrine's floating torii gate on departures between 9:10 and 16:10. Matsudai Kisen costs ¥200 (~$1.30) one-way, does not accept JR Passes, and takes the direct route only. Both crossings take about 10 minutes.
- How do I board the JR ferry with my Rail Pass?
- Walk to the JR West Miyajima Ferry terminal at Miyajimaguchi — about 2 minutes from the JR station. Show your JR Pass at the staffed gate. Do not use the automatic ticket gates, as they require a purchased ticket or IC card. No reservation is needed, and ferries run approximately every 15 minutes.
- Do I need to pay anything extra with a JR Pass?
- Yes. The Miyajima visitor tax (入島税) of ¥100 per person is collected at turnstiles when you arrive on the island. This fee applies to all visitors regardless of how they arrive, and is not covered by any rail pass or ferry ticket.
- When does the Great Torii Route run?
- The JR ferry takes the Great Torii Route — passing close to the floating torii gate — on Miyajimaguchi-to-Miyajima departures between 9:10 and 16:10. Outside these hours, the ferry takes the standard direct route. Matsudai Kisen ferries do not offer this route at any time.