Hiroshima's Islands: Miyajima, Okunoshima & Where to Stay

Why Hiroshima's Islands Are Worth the Ferry Ride

Hiroshima's mainland draws millions for the Peace Memorial, but two islands accessible by short ferry rides from the city offer completely different experiences. Miyajima island Japan's most photographed shrine site floats its vermillion torii gate in the Seto Inland Sea, while Okunoshima — better known as Rabbit Island — pairs hundreds of free-roaming rabbits with a sobering WWII chemical weapons history.

These are not remote destinations. Miyajima is just 35 minutes from Hiroshima Station by train and ferry combined. Okunoshima takes about 75 minutes. Both can be visited as day trips, though Miyajima rewards an overnight stay with illuminated shrine views and quiet mornings before the crowds arrive.

This guide compares both islands to help you decide which to visit, whether to stay overnight, and how to fit island time into your Hiroshima itinerary.

Miyajima vs Okunoshima: Quick Comparison

	Miyajima (宮島)	Okunoshima (大久野島)
Best for	Shrine, scenery, hiking, food	Wildlife, WWII history, unique experience
Time needed	Half day to overnight	2-3 hours
Access from Hiroshima	35 min (JR + ferry)	75 min (JR + ferry)
Ferry cost	¥180-210 (~$1.20-1.40) one way	¥310 (~$2) one way
Main sight	Itsukushima Shrine & floating torii	Rabbits + Poison Gas Museum
Accommodation	Ryokan, hotels (¥10,000-50,000+)	Basic hotel, campground
Best season	Year-round; Nov foliage peak	Summer camping; winter rabbit viewing
JR Pass	Covers train + JR ferry	Covers train only

If you have time for only one island, Miyajima is the essential choice — it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and consistently ranks among Japan's top three scenic views. Okunoshima adds a unique half-day experience for travelers with an extra day in the region.

Miyajima: Floating Torii, Mt. Misen, and Where to Stay

Itsukushima Shrine and the Torii Gate at High Tide

Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社) is a UNESCO World Heritage site built on stilts over the tidal flats. According to the Miyajima Tourism Association, the shrine is open from 6:30 to 18:00 (hours vary by season), with admission at ¥300 (~$2) for adults and ¥150 (~$1) for children.

The floating torii gate — the iconic vermillion gate standing in the water — changes dramatically with the tides. At high tide, the gate appears to float on the sea surface, creating the classic photograph. At low tide, you can walk across the exposed sand to its base. Tide times vary daily; check a tide chart app (満潮.jp recommended) or the display at the ferry terminal to time your visit.

The 10-minute walk from the ferry terminal to the shrine passes through Omotesando shopping street, lined with momiji manju (もみじ饅頭, maple leaf-shaped steamed buns) bakeries and souvenir shops. Deer roam freely throughout this area — they are considered sacred messengers but will investigate bags and paper items, so keep belongings secure.

Hiking Mt. Misen and the Ropeway

Mt. Misen (弥山) is Miyajima's highest peak and offers panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and surrounding islands. According to the Miyajima Ropeway site, the ropeway operates 9:00-16:30 (last descent 17:00), with round-trip tickets at ¥2,000 (~$13) for adults. The ropeway may close for maintenance in winter months (December-February).

From the upper ropeway station, a 30-minute hike leads to the summit. The trails pass through ancient forest with panoramic viewpoints along the way. Allow 2-3 hours for the ropeway and summit hike combined.

Where to Stay on Miyajima: Ryokan vs Hotels

Miyajima has both traditional ryokan (旅館) and modern hotels. Ryokan offer the full traditional experience — tatami rooms, futon bedding, onsen baths, and kaiseki (懐石料理) multi-course dinners featuring local seafood and seasonal ingredients. Prices for ryokan typically range from ¥20,000-50,000 (~$133-333) per person per night with meals. Prices shown are estimates from 2025 data; check current rates as availability and pricing vary significantly by season.

Budget hotels and guesthouses on the island start from approximately ¥10,000 (~$67) per night. The main advantage of staying on Miyajima — regardless of accommodation type — is experiencing the island after the day-trippers leave. The illuminated torii gate at night and the quiet morning atmosphere before the first ferries arrive are experiences that day visitors miss entirely.

November (autumn foliage season) and summer holidays are peak booking periods. Reserve well in advance for these dates.

Okunoshima: Rabbit Island and Wartime History

Okunoshima (大久野島) is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea known for two things that seem impossible to reconcile: hundreds of friendly, free-roaming rabbits and the ruins of a secret WWII poison gas manufacturing facility.

The Rabbits and How to Visit Responsibly

The rabbits are the main draw for most visitors. They approach humans readily, especially those carrying food. Rabbit food is available at the visitor center on the island — bring some, as the rabbits are used to being fed by visitors.

Visit responsibly: do not release pet rabbits on the island, do not chase or pick up the rabbits, and do not feed them human food. The rabbits are feral, not domestic pets. For a comprehensive guide to visiting, see our Okunoshima rabbit island guide.

Poison Gas Museum and WWII Ruins

According to the Poison Gas Museum, the facility is open 9:00-16:00, closed Mondays, the day after public holidays, and during year-end/New Year. Admission is free. The museum documents Okunoshima's role as a chemical weapons production site during WWII, when the island was erased from official maps.

Ruined factory buildings and storage bunkers are scattered across the island and can be explored on foot. The contrast between the dark history and the peaceful, rabbit-filled present creates a uniquely thought-provoking atmosphere. The entire island is walkable in 2-3 hours.

Accommodation on Okunoshima is limited: one public hotel (approximately ¥10,000-20,000 (~$67-133) per night, reservation required) and a campground (¥1,000 (~$7) per site) according to the Takehara City Okunoshima page. Summer camping is popular but requires advance booking.

Day Trip or Overnight: How to Decide

Miyajima as a day trip works if your schedule is tight. The ferry terminal to shrine walk takes 10 minutes, and you can cover the shrine, shopping street, and ropeway in 4-6 hours. But you will miss the illuminated shrine at night and the quiet morning atmosphere.

Miyajima overnight is the recommended option if your budget and schedule allow. The island transforms after the last day-trippers leave — fewer crowds, quieter deer encounters, and the illuminated torii gate reflected in the water. Ryokan with kaiseki dinner make the evening a destination in itself.

Okunoshima is best as a half-day trip. The island is small enough to walk in 2-3 hours, and accommodation options are limited. Most visitors combine it with a Miyajima trip on a separate day.

Both islands in one day is technically possible with an early start, but the 3+ hours of travel between them (Miyajimaguchi to Tadanoumi requires backtracking through Hiroshima) makes it rushed. If your Hiroshima time is limited to 2 days, dedicate one full day to Miyajima and a half-day to Okunoshima.

Getting to Hiroshima's Islands

Hiroshima to Miyajima by Train and Ferry

The standard route is JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station (approximately 25 minutes), then a 10-minute ferry crossing to Miyajima. The JR Miyajima Ferry from Miyajimaguchi costs ¥180-210 (~$1.20-1.40) one way and is covered by the JR Pass.

For complete ferry options including the direct Peace Park ferry, JR Pass coverage details, and on-island walking routes, see our Miyajima ferry and day trip logistics guide.

Hiroshima to Okunoshima by Train and Ferry

Take the JR Kure Line from Hiroshima Station to Tadanoumi Station (approximately 1 hour). From Tadanoumi Port — a short walk from the station — ferries to Okunoshima depart regularly and take about 15 minutes. The ferry costs ¥310 (~$2) one way and is not covered by the JR Pass.

The JR train to Tadanoumi is covered by the JR Pass. Total journey time from Hiroshima Station to Okunoshima is approximately 75 minutes including the ferry.

Frequently Asked Questions