Miyajima Island from Hiroshima: Ferry, Access & Day Trip Guide
Getting to Miyajima: Three Ferry Options Compared
Miyajima Island (宮島, formally Itsukushima) sits in the Seto Inland Sea about 40 minutes from Hiroshima Station by train and ferry combined. The island's Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社) and its floating torii gate are a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Japan's most photographed landmarks.
Three ferry services connect the mainland to Miyajima. The key difference for most travelers: only one is covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
For other island destinations from Hiroshima, see our Hiroshima island guide.
| Ferry | Route | Time | Fare | JR Pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JR Miyajima Ferry | Miyajimaguchi → Miyajima | 10 min | ¥200 (~$1.30) one-way | Covered |
| Matsudai Kisen | Miyajimaguchi → Miyajima | 10 min | ¥200 (~$1.30) one-way | Not covered |
| Aqua-Net Direct | Hiroshima Peace Park → Miyajima | 45 min | ¥2,200 (~$15) one-way | Not covered |
JR Miyajima Ferry
According to the JR West Miyajima Ferry site, ferries depart every 15 minutes from Miyajimaguchi, with the first departure at 6:25 and the last return from Miyajima at 22:45 (times vary by season). The 10-minute crossing costs ¥200 (~$1.30) one-way and is free with a valid JR Pass. No reservation needed — just line up and board.
Matsudai Kisen Ferry
According to the Matsudai Kisen site, this private operator runs from the same Miyajimaguchi port every 30 minutes, with the first departure at 6:40 and last return from Miyajima at 20:50. The fare is the same ¥200 (~$1.30) one-way, but it is not covered by the JR Pass. Matsudai's last return ferry is earlier than JR's, so JR is the safer option for evening visits.
Aqua-Net Direct Ferry from Peace Park
According to the Aqua-Net Hiroshima site, this direct ferry runs from Motoyasu Pier near the Peace Memorial Park to Miyajima in 45 minutes. The fare is ¥2,200 (~$15) one-way for adults and ¥1,100 (~$7) for children. Departures run from 8:40 to 16:00, with fewer sailings in winter. Online reservation is recommended.
The Aqua-Net ferry is convenient if you are already at the Peace Park and want a scenic river-to-sea route without backtracking to Hiroshima Station. But at 11 times the price of the Miyajimaguchi ferries, it is a premium option.
JR Pass and the Miyajima Ferry: What Is Covered
The JR Pass covers both legs of the standard route:
- JR Sanyo Line train: Hiroshima Station → Miyajimaguchi Station (25-30 minutes)
- JR Miyajima Ferry: Miyajimaguchi → Miyajima (10 minutes)
Both are free with a valid JR Pass — you do not need to buy any separate tickets. The total journey from Hiroshima Station to stepping off the ferry on Miyajima takes about 40 minutes.
The JR Pass does not cover:
- Matsudai Kisen ferry
- Aqua-Net direct ferry from Peace Park
- Hiroden (tram) from Hiroshima city center to Miyajimaguchi
If you do not have a JR Pass, the total cost from Hiroshima Station via JR is ¥420 (~$3) for the train plus ¥200 (~$1.30) for the ferry — ¥620 (~$4) each way.
Route from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi
The fastest route is the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station. Trains run frequently throughout the day (roughly every 15-20 minutes) and the journey takes 25-30 minutes.
At Miyajimaguchi Station, follow the signs to the ferry terminal — it is a 5-minute walk straight ahead from the station exit. The JR ferry and Matsudai ferry terminals are next to each other.
An alternative is the Hiroden tram (広島電鉄) from central Hiroshima, which runs from Hiroshima Station or Peace Park area to Hiroden-Miyajimaguchi Station. The tram takes 45-60 minutes and costs ¥300 (~$2), but is not covered by the JR Pass. It is scenic but significantly slower.
Direct Ferry from Hiroshima Peace Park
If you are spending the morning at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, the Aqua-Net direct ferry saves you the trip back to Hiroshima Station. The pier (Motoyasu Pier) is a 5-minute walk from the A-Bomb Dome.
The 45-minute river-to-sea journey passes through central Hiroshima before entering the Seto Inland Sea. It is a scenic ride, though at ¥2,200 (~$15) one-way it costs significantly more than the JR route.
Departures run from 8:40 to 16:00 with roughly 6-8 sailings per day. Winter schedules have fewer departures. Online reservation through the Aqua-Net site is recommended, especially on weekends.
A practical approach many travelers use: take the Aqua-Net ferry to Miyajima from Peace Park, then return via the JR ferry to Miyajimaguchi and JR train back to Hiroshima Station. This combines the scenic outbound route with the cheaper (or JR Pass-covered) return.
On-Island Orientation: Walking Distances and Timing
Miyajima is a walking island — no cars are allowed beyond the residential areas, and you will not need any transport beyond the ferry and optional ropeway.
Ferry Terminal to Itsukushima Shrine
From the ferry terminal, it is about a 10-minute walk along the waterfront to Itsukushima Shrine. The path passes through Miyajima's main shopping street (Omotesando), lined with souvenir shops, momiji manju (maple leaf cake) bakeries, and restaurants. Deer roam freely along this stretch — keep bags closed, as they are known to investigate (and steal) food and paper items.
The floating torii gate is visible from the approach and stands offshore from the shrine. At high tide, the gate appears to float on the water. At low tide, you can walk across the sand to its base. Check the daily tide chart posted at the ferry terminal to time your visit — the visual difference is dramatic.
Shrine to Miyajima Ropeway and Mt. Misen
According to the Miyajima Tourism Association, the walk from Itsukushima Shrine to the Miyajima Ropeway base station is approximately 1.5 km (about 20-30 minutes on foot through a forested path).
The Miyajima Ropeway operates 8:30-17:00 (last ascent 16:20) and costs ¥2,000 (~$13) round-trip for adults. It is closed December 30-January 3 and during occasional maintenance periods. From the upper station, a 30-minute hike leads to the summit of Mt. Misen (弥山, 535m) for panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Allow 4-6 hours on the island for a comfortable visit covering the shrine, shopping street, and ropeway.
Day Trip vs Overnight Stay
A day trip from Hiroshima is how most visitors experience Miyajima, and 4-6 hours is enough to see the main sights — the shrine, the torii gate, the shopping street, and the ropeway if you choose.
An overnight stay is worth considering if you want to:
- See the illuminated torii gate at night (lit until approximately 23:00)
- Experience the island at dawn before day-trippers arrive — the atmosphere shifts completely when the crowds leave
- Take a more relaxed pace through the island's quieter trails and smaller shrines
The last JR ferry from Miyajima departs around 22:45, and the last Matsudai ferry around 20:50, so evening visits are possible without staying overnight — but you would miss the empty-island dawn experience.
For another island day trip from Hiroshima, consider Okunoshima rabbit island, a very different experience involving hundreds of wild rabbits and WWII history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the JR Pass cover the ferry to Miyajima?
Yes, but only the JR Miyajima Ferry from Miyajimaguchi. The JR Pass also covers the JR Sanyo Line train from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi (25-30 minutes). It does not cover Matsudai Kisen, Aqua-Net direct ferry, or the Hiroden tram. With a JR Pass, the entire round trip from Hiroshima to Miyajima costs nothing extra.
How long does a Miyajima day trip take from Hiroshima?
Allow 4-6 hours on the island for the shrine, shopping street, and ropeway, plus about 40 minutes travel each way from Hiroshima Station. A comfortable day trip takes 6-8 hours total. Most visitors leave Hiroshima by mid-morning and return by late afternoon.
How much does the ferry to Miyajima cost?
The JR and Matsudai ferries from Miyajimaguchi are both ¥200 (~$1.30) one-way — ¥400 round trip. The Aqua-Net direct ferry from Peace Park is ¥2,200 (~$15) one-way. The JR ferry is free with a valid JR Pass.
When is the best time to see the floating torii gate?
At high tide, the gate appears to float on the water — this is the classic photograph. At low tide, you can walk across the sand to the base of the gate, which is a different but equally memorable experience. Check daily tide charts posted at the ferry terminal. For photography, early morning and late afternoon light with fewer crowds gives the best results.
Should I stay overnight on Miyajima?
A day trip is sufficient for most visitors. An overnight stay is worthwhile if you want to see the illuminated torii gate at night and experience the island at dawn before day-trippers arrive. The atmosphere changes dramatically after the last ferries leave. Budget-conscious travelers can easily see everything in a day trip from Hiroshima.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the JR Pass cover the ferry to Miyajima?
- Yes, but only the JR Miyajima Ferry from Miyajimaguchi. The JR Pass also covers the JR Sanyo Line train from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi (25-30 minutes). It does not cover Matsudai Kisen, Aqua-Net direct ferry, or the Hiroden tram. With a JR Pass, the entire round trip from Hiroshima to Miyajima costs nothing extra.
- How long does a Miyajima day trip take from Hiroshima?
- Allow 4-6 hours on the island for the shrine, shopping street, and ropeway, plus about 40 minutes travel each way from Hiroshima Station. A comfortable day trip takes 6-8 hours total. Most visitors leave Hiroshima by mid-morning and return by late afternoon.
- How much does the ferry to Miyajima cost?
- The JR and Matsudai ferries from Miyajimaguchi are both ¥200 (~$1.30) one-way — ¥400 round trip. The Aqua-Net direct ferry from Peace Park is ¥2,200 (~$15) one-way. The JR ferry is free with a valid JR Pass.
- When is the best time to see the floating torii gate?
- At high tide, the gate appears to float on the water — this is the classic photograph. At low tide, you can walk across the sand to the base of the gate, which is a different but equally memorable experience. Check daily tide charts posted at the ferry terminal. For photography, early morning and late afternoon light with fewer crowds gives the best results.
- Should I stay overnight on Miyajima?
- A day trip is sufficient for most visitors. An overnight stay is worthwhile if you want to see the illuminated torii gate at night and experience the island at dawn before day-trippers arrive. The atmosphere changes dramatically after the last ferries leave. Budget-conscious travelers can easily see everything in a day trip from Hiroshima.