Miyajimaguchi Station: Ferry Terminal Guide for Miyajima Island

Miyajimaguchi Station: Your Gateway to Miyajima Island

Miyajimaguchi Station (宮島口駅) is where your journey to Miyajima Island begins on the mainland side. It is a small JR station on the Sanyo Line, about 27 minutes west of Hiroshima Station by train. The station itself is unremarkable — its only purpose for most travelers is connecting to the ferry terminal for the 10-minute crossing to Miyajima.

Despite how simple the transfer sounds, first-time visitors occasionally get confused. There are two stations near each other (JR and Hiroden streetcar), two ferry operators at the terminal, and a visitor tax that catches JR Pass holders off guard. This guide walks you through the connection so you spend your time on Miyajima, not figuring out the ferry pier. For broader Hiroshima transit information, see our Hiroshima station hub guide.

Station to Ferry Terminal: The 3-Minute Walk

The walk from JR Miyajimaguchi Station to the Miyajimaguchi Passenger Terminal (宮島口旅客ターミナル) takes about 3 minutes. According to the JR Miyajima Ferry official site, you exit the JR station ticket gates and walk straight through an underpass that leads directly to the ferry terminal building. There are no turns — just follow the signs.

The terminal building houses ticket counters for both ferry operators, vending machines, restrooms, and a small waiting area. If you are using a JR Pass, you do not need to buy a regular ticket — head to the JR ferry gate and show your pass. You will still need to purchase a separate ¥100 (~$0.70) Miyajima visitor tax ticket at the terminal. This tax has been collected since October 2023 for island preservation.

Once on the Miyajima side, see our guide to getting around from the Miyajima ferry terminal.

JR Ferry vs Matsudai Ferry: Which One to Take

JR West Miyajima Ferry (JR Pass Covered)

The JR West Miyajima Ferry (JR西日本宮島フェリー) is the ferry most travelers should take if they hold a JR Pass, since the crossing is free with any valid JR Pass. Without a JR Pass, the one-way adult fare is ¥200 (~$1.30) plus the ¥100 visitor tax.

According to the JR Miyajima Ferry site, ferries depart approximately every 15 minutes. The first ferry from Miyajimaguchi leaves at 6:25, and the last at 22:42. The crossing takes about 10 minutes. IC cards (Suica, ICOCA, etc.) are accepted.

A bonus for the JR ferry: between approximately 9:10 and 16:10, some JR ferries take a route that passes closer to Itsukushima Shrine's floating torii gate, giving you a better photo opportunity from the deck. This route is weather and tide dependent.

Miyajima Matsudai Kisen (Private Operator)

Miyajima Matsudai Kisen (宮島松大汽船) runs the same route on a similar schedule. The fare is identical — ¥200 one-way for adults plus the ¥100 visitor tax. The difference: the Matsudai ferry is not covered by the JR Pass.

If you do not have a JR Pass, either ferry is fine — they run at similar frequencies and take the same time. In practice, most travelers just take whichever ferry is departing next.

Getting to Miyajimaguchi from Hiroshima

JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station

The fastest and simplest option. Take the JR Sanyo Line (bound for Iwakuni) from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station. The journey takes approximately 27 minutes and costs ¥420 (~$2.80). JR Pass holders ride free.

Trains run frequently throughout the day. No reservation is needed — just find the correct platform at Hiroshima Station and board any westbound Sanyo Line train stopping at Miyajimaguchi.

Hiroden Streetcar Option

The Hiroden streetcar also connects Hiroshima city to the Miyajimaguchi area, but it is slower (over an hour) and arrives at the Hiroden Miyajimaguchi tram stop, which is a separate location from the JR station. The streetcar can be useful if you are starting from a different part of Hiroshima that is closer to a Hiroden stop. For full details on the streetcar route, see our Hiroden streetcar to Miyajimaguchi guide.

If you have a JR Pass, always take the JR train — it is faster, free with your pass, and connects directly to the ferry terminal via the underpass.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Connection

• JR Pass holders: remember the ¥100 visitor tax. Your JR Pass covers the JR ferry crossing, but the Miyajima visitor tax (宮島訪問税) is separate. Buy the tax ticket at the terminal before boarding.
• Use the underpass. When you exit JR Miyajimaguchi Station, go straight through the underpass. Do not walk around the station or look for the ferry on the street level — the underpass is the direct route.
• IC cards work on both ferries. Tap your Suica, ICOCA, or other IC card at the gate. The fare and tax are deducted automatically.
• No reservation needed. Both ferry operators run a walk-on service. Show up, buy a ticket (or show your JR Pass), and board the next departure.
• Return ferries run late. The last JR ferry from Miyajima back to Miyajimaguchi departs at 22:14. You have plenty of time for dinner on the island.
• Two stations, one area. Do not confuse JR Miyajimaguchi Station with the Hiroden Miyajimaguchi tram stop. They are close to each other but the JR station has the direct underpass to the ferry terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the JR Pass cover the ferry to Miyajima?

Yes. The JR Pass covers the JR West Miyajima Ferry, making the crossing free. You still need to pay the ¥100 (~$0.70) Miyajima visitor tax separately — buy the tax ticket at the terminal. The competing Matsudai ferry is not covered by the JR Pass.

How long is the walk from Miyajimaguchi Station to the ferry terminal?

About 3 minutes. Exit the JR station ticket gates and walk straight through the underpass to the Miyajimaguchi Passenger Terminal. The route is signed and requires no turns.

How much does the ferry to Miyajima cost?

One-way adult fare is ¥200 (~$1.30) on either the JR or Matsudai ferry, plus a ¥100 (~$0.70) Miyajima visitor tax (collected since October 2023). Total: ¥300 (~$2) per adult each way. Free with JR Pass on the JR ferry, though the ¥100 tax still applies.

How often do ferries run from Miyajimaguchi?

Approximately every 15 minutes from both operators. The first JR ferry from Miyajimaguchi departs at 6:25, the last at 22:42. The crossing takes about 10 minutes. You rarely wait more than a few minutes.

Should I take the JR train or Hiroden streetcar to Miyajimaguchi?

The JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station is faster at about 27 minutes and costs ¥420 (~$2.80) — free with JR Pass. The Hiroden streetcar takes over an hour but may be convenient if your hotel is near a Hiroden stop in central Hiroshima. JR Pass holders should always use the JR train.