Miyajima One Day Course for Itsukushima Shrine and Mount Misen

This royal road course explores the World Heritage island of Miyajima, famous for the great torii that seems to float on the sea, in a single day. The ferry from Miyajimaguchi takes only ten minutes, and you can enjoy both Itsukushima Shrine, whose look changes with the tide, and the nature of Mount Misen reached by ropeway. Snacking along the approach is one of the pleasures.

Course Route

9:00 Board the ferry at Miyajimaguchi Take the train from the city to Miyajimaguchi. The ferry takes about ten minutes and around 200 yen one way for adults to Miyajima pier. A separate visitor tax of 100 yen per person also applies, usually collected together with the ferry fare. 9:20 Stroll the Omotesando shopping street Walk from the pier along the shore and the shops, enjoying the scent of momiji manju and grilled oysters on the way to the shrine. Oysters start from a few hundred yen each and are popular for snacking. 10:00 Visit Itsukushima Shrine The offering for entering the halls is 300 yen for adults, 200 yen for high school students and 100 yen for elementary and junior high students. It opens from 6:30, closing between 17:00 and 18:00 depending on the season. At high tide the halls appear to float, while at low tide you can walk all the way to the base of the great torii. 11:30 Head to the ropeway station Pass through Momijidani Park to the ropeway station. A free shuttle bus also runs from the park to the station. The colored valley is a sight in itself. 12:00 Climb Mount Misen The Miyajima Ropeway is about 2000 yen round trip for adults. From Shishiiwa station it is a few minutes walk to the Shishiiwa observatory, where the many islands of the Seto Inland Sea spread out. The 535 meter summit is about a thirty minute walk from the station, worth the effort if you have the energy. 14:00 Lunch after coming down Return to the foot of the mountain for a late lunch of the local anagomeshi or oyster dishes. Anagomeshi is around 2000 yen as a guide. 15:30 Take your time at the great torii View the great torii up close in line with the tide. At low tide you can walk across the sand to reach it. 17:00 Ferry back to Miyajimaguchi Cross the evening sea back to the mainland to close the course.

Highlights

The greatest appeal of Itsukushima Shrine is how the scene transforms with the tide. Mount Misen is covered in primeval forest and the view from the observatory is superb. Snacking along the approach and meeting the wild deer that wander freely are also unique to Miyajima.

Access and Tips

Two companies, one in the JR group and Miyajima Matsudai Kisen, run the ferry, and both take about ten minutes. If you want to see the great torii up close, check a tide table in advance for high and low water times to plan your day.

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: As its name suggests, Momijidani Park is superb with autumn leaves in mid to late November. Spring cherry blossoms are also popular. For a day trip, crossing early in the morning lets you cover the main spots before the crowds.
• Tide timing: The floating halls appear at high tide, while walking to the base of the great torii is possible only at low tide, so the two scenes are opposite. Check a tide table if you want both in one day.
• Time needed: About 30 minutes to an hour at Itsukushima Shrine, about two hours for the ropeway and observatory round trip, and another hour or so if you walk to the summit.
• Avoiding crowds: The ropeway has waits on weekends and in the autumn leaf season. Moving early in the morning is recommended.
• Budget guide: Ferry, visitor tax, shrine offering, ropeway round trip and lunch come to roughly 5000 to 7000 yen per person.

A Quick Tip

Mount Misen has sections you walk, so comfortable shoes are recommended. There are many wild deer, so take care not to carry paper bags or food loosely open. The ropeway may stop in strong wind, so checking the days operation status is reassuring.