Located in the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea lies the island of Miyajima, one of Japan's three most scenic views. It is a location most known for the iconic "floating" Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a structure of unparalleled beauty.
As Miyajima is located further out in western Japan than visitors usually travel, many end up missing out on this treasure of Hiroshima Prefecture. Thus, in order to share such a breathtaking place with as many people as possible, we have designed a variety of tours to Miyajima which can appeal to all kinds of travelers.
Getting to Miyajima with Snow Monkey Resorts
With Snow Monkey Resorts, you can reach Miyajima starting from the easily accessible Hiroshima Station. This station is one of the major transportation hubs in western Japan and the first place those arriving to Hiroshima via the Shinkansen will see. Currently, all of our tours to the island of Miyajima start and end at this station.
From Hiroshima
As Miyajima is located within Hiroshima Prefecture, the city of Hiroshima is undoubtedly the most convenient gateway to the island. Additionally, those who are starting their journey from Hiroshima will not be limited to only visiting Miyajima and will have more time to explore other locations in the prefecture and its surrounding area.
1-Day Miyajima Tour: One of Japan’s Most Scenic Spots / All Year Round
Located only a short ferry ride away from the mainland, Itsukushima, popularly known as Miyajima, is a breathtaking island which has long been regarded as one of the three most scenic spots of Japan. This is a must-see destination for those visiting Hiroshima for the first time and is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience for those who decided to spend a day on the island.
While Miyajima is best known for its "floating" O-torii gate and shrine, it is also home to many other breathtaking sites. This 1-day tour will allow guests to thoroughly explore the island and all that it has to offer. Apart from visiting Itsukushima Shrine, your guide will also take you to places such as the Daisho-in temple, a prestigious Buddhist temple located by the foot of the mountain, and Senjokaku Pavilion, a building which provides a stunning view of the island. Additionally, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a Ropeway ride to the top of Mt. Misen, where they will find themselves captivated by the extraordinary view of the Seto Inland Sea.
You can find out more information about this tour by clicking on "View Details" above. Alternatively, you can also click "Book Now" if you are ready to enjoy one of Japan's most mesmerizing sites!
1 Day Walking Tour in Hiroshima & Miyajima / All Year Round
Operating all year round, this Hiroshima & Miyajima tour is designed so that those visiting Hiroshima for just one day are able to explore the prefecture's most famous and iconic locations. Starting within the city, guests will be able to tour important cultural spots such as the Shukkei-en garden and Hiroshima Castle. You will of course also be making a stop at Peace Memorial Park, where you will have the opportunity to learn about the impact that the atomic bomb had on Hiroshima and how the city was able to recover thereafter. The park is full of monuments dedicated to those who lost their lives due to the bombing, and it is also the place where one can find the emblematic Atomic Bomb Dome. Additionally, guests will be able to tour the Peace Memorial Museum, which displays the artifacts and stories of the bombing victims.
A visit to Hiroshima is of course not complete without a stop by Miyajima, a scenic island located not too far from the city. Miyajima is most well-known for its iconic "floating" O-torii gate and shrine; however, the island still has a lot more to offer. With plenty of delicious delicacies to sample, deer roaming around freely, a fantastic scenery, and many other shrines and temples to visit, Miyajima is without a doubt one of the most scenic locations in all of Japan, and a must-see for those visiting Hiroshima for the first time.
You can find out more information about this tour by clicking the "View Details" button above. Or, if you've already made up your mind and are interested in joining us, click the "Book Now" button and get ready to enjoy the best that Hiroshima has to offer!
1-Day Miyajima & Iwakuni Tour: Exploring the Most Iconic Japanese Landscapes / All Year Round
Japan is overflowing with iconic locations and landscapes to visit, and without a doubt Kintaikyo Bridge and Miyajima's "floating" shrine are among them. While located in different prefectures, these two famous structures are just a short ferry and train ride away from each other and can be easily visited within one day.
Starting from Hiroshima, guests will first visit Iwakuni, a city to the west of Hiroshima and located within Yamaguchi prefecture. Here, you will be able to marvel at the famous Kintaikyo Bridge, one of the three most famous bridges in Japan. Guests will also be able to enjoy Iwakuni's other charms, such as Kikko Park and Iwakuni Castle.
From here, you will head back into Hiroshima prefecture and arrive at Miyajima, a breathtaking island which has long been regarded as one of Japan's three most scenic spots. Within this island lies Itsukushima Shrine, known by most as the "floating" shrine. Its vermillion colored O-torii gate is without a doubt one of Japan's most emblematic landmarks. In Miyajima, you will explore different temples and enjoy the beautiful scenery along with the wild deer roaming the island.
This tour will give you the opportunity to visit two of Japan's most scenic locations in a single day. Click the "Book Now" button and get ready for a stunning and unforgettable experience!
Why Choose Snow Monkey Resorts for Miyajima
Traveling with Snow Monkey Resorts will ensure you enjoy a smooth, relaxing, and unforgettable visit to Miyajima. Our guides and itineraries will elevate your trip to the island from yet another sightseeing location to a rich and extensive exploration of Miyajima and its history. With us, you are guaranteed the following:
- Small group tours with personalized attention and meaningful interactions with the guide
- Smooth and organized travel to and from Miyajima via public transportation used by locals and visitors alike
- English-speaking, locally knowledgeable guides who share insights into Miyajima's history, culture, and scenic beauty
- Visits to unique locations on the island other than the well-known Itsukushima Shrine
When to Best Visit Miyajima
One can visit Miyajima all year round and still witness some of the most beautiful sights in all of Japan. Still, there are definitely two seasons, spring and autumn, which stand out due to their natural beauty. Miyajima is a fantastic place to enjoy both cherry blossoms and maple leaves, but those visiting around this time period should beware that they are both peak tourist seasons on the island.
Those looking for a less crowded experience, might have more luck visiting in the colder winter months, when the island is a slightly less popular tourist destination. Be careful though, as the island does get extremely busy on the first week of the new year due to hatsumōde (first shrine or temple visit of the year).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
My accommodations are on Miyajima, can I meet the guide on the island?
You may meet the guide on the island for our "1-Day Miyajima Tour: One of Japan’s Most Scenic Spots" with prior notification. Unfortunately, our other tours have additional sightseeing stops before reaching the island and thus you must meet the guide at Hiroshima Station for them.
If your accommodations are on the island, you can absolutely end the tour there and are not required to return to the meeting location with the rest of the group.
Do your tours run year-round?
Yes. Our Miyajima tours run year-round so that visitors can enjoy all four seasons on the island. Tours might temporarily become unavailable due to the suspension of public transportation services or ropeway maintenances.
What’s included in the tour price?
Our tours typically include transport, the services of an English-speaking guide, and entry fees where applicable. Lunch is not included in any of the tours, but our guides will be happy to give you some recommendations!