Miyajima & the Floating Torii

Miyajima (宮島, "Shrine Island"), officially Itsukushima, is a sacred island in the bay of Hiroshima — famous for the floating Torii gate of the Itsukushima Shrine, which appears to float on the water at high tide. It is one of the three most famous scenic views in Japan (Nihon Sankei) and one of the most photographed subjects in the country.

The great Torii (16.6 m high, 60 tons) has stood in the water since 1168 — the current one is the 10th reconstruction (renovated in 2022, in bright vermilion). At low tide, you can walk to the Torii and touch it — at high tide, it reflects in the water. Both views are spectacular. Tide tables are displayed at the ferry and tourist office.

The Itsukushima Shrine (UNESCO World Heritage Site, ¥300) itself is an architectural marvel — a Shinto shrine on stilts that floats above the water at high tide. The vermillion-red buildings, connected by walkways and corridors, with the Torii in the background and the mountains behind — it is breathtaking.

The island offers more than the shrine:

• Mount Misen: The highest mountain on the island (535 m). Cable car (¥1,840 round trip) or hiking trail (1.5–2 hours ascent). At the summit: panorama over the Inland Sea and wild Japanese macaques.
• Momijidani Park: A valley with over 700 maple trees — in autumn (November) a sea of red and gold.
• Street Food Mile: The Omotesando shopping street offers oyster specialties (Miyajima oysters, grilled: ¥400), fresh Anago (conger eel), and the giant Shamoji (rice paddles) — Miyajima's symbol.
• Wild Deer: Like in Nara, tame sika deer roam the island — but please do not feed them.

Getting There: Ferry from Miyajimaguchi (10 min., ¥180, JR ferry included in the JR Pass!). Miyajimaguchi is 30 min. by JR from Hiroshima.