Holiday in Miyajima

What makes Miyajima special as a destination?

Miyajima (officially Itsukushima), the Island of the Gods in Hiroshima Bay, is one of Japan's Three Most Scenic Views — a title awarded since the 17th century that the island fully deserves. The iconic vermilion torii gate of the Itsukushima Shrine appears to float on the water at high tide and is supported by the seabed at low tide, allowing visitors to walk up to the gate. The Itsukushima Shrine itself, a UNESCO World Heritage site from the 6th century, is built on stilts above the water and seems to hover over the sea at high tide. The dramatic architecture with its red corridors and the stage for Noh theater against the backdrop of the wooded mountain landscape is overwhelmingly beautiful — especially at sunset when the gate and shrine are bathed in golden light. Climbing Mount Misen (535 meters), either by cable car or on foot through the jungle, offers panoramic views over the entire Seto Inland Sea with its countless islands. At the summit, a sacred fire has been burning for over 1,200 years, said to have been ignited by the monk Kukai. Tame Sika deer roam the island, and the Omotesando shopping street tempts visitors with freshly grilled oysters, Momiji Manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes with sweet fillings), and handcrafted wooden spoon crafts (Shamoji). Miyajima is reachable from Hiroshima in 30 minutes by train and ferry and is an absolute must — those who stay overnight experience the island in magical silence when the day-trippers have gone.