Nearby Destinations: Miyajima

Accessible Locations within Day-Trip Distance

Hiroshima City is the most common and useful day trip from Miyajima, or vice-versa.

All transportation options noted are direct and frequent, making travel between Miyajima and Hiroshima simple.

Major Attractions

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (Atomic Bomb Dome & Peace Memorial Museum)
Hiroshima Castle
Shukkei-en Garden
Hondori Shopping Street

Natural Escapes

Beyond Miyajima's own Mt. Misen, other natural wonders await nearby.

Scenic Landscapes

The journey across the Seto Inland Sea by ferry offers scenic views of numerous islands.

Prominent Views

Seto Inland Sea
Shimanami Kaido cycling route (from Onomichi)
Stunning bridges connecting islands

Natural Areas

While Mt. Misen is Miyajima's main natural escape, other significant natural areas exist:

Beyond Miyajima

Sandankyo Gorge (northern Hiroshima Prefecture)
Many mountains across Hiroshima Prefecture
Exploring rural Japanese life around Hiroshima

Seasonal Natural Phenomena

Recommended Seasons

Autumn Foliage: Mid-October to late November in Momijidani Park and on Mt. Misen.
Cherry Blossoms: Late March to early April on Miyajima and in Hiroshima.

Less Prominent

Beaches: Less prominent in the immediate Miyajima or Hiroshima area.
Rural Villages: Not a main focus of Miyajima day trips.

Time for Exploration & Travel Style

Hiroshima exploration:A full day
Miyajima & Hiroshima:A very packed one-day schedule
Miyajima (Half/Full Day):More comfortable pace
Independent Travel:A widely chosen option

Public transport efficiency:High
Organized Tours:Combine Miyajima & Hiroshima
Tour convenience:Logistics simplified
Tour flexibility:Less

Cultural Excursions

Explore more of the region's history and culture beyond Miyajima. Kure City for naval history, Onomichi for charm, and Koyasan for pilgrimage (overnight stay from Osaka).

Multi-Day Extensions

Extend your journey to further explore Japan's rich culture and landscapes.

Major Hubs

Osaka & Kyoto are common extensions from Hiroshima via Shinkansen.

Scenic Routes

The Shimanami Kaido cycling route from Onomichi provides a memorable adventure.

Historical Gems

Okayama & Kurashiki to the east offer gardens and historical quarters.

Recommendations for 1-3 Days

Miyajima is commonly visited as part of a longer trip.

Travel Times

Osaka: Approximately 1.5 hours by Shinkansen from Hiroshima.
Kyoto: Approximately 2 hours by Shinkansen from Hiroshima.
Shimanami Kaido: 1-2 days cycling from Onomichi to Imabari.

Logical Next Destinations

From Hiroshima, Shinkansen connections extend to:

Cities East & West

Fukuoka on Kyushu island (to the west).
Okayama, Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, and Tokyo (to the east).
All destinations connect via Japan's JR train network.

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

Classic Golden Route + West:Tokyo - Kyoto - Osaka - Hiroshima.

Extension possibilities:Fukuoka or Shimanami Kaido cycle.

Chugoku Region Exploration:Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori.

Chugoku destinations:Izumo Taisha Shrine, Matsue Castle, Tottori Sand Dunes.

Rail Pass consideration:A regional Japan Rail Pass may suit.

Time consideration:More time for exploration.

Explore Further

Okayama: Korakuen Garden, Okayama Castle.
Kurashiki: Picturesque Bikan Historical Quarter with canals.
Both Okayama and Kurashiki are accessible by Shinkansen.

Itinerary Suggestions

Choose an itinerary that matches your available travel days and interests.

Time-Based Itineraries

1

Weekend Getaway 2-3 days

Explore Miyajima and Hiroshima. Day 1: Miyajima (shrine, shops, ryokan dinner, night views). Day 2: Miyajima (temple, Mt. Misen), then Hiroshima (Peace Park, Dome, city exploration). Day 3: Hiroshima (castle, garden), then depart.

2

One-Week Experience

Combine Miyajima and Hiroshima with Kyoto, Osaka, and possibly Nara. Days 1-3: Kyoto & Nara. Day 4: Travel to Hiroshima, Peace Memorial Park. Day 5: Full day Miyajima. Day 6: Hiroshima exploration or day trip. Day 7: Depart.

3

Two-Week Exploration

A classic route with Western Honshu exploration: Miyajima, Izumo, Matsue, Tottori, and Setouchi islands.

Interest-Based Routes: History & Heritage

Miyajima: Itsukushima Shrine, Daisho-in Temple, Senjokaku, Miyajima History and Folk Museum.
Hiroshima: Peace Memorial Park and Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Castle, Shukkei-en Garden.
Kure: Yamato Museum.

Interest-Based Routes: Family & Adventure

Miyajima: Miyajima Aquarium, wild deer observation, main shrine area walk, Miyajima Ropeway, Momiji Manju making experience.
Hiroshima: Children's Peace Monument at Peace Park, Hiroshima Castle, Shukkei-en Garden relaxation.
Nearby: Cycling the Shimanami Kaido.

Budget-Based Plans

Backpacker's Guide

Stay in hostels in Hiroshima. Public transport or JR Pass use. Street food, convenience store meals. Free attractions exploration.

Mid-range Traveler

Mix business hotels in Hiroshima with one night at a mid-range ryokan on Miyajima. Casual to mid-range restaurants. Public transport with occasional taxi use.

Luxury Experience

High-end ryokan on Miyajima (Iwaso) with kaiseki meals. Taxis or private transfers. Fine dining in Hiroshima. Private guided tours.

Seasonal Specialties

Plan your visit around Miyajima's seasonal highlights. Summer offers illuminated shrines and sea kayaking. Winter brings fewer crowds, crisp views, and peak oyster season. Consider festival-centered visits like Kangen-sai in mid-July, or autumn for fall foliage. Off-season travel provides fewer crowds and often lower prices, but check for reduced hours.

Nearby Destinations