The best way to get to Miyajima island from hiroshima

Getting to Miyajima island from Hiroshima is quite simple and takes less than 1 hour.

I always advocate that you use Google Maps for route planning, as routes may be subject to change and may be different based on your exact starting point. This guide will give you an overview of my recommended route and will assume you are coming from Hiroshima Station.

While you can use private transportation, such as uber – the public transportation system is easy to use and much cheaper.

There are a few different routes, but the easiest and fastest way to arrive is by using the JR line from Hiroshima Station. For this route, you’ll first get on a train and then use a boat to get the island.

How to get to Miyajima Island From Hiroshima Station

When you arrive at Hiroshima station, look for the entrance to the JR Line. If you go outside the station, you are going the wrong way. Once you find the JR line entrance the journey becomes fairly straightforward.

Look for this sign:

After jumping onto the San-yo Line, you will travel 9 stops to Miyajimaguchi Station (about 25–30 minutes)

After getting off the train, you’ll walk to the ferry terminal (Miyajimaguchi Station). The walk is less than 5 minutes and will take you through an underground walkway.

👉 If you have larger suitcases or accessibility issues – look for elevators on either side of the street

JR Pass holders can use both the train and the JR ferry at no extra cost.

Ferry to Miyajima

From Miyajimaguchi, the ferry takes about 10 minutes.

The ferry runs from the mainland 4x per hour from 0800-1700.

But starts departing from the mainland at approximately at 0625 and leaving Miyajima approximately at 2214.

👉 You can check the updated ferry schedule on the JR website.

There are two ferry companies:

• JR Ferry (covered by the JR Pass)
• Matsudai Line (similar timing and cost)

Both drop you near the main entrance to the island and cost exactly the same.

👉  There is a 100 yen tax to enter Miyajima Island. Your boat ticket will cost 300 yen total but if you are using a rail pass, such as the JR pass, you will need to pay the extra 100 yen. Use the kiosks at Miyajimaguchi and show your receipt upon arrival.

Note: There is a third option, to take the AquaNet ferry from Hiroshima Peace Park to Miyajima. However, you must book in person and the boat cannot run with high tide levels, making it less dependable. It’s also much more expensive (4000 yen RT) and can fill very quickly.

Arriving to Miyajima island

The area you’ll be visiting in Miyajima is compact and best explored on foot. Most major sights – including Itsukushima Shrine, the town center, and coastal walking paths – are within easy walking distance from the ferry terminal.

Not sure what to do now that you’ve arrived?

👉  Check out this 2 day Miyajima Island Itinerary.

If you’re not sure about staying overnight – find out whether a day trip versus overnight stay is better for you.

Returning to Hiroshima from miyajima Island

Return the same way you came to get back to Hiroshima Station.

BUT, if you are heading to explore Hiroshima, you may need to get off at a sooner stop and take a local bus to your final destination.

Google Maps is very efficient in Japan – I highly recommend using this to plan the best route for you.