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The area around Miyajima is very popular among tourists as quite a few excellent sights are located here, including the Itsukushima Shrine and Mt Misen. Itsukushima Shrine is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and the Misen Mountain in its background is an extremely popular spot especially among couples. With its stunning view of the Seto sea and bay, many visitors flock here to see the first sunrise of the year. The island is also known for the docile deer and the massive torii gate floating in the sea. Countless tourists from both Japan and abroad visit the island to get a taste of the maple leaf shaped treats Momiji Manju and conger eel dishes Miyajima is famous for. There is a ferry operating between Hiroshima and Miyajima, offering nto just transportation but also a glimpse of the floating torii gate from the sea. In recent years kayak and SUP rental services appeared in the area so you can now pass through the torii gate propelled with nothing but your own raw strength. There is a ropeway that will take you to the top of Mt. Misen, where you can enjoy the stunning view from the observatory deck. There is also a museum of traditional crafts on the island where you can try your hand at different local crafts e.g. carving and carpentry.
Miyajima and the Misen Mountain have been hailed as objects of worship since ancient times. The grand torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine which can also be seen from the top of the mountain is a truly spectacular construction. Its height above sea level is approximately 16m and width 24m. Supposedly it is constructed from massive camphor trees that are over 600 years old. It is held in place with its sheer weight of over 60 tonnes. However it is not just the gate that is built above sea as so is the Itsukushima Shrine itself. In 1996 it was registered by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, leading to a massive increase in visitors.
There are several famous spots in and around Miyajima, but even among them the floating Itsukushima Shrine built above the sea stands out. The massive torii gate, which can be accessed on food depending on the time of the day and ebb and flow, is definitely something you don't want to miss out on. The Senjokaku Pavilion of the Toyokuni Shrine is another highly recommended spot. Its total area amounts to approximately 1000 tatami mats that were used as a unit of measure. Commissioned by none other than the imperial regent Toyotomi Hideyoshi, it unfortunately remains unfinished as Hideyoshi passed a mere year after commissioning the construction. Ascending to the peak of Mt. Misen via the ropeway will reward you with a truly stunning view.
The general area of Miyajima is serviced by JR rail, Hiroshima tram service and ferries, although the island can be directly reached via ferries only. There are multiple ferry services operating between Hiroshima and Miyajima. Most common pattern is to take the ferry from Hiroshima and then a different one to the mainland and transfer to JR or tram lines to return to Hiroshima City. Optionally, there are also roundtrip cruises that include either lunch or dinner. The tram is also an excellent option as it takes you to the vicinity of other main tourist attractions, making it all the more easier to enjoy Hiroshima.
You can experience many aspects of the japanese culture at okeikoJapan, located next to a 300 years old Zen temple on Miyajima. Don a traditional kimono and explore the island, try your hand at painting the famous rice scoops of Miyajima, make your own omamori amulets, enjoy calligraphy and tea ceremony whilst the staff take pictures of you having the time of your life. Foreign visitors can participate in an onigiri rice ball workshop whilst Japanese visitors might be more interested in making traditional dried candy.
