Hiroshima Miyajima Ferry Guide 2026: JR & Matsudai Options
Heading to Miyajima Island? Get the ultimate guide to Hiroshima's ferries, covering JR and Matsudai services, pier locations, fares, and essential travel tips for 2026.
Japan, Hiroshima
Miyajima Ferry
ⓒTABIYA
To reach Miyajima in Hiroshima,
you'll need to take a ferry!
Among the two ferry operators, Matsudai and JR,
I'll be sharing my experience using JR,
along with a comprehensive guide to
the available tourist passes
at the very end of this post :)
(contents) 01 Types of Ferries 02 Boarding Review (JR) 03 Overview of Available Passes 04 Timetable & Differences |
1. Ferry Types
🚢Miyajima Ferry Types🚢
Matsudai Ferry (Blue) |
On the left from the pier Slightly faster via a direct route |
JR West Ferry (Red) |
On the right from the pier Some boats pass closer to the Torii gate Runs early in the morning and late in the evening |
Same price Adult: ~$2 Child: ~$1 Visitor tax: ~$1 |
🚃
JR Miyajimaguchi
🚋
Hiroden Miyajimaguchi
There are two stations near the ferry terminal. One is JR Miyajimaguchi, which is about a 5-minute walk to the pier. Hiroden Miyajimaguchi is right in front of the pier, so you step off and you're practically there!
Once you arrive at the pier, you'll see boarding areas for ferries on both sides: Matsudai is on the left, and JR Ferry is on the right.
There was an adorable
information robot shaped like a deer,
the island's iconic symbol!
2. Boarding Review
JR
I opted for the JR Ferry!
If you're using a Hiroshima Tourist Pass,
you can use either ferry,
but if you have a Gururin Pass,
you'll need to take this JR Ferry to enjoy the benefits.
✅I've detailed the available passes at the very bottom!
Just follow the crowd, and you'll see the boat right away.
If you're not using a pass,
a round trip including visitor tax is ~$3.
The price is the same for both ferries,
and since it's a round-trip ticket,
make sure to keep it safe and don't lose it!
JR Interior
The ferry has an indoor area,
which is perfect for staying warm on chilly days.
The restrooms are located behind the stairs on the 1st floor.
There are also a few seating areas
outside if you prefer the open air.
If you head upstairs,
there's also seating up there.
However, since it's an outdoor area,
it might get a little chilly!
You'll even find a vending machine tucked away on one side here.
The Torii Gate, Seen from the Boat
The iconic underwater Torii Gate, the island's trademark, started to appear!
As soon as the Torii came into view, everyone rushed out to snap photos.
After about a 10-minute ride,
we arrived at the island!
When disembarking, simply follow the crowd.
Arrival at the Pier
At the pier, you'll find a Seven-Eleven
and coin lockers.
They had tourist maps in Korean, so I grabbed one!
The island was actually bigger
than I expected!
I wasn't able to ride the cable car this time,
so I'm already planning a return visit
during cherry blossom season!
3. Available Passes
Ferry Access | ||
Tourist Pass | Gururin Pass | JR Pass |
~$7 Based on 1-day pass | 3,600 yen 1,800 yen Top: Adults Bottom: Children 3-day pass | ~$89 7-day pass |
Public transportation in Hiroshima city and nearby areas | Transportation and attractions in Hiroshima and Setouchi regions | Usage between Fukuoka and Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, etc.) |
1-day/2-day/3-day pass | 3 consecutive days pass | 7-day pass |
-Hiroshima Hiroden (streetcar) -City buses (Excludes airport limousines) -Miyajima Ferry (Matsudai, JR) -Miyajima Ropeway discount | -JR West trains (Excludes Shinkansen) -Miyajima JR Ferry -Free bicycle rental | Unlimited rides on Shinkansen, limited express trains (Excludes Nozomi, Mizuho) Miyajima JR Ferry |
Purchase online, then exchange at: -Airport information counter -Hiroshima Station -Bus Center | Requires registration on the Japanese website tabiwa by WESTER and app installation (Can be a bit cumbersome) -Sales until March 31, 2025 | Purchase online, then exchange at a JR ticket office |
⭐ City Center Focus | ⭐ City + Nearby Excursions | ⭐ Long-term West Japan Travel |
*Miyajima visitor tax of 100 yen must be paid*
*Some routes may not be available for use*
With the Hiroshima Tourist Pass, you can ride both ferries, while the Gururin and JR West Passes are only valid for the JR Ferry.
4. How to Catch the Ferry & Key Differences
Ferry Timetables and Differences
Plus, information on checking
low and high tide times
can be found in the post above :)
Japan Travel Information
And with that, I've summarized
my experience taking the ferry
for my Hiroshima & Miyajima trip,
along with a comparison of the
available passes
(Tourist, Gururin, JR West) for you :)
ⓒTABIYA
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between JR West Ferry and Matsudai Ferry for going to Miyajima, Hiroshima?
JR West Ferry departs from the right side of the pier and takes a route that passes closer to the torii gate. It also operates early in the morning and late at night. Matsudai Ferry departs from the left side of the pier, takes a more direct route, and arrives slightly faster.
What is the fare for the Hiroshima Miyajima Ferry, and how does the visitor tax work?
The ferry fare is the same for both ferries: ~$2 for adults and ~$1 for children. Additionally, a visitor tax of ~$1 is separately charged. If you are not using a pass, the total cost for a round-trip ticket including the visitor tax will be ~$3.
When using the Hiroshima Tourist Pass and Gururin Pass for the Hiroshima Miyajima Ferry, which ferries can I use?
With the Hiroshima Tourist Pass, you can use both Matsudai Ferry and JR West Ferry. However, if you hold a Gururin Pass, you must use only JR West Ferry to receive the benefits.
Between JR Miyajimaguchi Station and Hiroden Miyajimaguchi Station, which one is closer to the Miyajima Ferry pier?
Hiroden Miyajimaguchi Station is directly in front of the ferry pier, so you'll be right there upon alighting. JR Miyajimaguchi Station is about a 5-minute walk to the ferry pier.
Share this article
Related Travel Stories
Miyajima Island Ferry Guide 2026: Hiroshima's Iconic Shrine
Unlock the magic of Miyajima Island! Learn how to seamlessly travel from Hiroshima to its iconic Itsukushima Shrine by ferry, covering train routes, costs, and essential tips for a perfect 2026 day trip.
Hiroshima Travel Pass Comparison 2026: Tourist vs. Gururin
Maximize your 2026 Hiroshima trip! Compare Tourist Pass vs. Gururin to find the best option for city, Miyajima, and regional exploration. Save time and money!
Hiroshima Airport to Mihara Bus Guide 2026: Fares, Timetable & Luggage
Traveling from Hiroshima Airport to Mihara Station? This guide covers bus stop locations, 2026 fares, timetable, coin lockers, and luggage storage tips for a smooth journey.
Hiroshima Tabi Pass 2026: Essential for Miyajima Day Trips
Discover how the Hiroshima Tabi Pass can save you money on your Miyajima adventure, covering Hiroden streetcars and ferry rides. Get pricing, purchase options, and essential tips for your 2026 trip.
Hiroshima Animate & Gacha: Figures, Goods, Tax-Free Finds
Discover Hiroshima's best spots for anime figures, gacha, and character goods near Hondori. Explore Animate, Lashinbang, and more for unique finds!
Quintessa Hotel Hiroshima Review 2026: Affordable Stay with Great Breakfast
Seeking a great value hotel in Hiroshima? Our review of Quintessa Hotel Hiroshima Kanayamacho covers its prime location, comfortable rooms, and excellent breakfast, perfect for your 2026 trip!