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, Japan
Miyajima Island
miyajima
Text & Photos
ⓒTABIYA
When you explore Hiroshima,
there's one unmissable destination:
Miyajima Island!
Today, I'll tell you how to get there,
specifically how to take the ferry.
✨In This Post✨ 01 Miyajima Island 02 Location 03 Taking the Ferry 04 Good to Know Before You Go |
1. Miyajima Island
This island is famous for Itsukushima Shrine, chosen as one of Japan's Three Great Views, and its massive red torii gate. With 4 million visitors annually, its popularity is absolutely incredible!
2. Location
Location and How to Get There
📍 Miyajima Ferry Terminal
Miyajima, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima, 〒739-0588 Japan
📍 Hiroshima Station
2-37 Matsubaracho, Minami Ward, Hiroshima, Japan
This island is located in Hiroshima Prefecture. From the city center, it's about a 30-minute train ride to the station where you catch the ferry, and then another 10 minutes or so by ferry.
By Train 🚊
JR Sanyo Line
Hiroshima Station (広島駅)
ㅣ
Miyajimaguchi Station (宮島口駅)
Approx. 28 min
🚶♀️
Approx. 5 min walk from the station
*Go straight through the underpass*
Fare
¥420
Hiroden Tram
Hiroden Miyajimaguchi Station
Conveniently located right in front of the ferry terminal
3. Taking the Ferry
From the ferry terminal, there are two types of ferries that will take you to the island. Both take about 10 minutes, so the travel time is similar.
When looking from the ferry terminal:
Left: Matsudai Ferry (Blue)
Right: JR West Ferry (Red)
You can easily buy tickets at the ferry terminal. Don't worry, the ticket machines offer multiple language options to make it super simple!
Let's dive into the unique features of each ferry below!
JR West Miyajima Ferry
Fare (Round trip) Adult: ¥400 Child: ¥200 + Visitor Tax: ¥100 |
If you have a JR Pass (Nationwide Pass)
or a JR West Pass,
you can use the ferry for just the ¥100 visitor tax!
⏰
Timetable
Regular Service
Increased Service (Peak Hours)
Generally, they operate on an increased service schedule on weekends,
with ferries running every 10 minutes!
What are the blue sections for?
The blue sections indicate the ferry schedule for boats that go closer to the Torii gate before heading to Miyajima Island.
Year-End and New Year Holidays
What do the yellow boxes mean?
The yellow boxes indicate that you cannot bring cars or motorcycles onto the island,
only bicycles.
The red text highlights the dates when ferries operate closer to the Torii gate.
Operating Calendar
Regular Operation: Gray
Peak Season Operation: Light Red
Year-End/New Year Operation: Yellow
Matsudai Ferry
⏰
Timetable
Regular Operation
Peak Season Operation
Year-End/New Year
Fare (Round Trip) Adult: 400 JPY Child: 200 JPY + Visitor Tax 100 JPY |
Ferry Differences | ||
JR | Matsudai | |
Price | 400 JPY 200 JPY + 100 JPY Visitor Tax | 400 JPY 200 JPY + 100 JPY Visitor Tax |
Features | 1) Some ferries pass closer to the Torii gate. 2) Early morning and late evening departures are available. 3) If using a JR Pass, only the visitor tax is payable. | 1) Faster arrival due to a more direct route. 2) A round-trip ticket + 1 dessert set is available for 600 JPY. |
First Ferry Last Ferry | Departing Miyajimaguchi Morning: 6:25 AM Evening: 10:42 PM Departing Miyajima Island Morning: 5:45 AM Evening: 10:14 PM Based on regular operation schedule | Departing Miyajimaguchi Morning: 7:45 AM Evening: 8:35 PM Departing Miyajima Island Morning: 7:00 AM Evening: 8:15 PM Based on regular operation schedule |
4. Good Things to Know Before You Go
1️⃣ It can get crowded.
I visited on a weekday, and it was surprisingly busy! There were students on school trips and many international tourists, so I imagine weekends would be even more packed.
2️⃣ It might be colder than you expect.
I went to see the autumn leaves, so I dressed for fall, but with the boat ride and the sea breeze outside, it was surprisingly chilly and I shivered quite a bit!
3️⃣ Miyajima (Itsukushima) is surprisingly large.
I thought it would be quite small since it's an island, but it's actually pretty expansive. If you plan to use the ropeway, a whole day will fly by!
4️⃣ Check the High and Low Tide Times.
High Tide: The Torii gate looks even more beautiful surrounded by water.
Low Tide: You can get up close to the Torii gate.
👉Website to check high/low tide times
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Visit Japan Web Registration: How to Register Online (Not just the App) and Add Family Members (Including Children)And there you have it!
We've taken a detailed look at how to use the ferry
to reach Miyajima, one of Japan's most breathtaking scenic wonders
near Hiroshima.
If you're planning a trip to Hiroshima,
I truly believe it's a destination worth visiting at least once!
ⓒTABIYA
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the respective fares for the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station and the round-trip fare for the Miyajima Ferry?
The JR Sanyo Line fare from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station is ~$3. The round-trip fare for the Miyajima Ferry is ~$2 for adults and ~$1 for children, plus an additional visitor tax of ~$1.
How does the fare apply when using the JR West Miyajima Ferry if I have a JR Pass (nationwide) or a JR West Pass?
If you have a JR Pass (nationwide) or a JR West Pass, you only need to pay the visitor tax of ~$1 when using the JR West Miyajima Ferry. The separate round-trip ferry fare of ~$2 is waived.
Among the ferries heading to Miyajima Island, which one passes closer to the red torii gate, and how can I identify it on the timetable?
The ferry that passes closer to the red torii gate is the JR West Miyajima Ferry. You can identify this service by checking the operating times marked in blue boxes or with red text on the timetable.
What are the usual first and last departure times for the JR West Ferry from Miyajimaguchi to Miyajima Island?
The usual first departure time for the JR West Ferry from Miyajimaguchi to Miyajima Island is 6:25 AM. The last departure time is 10:42 PM.
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