Miyajima

Miyajima is believed to be the island where God dwells. It is said that Itsukushima Shrine is built in the coast because the whole island is believed to be God's body and is sanctified. Itsukushima Shrine was built in the end of sixth century and modified to the present building with its solemn appearance by Kiyomori Taira, who came into power for the first time as a warrior in 1168. It is located in the sea and has a bold structure because the shape changes by the rising and falling tide. Also, the scenery combined with the vermillion-lacquered shrine building, green virgin forest on the back and the blue sea duly symbolizes the Japanese sense of beauty. The beautiful scenery never ceases to attract visitors.

Itsukushima Shrine is lit up at night. The shrine's red colour shines brightly and has a solemn beauty. Also, the shrine's graceful scenery in the sacred atmosphere in the morning is magnificent and you cannot miss it. To watch these two impressions, we recommend that you stay in Miyajima island. There are many traditional Japanese inns called ryokan in Miyajima and you can choose either a Western style or Japanese style room.There are ryokans where you can enjoy cuisine with local food or a spa as well as a room with no meals. There are also many other great points from which to choose a ryokan. Please enjoy a graceful time and have a good impression of the shrine.

The vast extent of site is mostly covered by virgin forest where many kinds of plants live only in Miyajima, and 431.2 hectares of the site is included in the World Heritage Site. You can go to the top of Mt. Misen (535 meter above sea level) by a cable car and on foot, and it is very good to climb while enjoying trekking on foot. On the top, there is a group of giant rocks and you can enjoy the view of the scenic Seto Inland Sea from the viewing platform. MiyajimaOmote-Sando is the main street from the port to Itsukushima Shrine and there are a lot of souvenir shops on both sides of the street. You can enjoy souvenir shopping for an artwork such as Shamoji, a rice scoop, well-known Momiji manju, a bun with a bean-jam filling made from maple leaves, and other crafts. It is unique pleasure in Miyajima to taste fresh Momiji manju in the storefront across the street. Also, there are many restaurants which offer well-known conger eel and grilled oysters. They satisfy visitors' appetites. Furthermore, there is Machiya (traditional townhouses) Street in the back street.There are many ateliers, cafes and restaurants, and you can feel the atmosphere from ancient times. If you would like to enjoy Miyajima more proactively, a sea kayak is recommended. You can paddle all the way around Miyajima while seeing the Torii, the sacred Shinto gateway, and enjoying the landscape of Miyajima from the sea. Please enjoy yourself to your heart's content.

Miyajima can be reached by sea from Hiroshima. The main ferry terminal on the mainland is Miyajimaguchi, which can be reached from JR Hiroshima station either by train or tram line. From Miyajimaguchi, ferries  run to Miyajima up to 10 times per hour. The trip takes 10 minutes.

Miyajima has a warm sea climate. The southern location of the island is responsible for minimal differences in temperature between the seasons. Humidity figures are high all year round; rain falls all year round as well. Temperatures are moderate.