Itsukushima Top Tips: Plan the Ultimate Trip to Miyajima

Known for its striking red torii gate, which appears to float in the sea, Itsukushima Shrine is a must-visit in Japan. To really make the most of your trip to Miyajima, follow these insider tips to ensure you don’t miss any of the island’s highlights.
The towering torii gate that stands at the entrance to Itsukushima draws thousands of people to the island each year, but it’s not the only thing to do or see on Miyajima. The shrine that the gate belongs to, with its lantern-lined wooden walkways standing placidly over the sea, is worth exploring as well, and it’s a great place from which to view the torii gate at high tide. Visitors should also take the time to climb the sacred Mount Misen, with its Buddhist temples and statues, sample the island’s famous food and meet its sika deer. Ensure you’re well-prepared for a visit to Miyajima by checking out Culture Trip’s top tips.

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.Get to grips with the difference between Miyajima and Itsukushima
These two words have become pretty much interchangeable, but it’s worth understanding the distinction between them. The island is officially called Itsukushima, but it’s popularly known as Miyajima, which means Shrine Island.

Arrive early to take advantage of everything the island has to offer
Whether you plan to stay overnight or not, arrive on Miyajima as early as your itinerary allows to give yourself enough time to explore both the shrine and Mount Misen. The first boats depart from Miyajimaguchi, the closest mainland port, at 6.25am, and run every 15 minutes from 8.10am. For those who arrive promptly, breakfast is available at a number of cafés.
Try to see the torii gate at both low and high tide
Itsukushima Shrine’s torii gate looks completely different at low tide compared to its appearance at high tide. When the tide is high, the Seto Inland Sea surrounds the torii gate, giving it the illusion of floating on water, and recreating the image so recognisable from postcards and tourism brochures. In contrast, at low tide, the torii gate stands proudly in the sand, and while it might not be as picturesque from afar, at this time of day visitors can walk right up to the gate to admire it from up close. Check the tide times in advance and plan your day accordingly.

Wear closed, waterproof shoes
With the tide drifting in and out daily, at low tide there are still plenty of pools of water in the uneven sand that surrounds the torii gate. To avoid spending the rest of the day with wet feet, it’s best to be prepared with sensible footwear.
Sample the island’s fresh oysters
Hiroshima prefecture is famous for its oysters, so where better to try them than on Miyajima, where they’re freshly harvested from the sea. Taste them at Yakigaki no Hayashi restaurant on Omotesando Shopping Street, or freshly grilled from a street stall. Oyster buns are also for sale at some stands.

Don’t miss the chance to taste momiji manju
Miyajima is well known for its stunning maple trees, which turn beautiful shades of red in the autumn months. The island’s most popular sweet treat, momiji manju (maple-leaf buns), are inspired by the trees, and have been made here for a century. They’re sold fresh from stands on the island’s main drag, where cake batter is poured into maple leaf-shaped hot pans and filled with sweet bean paste, resulting in a deliciously moreish bun.
Watch out for the deer
Itsukushima is populated by hundreds of tame sika deer, the same friendly breed that you’ll meet in Nara. Deer are considered to be the messengers of the gods in Shintoism, and are therefore regarded as sacred. But they’re so tame on Miyajima that they can sometimes be a little too amiable. Keep any food out of their range, as they’ve been known to climb up onto benches to steal street food from unsuspecting hands. Deer are herbivores, so feeding them is discouraged, and it’s best to avoid littering the ground with food that they might snaffle for themselves.

Take the ropeway up to Mount Misen
The upward hike from ground level to the top of Mount Misen takes between one and two hours, which can be gruelling on hot days. Instead, pay for the ropeway up, and take in the scenery as you slide effortlessly up the hill. The tallest mountain on the island, Mount Misen is well worth ascending, and it has been deemed a sacred site since ancient times. From where the ropeway drops passengers, you’ll still need to climb a little way (around 30 minutes) to the peak, passing Buddhist halls belonging to the Daisha-in temple along the way. At the summit, there are wonderful views over the island and the sea below. Save money by walking back down, giving yourself the chance to fully experience the mountain’s old-growth forest and wildlife.
If you have the time, stay over on the island
To really soak up the experience of being on the island, book a room for the night rather than returning to the mainland. At around 5pm, the majority of visitors start to leave Itsukushima, which means that you’ll be able to experience it at an unusually quiet, relaxed pace. It will also allow you to see the torii gate at sunset, an opportunity that many people miss. The island has plenty of traditional ryokan (Japanese inns) to choose from, most of which serve food (be aware that there are not a lot of food and drink options open in town in the evening).

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.