How do I get to Miyajima from Hiroshima?

Find out which train to take to Miyajimaguchi, how the short ferry works, what the options cost, and how tides and timing shape a visit to Itsukushima Shrine.

Published October 21, 2026 at 12:05 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Take the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi Station, typically about 30 minutes, then board a ferry for the crossing of roughly 10 minutes to Miyajima island. The streetcar is a slower alternative. Japan Rail Pass holders can use the JR ferry, but check current rules and timetables on the official pages before you go.

The basic route in one picture

Miyajima, formally called Itsukushima, is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea off Hiroshima. There is no bridge, so every visitor crosses by water. The mainland departure point is Miyajimaguchi, a small port town on the coast west of the city, and it is the starting point for all the ferries to the island.

Wikipedia's page on Miyajimaguchi Station says the station is on the JR West Sanyo Main Line, with rapid and local trains running toward Hiroshima, and a pier near the station serving Miyajima. The Miyajima Tourist Association's access page gives the ferry crossing as about 10 minutes.

In short, the trip is a train ride and a boat ride. Most people allow about an hour from central Hiroshima to the island's landing, plus extra time for waiting and walking. Once you arrive, the shrine and main sights are close to the landing, so the island is easy to explore on foot.

Step by step from Hiroshima Station

First, take a JR Sanyo Line local or rapid train from Hiroshima Station toward Miyajimaguchi. The ride is typically around 30 minutes, though the exact time depends on the train type and the timetable, so confirm it with the railway's English timetable tool. Rapid services stop at fewer stations than local ones.

Second, get off at Miyajimaguchi and follow the signs to the ferry piers, which are a short walk from the station. Two companies run ferries on this route: JR West's Miyajima Ferry and Miyajima Matsudai Kisen, according to the Miyajima Tourist Association. Both go to the same island, though they may land at slightly different piers.

Third, board the ferry and enjoy the view of the floating Great Torii gate as you approach. Ferries run frequently, so you rarely wait long, although the interval depends on the time of day and season.

Fares, passes and timing

The JR Miyajima Ferry's English page lists an adult fare of 200 yen one way and a child fare of 100 yen, with payment by IC card (a rechargeable transit card) accepted. Fares can change, so use the official page for the current figures. The same page states that the Japan Rail Pass and the JR West Rail Pass can be used on these ferries, though it does not explain the conditions, so confirm the rules with the pass issuer.

The JR train fare from Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi is modest, and you can usually pay with an IC card or buy a ticket at a machine. Prices are not given here because they change; check the railway's official English site.

Timetables vary by day type. The JR ferry page mentions regular, temporary, busy-day and New Year schedules, so a ferry timetable that applies on a weekday may differ on a holiday. Check the calendar on the operator's website for your date.

Other ways to reach the island

A second option is the Hiroden streetcar, Hiroshima's city tram network. Wikipedia notes that Hiroden-miyajima-guchi Station on the Hiroden Miyajima Line, or Line 2, is about a two-minute walk south of the JR station. The streetcar is generally slower than the JR train, but it can be convenient if you are staying near a streetcar stop or want to ride a classic city line.

Visitors who prefer other options can ask the tourist association or an information counter about additional routes. Wikipedia lists two ferry operators at the pier near the station, and the Miyajima Tourist Association's access page also shows maps from Hiroshima City and from Iwakuni City, so travelers arriving from the west have route maps too.

For those arriving by car, check the tourist association's website and local signs for the current parking and access information near Miyajimaguchi before you travel. Many visitors find the train and ferry combination simpler, because it avoids parking questions and keeps the day flexible.

Who this route suits

The route suits most visitors, including families, older travelers and solo visitors. The train ride is short, the ferry is frequent, and stations in the area usually have signs in English. Travelers who use strollers or wheelchairs should ask staff at the station or pier about boarding assistance and accessible routes.

Travelers with limited time can treat Miyajima as a half-day trip from Hiroshima, and those staying in Osaka or Kyoto can add it after a Shinkansen arrival, though the day will be long. If you plan to stay overnight on the island, check availability early, since rooms can be limited.

Small groups traveling with luggage may prefer to leave bags in a station locker in Hiroshima, if one is free, since a day on the island is easier without large bags. A small daypack, water, sun protection and comfortable walking shoes are usually all you need for a visit.

Common mistakes and tide timing

A common mistake is arriving without checking the tide. The Great Torii gate looks like it floats at high tide, while at low tide visitors can walk out toward it. The Miyajima Tourist Association's website has a Tide Info page, so look at it before you arrive to match your photos and your plans to the water level.

Another mistake is assuming the shrine is always accessible from every angle. The Wikipedia article on Itsukushima says the shrine is built over the water on a boardwalk, so tides change how it looks. Ask at the information desk or check the shrine's own page for current entry details such as fees and hours.

Finally, many visitors underestimate how long the island takes. The ferry may be quick, but the shrine, the shopping street and the deer can easily fill an afternoon. Leave time for a calm return trip.

Planning tips and next steps

Check the ferry timetable and the tide page the day before. Aim to arrive on the island earlier in the day if you want quiet photos, and plan your last ferry back with a margin. Rain gear is useful, since weather over the sea can change quickly.

This guide shares general information; rules change, so confirm details with the official agency or provider before you act. If you hold a rail pass, ask at a ticket office whether your pass covers the train and the ferry, and keep the pass handy for the ferry gate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get to Miyajima from Hiroshima?

Most visitors allow about an hour from central Hiroshima to the island: roughly 30 minutes on the JR train, a ferry crossing of about 10 minutes, and some time for walking and waiting. Exact times depend on the train, the ferry schedule and the day, so check the operators' websites.

Is the ferry included in a Japan Rail Pass?

The JR Miyajima Ferry's English page states that the Japan Rail Pass and the JR West Rail Pass can be used on its ferries. The other company's ferry is a separate operator. Pass rules can change, so confirm the conditions with the pass issuer and the ferry's official page before boarding.

Can travelers see the Great Torii gate from the ferry?

Yes, the Great Torii gate is visible from the water as the ferry approaches the island, and many visitors take photos from the deck. Which ferry passes closest can depend on the route, so check the operators' pages. The gate's appearance changes with the tide, so timing matters.

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More guides from Tokyo Paul: How many days do I need for Hiroshima and Miyajima together?, Is Hiroshima worth visiting and how long do I need there? and Ferries in Japan: Island Hopping Basics.