Deer Drama, Floating Shrines & Maple Snacks: Your Ultimate Miyajima Day Trip
Ohayo gozaimasu, island lovers! Today, we’re hopping over from Hiroshima to one of Japan’s top-tier, most photogenic, deer-infested, maple snack-filled hotspots: Miyajima Island. Or as the locals call it, Itsukushima, but let’s be real—Miyajima is way catchier.
This is our full-day guide to the island, including how to get there, what to do, what NOT to feed to deer (spoiler: plastic), and why you should always leave room in your luggage for an 11,000-yen Daruma doll.
Getting to Miyajima: Trains, Ferries & Sneaky Penguin Mascots
First things first, getting to Miyajima is half the fun. From Hiroshima Station, hop on the Sanyo Line local train to Miyajimaguchi. From there, it's a quick skip across the street to the JR ferry terminal. If you've got a JR Pass, you're golden—just tap in with your IC card and hop aboard.
Pro tip: There’s also a “fast ferry” that runs from near Hiroshima’s Peace Park, and while it’s super convenient if you’re staying nearby, booking it requires some Japanese language skills. Unless you’re fluent in Nihongo or Google Translate is your spirit animal, the JR route is your best bet.
Ferry Vibes & First Glimpses of the Island
On the ferry, the excitement builds as you spot Miyajima across the bay. The floating Torii gate comes into view like a red-orange mirage rising from the sea. It’s one of the Three Great Views of Japan, along with... uh... definitely Mount Fuji and probably something else we’ll pretend we knew all along.
As soon as your feet hit the island, grab a map from the tourist center. Not because you need one (you’re a seasoned explorer, obviously), but because they’re cute, multilingual, and helpful when pretending you planned your route.
Deer Encounters: Adorable, Clumsy, and Slightly Dangerous
Miyajima has free-roaming deer—like Nara, but with a better ocean view. These four-legged freeloaders are sacred, mischievous, and will absolutely eat your garbage if you give them half a chance.
Cue tragic deer scene: one curious creature tried to munch on some plastic. Cue gasps, chaos, and a solemn moment of silence for Bambi. Lesson learned: DO NOT LITTER. Not just because it’s disrespectful—but because you might literally be feeding sacred animals something that could take them out.
The Torii Gate & Itsukushima Shrine: Japan's Insta-Worthy Icons
Let’s talk about the main event: that big ol' Torii gate in the sea. Depending on the tide, it’s either floating majestically or chilling in the sand like a sunbathing crab. Both are great photo ops, but high tide is where the magic happens.
Itsukushima Shrine—just around the corner—is the architectural equivalent of a floating dream. For just 300 yen, you can wander its elegant corridors and feel like you’ve time-traveled back to the Heian period. Just ignore the scaffolding—it’s basically part of the experience now.
💡 Quick Tip: Check the tide times before you go. Low tide = walk up to the gate. High tide = that glorious floating illusion. Choose your adventure.
Lunchtime: Tasty Detours & Chill Corners
By midday, your stomach will probably be louder than the ferry engine, and the main street can be a bit of a hungry-hiker traffic jam. So we detoured slightly and found a gem called Yakigaki no Hayashi —a cozy little spot that's famous for its grilled oysters. Yes, oysters! Fresh from the Seto Inland Sea and grilled to perfection right in front of you. Juicy, smoky, and a little bit magical.
Even if you're not usually an oyster fan, these might convert you. Pair them with a local beer or a refreshing yuzu soda, and you'll feel like you've leveled up in life. Plus, the staff are lovely and the interior is super traditional—tatami mats and all.
And hey, don’t skip the vending machines either—this is Japan, after all. You can grab a steaming hot can of coffee or matcha latte from a machine and sip it seaside while watching deer do suspicious things in the background. Classy.
Momiji Manju: Miyajima's Signature Snack
Let’s talk treats. Miyajima’s most famous edible export is the Momiji Manju—a maple leaf-shaped cake traditionally filled with anko (sweet red bean paste). But if you’re team chocolate like me, they’ve got you. Watching the machine pump out these soft delights is hypnotic. And eating them? Even better.
Try a few flavors. Try them all. Become the snack connoisseur you were born to be.
Stroll Through Omotesando Arcade: Souvenirs, Snacks & Shenanigans
After lunch, take a leisurely stroll through Omotesando Arcade, the buzzing heart of Miyajima’s shopping scene. It’s a lively pedestrian street lined with traditional shops, street food stalls, and quirky souvenir spots, perfect for walking off that oyster feast—or just making room for dessert. You’ll find everything from handcrafted chopsticks and cute deer plushies to maple leaf-shaped everything (seriously, everything). Don’t miss trying a stick of grilled eel or freshly made Momiji manju straight from the conveyor belt. And if you’re feeling fancy, check out the shops selling artisan ceramics or miniature Torii gates—ideal for bringing a piece of Miyajima home without having to bubble-wrap a life-sized shrine.
Momiji-Dani Park: Nature, Leaves & a Final Deer Cameo
If you’ve still got energy, head to Momiji-Dani Park, a tranquil haven of bridges, streams, and—you guessed it—more deer. In autumn, the foliage here is off-the-charts gorgeous. Even without the seasonal colors, it’s a peaceful break from the busy main streets.
Need a workout? You can hike to the top of Mt. Misen or take the ropeway. Just don’t leave it too late—learn from our trauma of nearly getting stranded at the summit when the ropeway shut down early.
Wrapping Up: One Last Lemon Chuhai by the Sea
As the sun sets, sip a Hiroshima lemon chuhai on the beach and take in the view. The deer are chilling, the waves are gently lapping, and you’ve got a Daruma baby to carry home. Life is good.
Miyajima might be a day trip, but it packs a punch. From ancient shrines and cheeky deer to maple-leaf sweets and scenic views—it’s a must-visit spot that feels both peaceful and playful.
Ready to plan your own Miyajima adventure? Pack light (leave room for souvenirs), check the tide charts, and bring your sense of humor. This island is unforgettable.
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