Miyajima Half-day Trip Historical Walking TourTake a cultural highlights tour of the beautiful Miyajima island in Hiroshima.
★★★★★- 5.5 hour tour
- Small group tour
- English speaking guide
What makes this tour unique
- Explore Miyajima, the Sacred Island of the Gods, with a local, friendly, and knowledgeable guide.
- Take an in-depth look at Itsukushima Shrine, the Miyajima History and Folklore Museum, and Daishoin Temple
- Learning about their rich history and culture. Gain insight into the differences between the Japanese Shinto religion and Buddhism from a local guide.
- Savor a local Hiroshima lunch in a relaxed Japanese restaurant.
Tips and recommendations by our official guides
Welcome to the beautiful island of Miyajima! This island, rich in culture and history (and home to many wild deer!), provides a captivating glimpse into Japan's past.
While Itsukushima Shrine is widely known, Miyajima offers much more than just this extraordinary shrine. Recognized as a spiritual power spot, the island invites you to explore Japanese Buddhism and Shinto religions, understanding their differences. Visit the equally special Daishoin Temple to broaden your spiritual insights.
Centuries ago, only the Gods were allowed to reside on this island. Although residents now inhabit Miyajima, ancient customs prohibit the construction of cemeteries on the island.
Embark on this tour with an in-depth exploration of Shinto and the renowned World Heritage Itsukushima Shrine, featuring the iconic great red Torii gate in the sea. Venture into the world of Japanese Buddhism at the unique and mystical temple, showcasing a variety of statues that will undoubtedly captivate you.
Your guide will then lead you to the charming Momijidani Park at the base of Mt. Misen to witness the seasonal colors.
A delicious lunch made from locally sourced ingredients in Hiroshima is included. Solo travelers, friends, couples, and families—all are welcome!
Official guide
What's included
Take a ferry to Miyajima, the island of the gods. Upon arrival, visit the symbolic Otorii and Itsukushima Shrine, built in the Heian period (794-1192).
After gathering, we will board a ferry to Miyajima. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea and the iconic Otorii, Miyajima's symbol, during the boat ride. Upon reaching Miyajima, friendly deer will welcome you. We'll stroll along the coast to the Otorii Gate and then proceed to Itsukushima Shrine. Constructed during the Heian period (794-1192), the shrine's distinctive architecture, resilient to the tides' ebb and flow, adds to its allure.
Visit the museum to learn about the life and culture of Miyajima, and then go for a Japanese lunch using ingredients from Hiroshima Prefecture.
Following your visit to Itsukushima Shrine, you will delve into the rich history and culture cultivated on the small island of Miyajima, experiencing traditional Japanese architecture, gardens, and crafts. Later, enjoy a leisurely lunch crafted from ingredients sourced in Hiroshima Prefecture.
Get ready to chow down on some local Miyajima delicacies such as delicious fresh oysters and fried momiji dumplings.
Post-lunch, savor the picturesque mountain path and scenery on your way to Daisho-in Temple, the island's oldest with 1,200 years of history. The guide will unravel the temple's past and the evolution of faith on Miyajima, often referred to as the island of the Gods. Subsequently, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, immersing yourself in the serene nature and forests of Miyajima. The tour concludes at a souvenir shop street.
Photos from the Recent Tours
Meeting Point
In front of Coin Operated Locker at outside of JR Miyajimaguchi Station
- It takes 30mins to JR Miyajimaguchi station from JR Hiroshima station. (JR Sanyo line)
- Your guide will be holding a board saying “Magical Trip”
Itinerary
- Meet up in front of the Seven Eleven in front of JR Miyajimaguchi Station.
- Take a ferry to Miyajima island
- Itsukushima Shrine
- Miyajima History and Folklore Museum
- Lunch at a local temple
- Daisho-in Temple
- Walk around Momijidani Park
- 5 story Pagoda & Senjokaku
- Omotesando food sampling
- End of Tour
- Note: You are more than welcome to explore Miyajima on your own after the tour! Don't hesitate to ask your local guide for recommendations outside of the tour.
- Vegetarian and vegan lunch options are available but limited. Unfortunately, gluten-free lunch is not available. All ages are welcome on this tour.
- You are not required to cover the guide's food and drinks. Please bring cash for the ferry fee (500 yen) and additional snacks and drinks.
- The itinerary for this tour includes some locations that are not accessible by a wheelchair or stroller.
- This tour is not recommended for people with mobility issues, if you have walking problems we recommend booking a private tour.
- Please inform us at least one day before the tour if you have any dietary requests or allergies to mention.
- Note: Requests made on the day of the tour cannot be accommodated.
- Please note that we are unable to guarantee allergy-free or cater to dietary restrictions as the food is prepared in kitchens that do not belong to MagicalTrip. Additionally, there may be instances where substitutions are not possible at certain stops; however, we will make every effort to compensate at different stops throughout the tour.
- Summer in Japan is very hot and humid, so we recommend that you bring water and wear a hat to prevent heat stroke.
- To ensure the best experience for all guests, we must start the tour on time. If you arrive late and miss the group, you won't be able to join, receive a refund, or reschedule. We appreciate your cooperation.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the tour starting time.
- Free date/time rescheduling up to 24 hours before the tour starting time (depending on availability).
