Journey to Miyajima: A Day Trip from Osaka You’ll Want to Bookmark
When you’re in Osaka, surrounded by all the delicious food and neon lights, it’s hard to imagine leaving—even for a day. But trust me, a trip to Miyajima is worth every minute. Known for its iconic “floating” torii gate, lush landscapes, and chill vibes, Miyajima offers a serene escape that’ll have you recharged and snapping photos like there’s no tomorrow.
The best part? Getting there is easier than you might think! Whether you’re a seasoned Japan traveler or it’s your first time, this guide will have you heading to Miyajima like a pro.
Step 1: Hop on the Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima
Your journey starts with Japan’s legendary bullet train, the Shinkansen. From Shin-Osaka Station, catch the train to Hiroshima Station. Pro tip: If you have a JR Pass, you’re all set—this ride is fully covered! The trip takes about 90 minutes if you’re on the faster Nozomi or Sakura trains. Before boarding, grab a bento box at the station. Trust me, eating while speeding through Japan’s countryside is an experience in itself.
Step 2: Make Your Way to Miyajima-guchi
Once you arrive in Hiroshima, switch to the local JR Sanyo Line heading to Miyajima-guchi. It’s a quick 30-minute ride, and the train schedule is pretty frequent, so you won’t have to wait long. If you’re lucky, you might spot a local mom-and-pop snack shop at one of the stations—perfect for a quick treat.
Step 3: Ferry Ride to Miyajima
This is where the magic starts! At Miyajima-guchi, hop on the JR ferry to Miyajima Island. It’s a short 10-minute ride, but the views are enough to make you want to stay onboard longer. You’ll get your first glimpse of the iconic torii gate as you approach the island. And yes, it looks just as amazing in real life as it does in all those travel photos.
Fun fact: The JR ferry is covered by the JR Pass, so keep that pass handy for this leg of the trip too.
Exploring Miyajima: The Highlights
Once you step off the ferry, it’s time to explore! Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:
The Floating Torii Gate: Depending on the tide, you can either see the gate “floating” on the water or walk up to it during low tide. Either way, it’s a must-see.
Itsukushima Shrine:
The shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its tranquil vibe is perfect for soaking in the island’s spiritual energy.
Miyajima’s Deer:
Yes, they’re cute and very friendly, but guard your snacks—they’re pros at sneaky thefts!
Street Food Scene: Miyajima is famous for its grilled oysters, momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped pastries), and Anago-meshi (grilled eel on rice). Come hungry and leave happy!
How to Make the Most of Your Day
1. Start early to avoid the crowds and have more time to explore.
2. Wear comfy shoes—there’s some walking involved, especially if you’re hiking up to Mt. Misen for panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.
3. Bring cash. Some food stalls and smaller shops don’t accept cards.
4. Keep your phone charged—you’ll want endless photos of this beautiful island.
I left Miyajima at around 4:30PM, arriving at around 5:30PM in Hiroshima. I prebooked my 9:00PM shinkansen from Hiroshima to Shin-Osaka giving me 3 hours to revisit the sites around A-dome grab dinner. Arrived in Shin Osaka at around 10:30PM.
