Day trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima Island Part ONE - Itsukushima Shrine

In 2010, I traveled to Hiroshima (広島) and Miyajima Island (宮島) on a day trip while I was traveling through Japan using JR pass. My hotel was based in Fukuoka in Kyushu and I took the day trip to the Hiroshima area on a sunny day. I figured that Hiroshima is at midpoint between Osaka and Fukuoka, which also makes planning a day trip to the area from Osaka very feasible.

Sacred wedding ceremony. Hiroshima Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine

- To read about planning your trip to Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe, visit: Planning you trip to Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe: Planning your trip to Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe

-To read about my recommendations of affordable and reasonable hotels in Osaka, visit: Osaka Reasonable Affordable Hotels
-To read about my recommendations of affordable and reasonable hotels in Tokyo, visit: Tokyo Affordable Cheap Reasonable Hotels

Hiroshima area is about 70 to 90 minutes by Shinkansen bullet train from Fukuoka or Osaka area. Taking day trips instead of moving to different hotels too frequently would save travelers time and trouble from hotel checking-in and carrying luggage.

After arriving at JR/Bullet train Hiroshima station, I took the local train, JR Sanyo line, to JR Miyajimaguchi (宮島口) station, which takes about 28 minutes.

Ferry station to Miyajima Island. Hiroshima Miyajima

From Miyajimaguchi station, I took the JR Ferry to Miyajima island. (covered by JR pass) The ferry fare would cost about 180 yen without the JR pass. The ferry ride takes only 10 minutes.

JR ferry to Miyajima Island. Hiroshima Miyajima

It was a nice smooth ride on the JR Ferry from Miyajimaguchi station to Miyajima Island.

Interior of JR Miyajima Island Ferry. HIroshima Miyajima

I sat next to the ferry window and I saw what Miyajima cuisine is known for, Miyajima Oyster farm.

Ocean Oyster Farm. Hiroshima Miyajima

Peeking out of the window again, I had a good glimpse of the famous Torii in low tide.

Itsukushima Shrine Torii. Hiroshima Miyajima

After arrival, Miyajima Island deer were the first ones to greet me.

Sacred deer on Miyajima Island. Hiroshia Miyajima

Like many world heritage sites in Japan, there were many souvenir shops and restaurants leading the way to the point of interest.

Souvenir shops and restaurants on Miyajima Island. Hiroshima Miyajima

I saw a group of Japanese elementary school students taking their field trip to Miyajima that day. This is a common sight at world heritage sites in Japan.

Elementary school students on Miyajima Island. Hiroshima Miyajima

Follow the sacred lamp to the Itsukushima shrine.

Sacred lamps leading to Itsukushima Shrine. Hiroshima Miyajima

Amazing view of Itsukushima Shrine from a distance.

Itsukushima Shrine. Hiroshima Miyajima

Hand cleansing ritual before entering Itsukushima Shrine, a must-do ritual before entering any shrine in Japan. Just repeat what Japanese visitors are doing.

Hand cleansing ritual at Itsukushima Shrine. Hiroshima Miyajima

After paying nominal fee for entrance, I was entering one of the most sacred shrine in Japan.

Entrance of Itsukushima Shrine. Hiroshima Miyajima

I was fortunate to see the sacred wedding ceremony ritual dance.

Traditional Japanese wedding ceremony a Itsukushima Shrine. Hiroshima Miyajima

Most of the postcards of the famous Miyajima Torii are taken during high tide where it looks like the Torii is above water; however, I visited Miyajima island during low tide, I was able to walk close to the Torii.

Low tide Torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. Hiroshima Miyajima

To show how big the Torri was, this picture depicts only one side of the structure.

Enormous size of the Itsukushima Shrine Torii. Hiroshima Miyajima

What is a good trip without trying the famous local cuisine, delicious Miyajima Oyster. There were abundance of street oyster vendors.

Delicious broiled Hiroshima/Miyajima oyster

I decided to pick a restaurant that I can sit down and relax while enjoying the oysters. Pictorial menu makes it very easy to order food.

Oyster restaurant on Miyajima Island. Hiroshima Miyajima

Miyajima Torii themed Fresh oyster plate. I remembered it cost about 1200 to 1500 yen.

Itsukushima Shrine Torii themed fresh oyster plate. Hiroshima Miyajima

INFORMATION
Itsukushima (Miyajima Island) Shrine (Tripadvisor)

1-1 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture 739-0588

Yakigaki No Hayashi Oyster restaurant 焼がきのはやし (Tripadvisor)
505-1 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture 739-0588

Continue on Part TWO of the Hiroshima part of Hiroshima Miyajima Island Day Trip...