How to Get to Miyajima Island from Hiroshima
Planning a trip to Miyajima but not quite sure how to get there from Hiroshima? Many travelers ask about the best way to reach the island, what the train and ferry costs are, and if the JR Pass has them covered. Our guide on How to Get to Miyajima Island from Hiroshima is here to answer all those questions and take the stress out of your planning. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re just looking for a smoother experience, this article has all the tips you need. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to reach Miyajima, save money, and enjoy a hassle-free journey. Let’s make your Miyajima adventure unforgettable!
How to Get to Miyajima Island from Hiroshima by Train
Hiroshima to Miyajima train
To get to Miyajima from Hiroshima Station, let’s go to Miyajimaguchi Station by train first. From Hiroshima station to Miyajimaguchi station by train is easy and convenient via the JR Sanyo Main Line. It takes about 30 minutes. With trains running every 15 to 20 minutes, there’s minimal waiting, and the journey itself is smooth. Once you exit Miyajima-guchi Station, there is a main road between the station and the ferry terminal, but please use the underpass to cross it instead of crossing it directly. Once you come up on the other side, you’ll find some souvenir shops and cafes, which are perfect for a quick stop before heading to Miyajima. From Miyajimaguchi Station, it’s a quick 5-minute walk to the ferry terminal. From Miyajimaguchi Port, the ferry to Miyajima takes around 10 minutes, and from there, you can easily walk to Itsukushima Shrine and other popular spots.
The train ride to Miyajimaguchi station offers beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea, adding to the excitement.This route is especially popular and crowded during peak tourist seasons, so giving yourself extra time for the trip is a good idea. This combination of the JR Sanyo Main Line and the ferry is the most popular way to reach Miyajima.
Another access option is the Hiroden (Hiroshima Electric Railway) streetcar, but the JR Sanyo Main Line is faster and more convenient.
How much is a train from Hiroshima to Miyajima?
The JR Sanyo Main Line fare from Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi is 420 yen one way. It’s affordable, with the 30-minute ride making it a very convenient option for travelers. While Hiroden streetcars are available at a lower cost of around 270 yen, they’re slower, taking about an hour, so they’re less recommended if you’re in a hurry.
How to Get to Miyajima Island from Hiroshima by Ferry
Where does the Miyajima ferry leave from?
There are three main places to catch a ferry to Miyajima in Hiroshima: Miyajimaguchi Port, Peace Memorial Park, and Hiroshima Port.
- At Miyajimaguchi Port, three ferry companies operate: JR Miyajima Ferry, Matsudai Ferry, and Aquanet Hiroshima.
JR Miyajima Ferry and Matsudai Ferry take about 10 minutes to reach Miyajima, while Aquanet Hiroshima is a quick 5-minute ride. Each company has something unique to offer. JR Miyajima Ferry runs many trips daily and takes a route close to the iconic torii gate. If you’d like a close view of the torii gate, try to sit on the right side of the ferry. Matsudai Ferry offers a special ticket that includes the boarding pass, making it a convenient choice for a 10-minute ride. Aquanet Hiroshima is the fastest, reaching Miyajima in just 5 minutes – ideal for those in a hurry. - At Peace Memorial Park, Aquanet Hiroshima also offers a direct service from Peace Memorial Park, which takes about 45 minutes. Recommended for visitors to the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome.
- At Hiroshima Port, Ferries from Hiroshima Port also run to Miyajima, but since getting to Hiroshima Port is less convenient, most visitors prefer Miyajimaguchi Port or Peace Memorial Park. So, we won’t cover Hiroshima Port further in this article.
Hiroshima to Miyajima ferry Schedule
The ferry schedule to Miyajima varies by company, with ferries running every 15-30 minutes most of the day. JR Miyajima Ferry operates from around 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., while Matsudai Ferry runs from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Aquanet Hiroshima from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Keep in mind that schedules can change due to the season or special events, so it’s smart to check the latest timetable online or locally before heading out. During peak tourist seasons like cherry blossom and autumn foliage, ferries can be packed, so try to arrive a bit early. Evening ferries also offer lovely night views.
Last ferry from Miyajima to Hiroshima
The last JR Miyajima Ferry from Miyajima to Hiroshima departs at 10:00 p.m., but this can vary by season or operational conditions. It’s well worth staying until nightfall to see Itsukushima Shrine illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere. Just keep in mind, if you miss the last ferry, you’ll have to wait until morning! So, you should check the ferry schedule in advance to enjoy your island visit with peace of mind.
How much is the ferry to Miyajima?
Ferry fares from Miyajimaguchi Port are budget-friendly. Both JR Miyajima Ferry and Matsudai Ferry charge 200 yen one way and 400 yen round trip, with kids (elementary school students) paying half. These ferries reach Miyajima in 10 minutes. Aquanet Hiroshima is a bit pricier at 400 yen one-way and 800 yen round-trip, with kids also getting a half-price fare, arriving at Miyajima in 5 minutes.
No matter which ferry company you choose, Miyajima is charged a “Visitor tax” of 100 yen per person. You can buy the ferry tickets for Miyajimaguchi Port on-site. Enjoy a bit of sightseeing from the ferry itself, making the ride part of your Miyajima experience.
Can I use a JR Pass from Hiroshima to Miyajima?
Yes, if you have a JR Pass, you can use it to travel from Hiroshima to Miyajima-guchi for free. Start by taking the JR Sanyo Main Line from Hiroshima Station to Miyajima-guchi Station, a 30-minute journey. From there, walk to the nearby ferry terminal, where you can use the JR Miyajima Ferry – also covered by the JR Pass – to reach Miyajima at no extra cost. Note that only the JR Miyajima Ferry accepts the JR Pass, not the Matsudai Ferry. This JR train and ferry combo is the most budget-friendly way to get to Miyajima, so enjoy the savings on your trip!
Can I use Suica for Miyajima ferry?
Yes, you can use Suica or other IC cards like ICOCA, PASMO, or SUGOCA for both the JR Miyajima Ferry and Matsudai Ferry. A total of 11 types of IC cards are accepted, so if you have one, you can skip the ticket line and head straight to the ferry terminal. Just make sure to check your balance and top up if needed. Have a great time on your ferry ride to Miyajima!
Hiroshima Peace Park to Miyajima ferry
For those starting from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the Hiroshima World Heritage Route ferry run by Aquanet Hiroshima is a great option. This high-speed ferry connects the Peace Memorial Park to Miyajima in about 45 minutes. It costs 2,000 yen for adults and 1,000 yen for kids for a one-way trip. Though pricier than the train to Miyajimaguchi, it offers a comfortable and direct route to Miyajima.
To board the boat, look for Motoyasu Bridge on the south side of the Atomic Bomb Dome. Near a café called Caffè Ponte ITALIANO, you’ll see a sign for the ferry. Head down the stairs, and the boarding area is right there. Starting your day with a visit to Peace Park and then cruising to Miyajima makes for a meaningful day of history, nature, and culture.
Advance web reservations for Miyajima Ferry
The three ferry companies JR Miyajima Ferry, Matsudai Ferry, and Aquanet Hiroshima, which operate out of Miyajimaguchi Port, do not accept reservations online in advance. Please purchase tickets on the day of your visit.
Aquanet Hiroshima, which departs from Peace Memorial Park, can be booked online in advance. Aquanet Hiroshima website is in Japanese, but it is a basic form with the number of people, port of departure, desired time, name, contact information, etc. It would be easy to use Google Translate. You can switch the language of the official Aquanet Hiroshima website to English, but the reservation page will be lost, so you can make an advance reservation as long as you keep the Japanese page.
If you don’t book in advance, you can still get a ticket at the dock if seats are available. If you want to board the ferry at your desired time, you can make a reservation in advance the day before at the boat terminal counter. If your itinerary takes you to the Peace Memorial Park the day before boarding the ferry, it is recommended to make a reservation in advance.
You should try to arrive 15 minutes early for a smooth boarding experience. Since this route travels along both river and ocean, check the schedule on the day of travel, as operations may be affected by tides.
Summary of How to Get to Miyajima Island from Hiroshima
Both ferries and trains are easy and convenient ways to reach Miyajima from Hiroshima. This section wraps up the key details covered earlier, so you can plan your trip with confidence. Let’s look over the main points to help make your journey smooth and enjoyable.
- Ferry and Train: Your Best Options from Hiroshima
From Hiroshima Station, the train-to-ferry route is the easiest way to reach Miyajima. For those near Peace Memorial Park, a quick ferry ride is your best bet. Choose whichever option works best for your plans and pace! - JR Pass: Your Budget-Friendly Buddy
If you’re traveling with a JR Pass, good news! It covers the train from Hiroshima to Miyajima-guchi and even the JR Miyajima Ferry to Miyajima. A great way to save while exploring! - Frequent Ferry Departures
Ferries from Miyajima-guchi leave every 15 to 30 minutes, so there’s little waiting. Just give yourself a bit of extra time, especially if you’re on a tight schedule. - Keep an Eye on Travel Costs
Prices vary slightly for each mode of transport. The ferry ride costs about 200 yen, while the train is reasonably priced at 420 yen one way. Be sure to double-check the details to stay within your budget.
Use this guide to plan your ideal route from Hiroshima to Miyajima and enjoy a smooth, memorable trip. Safe travels and have an amazing time!
