Miyajima

Itsukushima Gate - The floating torii gate

Miyajima (宮島) is one of the crown jewels of Japan, and certainly one of Japan's Top 3|its finest views. Located off the coast of Hiroshima and the serene beauty of the island is an crucial coda to that city.

Miyajima Halal Explorer

Miyajima has been considered a holy place for most of Japanese history. In 806 AD and the monk Kōbō Daishi ascended Mt. Misen and established the mountain as an ascetic site for the Shingon sect of Buddhism. In the years since and the island's Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines have maintained a close relationship.

In the past, women were not allowed on the island and old people were shipped elsewhere to die, so that the ritual purity of the site would not be spoiled; in fact and the island's real name is Itsukushima (厳島, Solemn/Strict Island), and Miyajima is just a popular nickname meaning "Shrine Island".

These days, strict measures are taken to ensure that the island's sole town retains a classically Japanese Edo-era look. Deer wander freely through the streets and parks. There are still a few bits of concrete warren that have snuck in, but the seafront promenade is particularly attractive, especially later in the day when the rampaging tour groups head home and the stone lanterns are lit.

• Miyajima Tourist Association - 1162-18 Miyajima-cho in the ferry building ☎ +81 829-44-2011

Travel to Miyajima

Miyajima_and_coast - Miyajima and the coastline Miyajima - 600px|Miyajima - Itsukushima area

Miyajima can be visited by sea from Hiroshima. The main ferry terminal on the mainland is Miyajimaguchi (宮島口), which can be visited from JR Hiroshima station either by train (¥600, 25 minutes, or ¥770 for a combination ticket with the ferry) or tram line #2 (¥270, 70 minutes). The tram line also passes by the Peace Memorial Park.

From Miyajimaguchi, JR ferries and Matsudai ferries run to Miyajima up to 10 times per hour. The trip takes 10 minutes and costs ¥280 each way; Japan Railway Pass holders can use the JR ferry for free. The last ferry returns to the mainland at 10:40PM. Most tour groups are gone after 5PM, so you'll have a different experience on the island if you wait them out.

There are also direct ferry connections from the Motoyasubashi Pier of the Hiroshima Peace Park, run by Aqua Net, with departures once per hour between 8:50AM and 6:50PM (returns between 9AM and 5:05PM). The boat is confining with small windows, which can, at times, get rather rough. Passengers are not allowed outside of the boat interior. It takes about 50 minutes and while it provides easy access from Peace Park to the pier, it provides little scenic access due to window size. They charge a steep ¥2900 one-way, ¥2500 return (half-price for children). Direct connections are also available from Ujina Port in Hiroshima, allowing connections with Matsuyama.

There is another ferry which can be caught from Hiroshima port, stopping at the Rprince Hotel. It is more expensive than the other ferries, costing ¥7100 for a return journey, but it does take a slightly more scenic route.

No bridges connect Miyajima to the mainland. Some ferries will carry automobiles and motorcycles, but parking on the island is expensive and difficult to find, unless arranged in advance with a hotel on the island, and most of the sights can't be reached by car. Quite a few of the hotels are willing to pick guests up from the pier with advance notice, though.

How to get around in Miyajima

Miyajima is small enough to cover by foot, and there are English-language signs throughout the island. Taxis can be taken from the pier to the hotels and residential areas, but not the tourist sights.

The Miyajima free pass (¥2000) includes unlimited travel on the Mt. Misen ropeway and the ferry, and Hiroshima street cars for two days, so it is a good deal even if you only plan on taking the ferry and the ropeway (ropeway = ¥2800, ferry roughly ¥250 each way). It's available from the Hiroshima tourist office, and also from the conductors on the trams (recommended as it will save you time).

What to see in Miyajima

Itsukshima Shrine - |The orange pathways on stilts of Itsukushima Shrine

Standing in the bay in front of the shrine and the floating torii is the "gate" to Itsukushima. Whether the gate is "floating" or merely mired in mud depends on the tide. The Hiroshima tourist information office will be able to tell you the approximate time of the high tide (or you can check here]), which is the best time to see the torii. If you spend a full day on the island, though, you should have the chance to see it both ways.

• Itsukushima Shrine - 厳島神社 - 34.29583, 132.31972 Opening Hours: March - Oct 6:30AM Monday - 6PM, Nov 6:30AM Monday - 5:30PM, Dec 6:30AM Monday - 5PM, January - Feb 6:30AM Monday - 5:30PM ¥300 for temple entry, ¥500 for entry plus Treasure Hall

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Itsukushima is a large, red-lacquered complex of halls and pathways on stilts. It was built this way so that commoners could visit without defiling the island with their footprints. Weddings are occasionally held at the shrine, but that doesn't bar visitors, and the priest's ceremonial dance is a memorable sight.

• Senjokaku - 千畳閣 - 34.297333, 132.32025 ¥200 - The name means "1000 Mat Pavilion", a fairly apt description of this gigantic wooden hall which doesn't actually contain much other than empty space. It was started by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1587, but left incomplete after his death. There's also a picturesque 5-story pagoda (五重塔 Gojuto) next door, and plenty of cherry trees if you are visiting in sakura season.

Daisho-in - Daisho-in

• Daisho-in - 大聖院 - 34.29195, 132.318475 ☎ +81 829-44-0111 Free - Because it's nestled into the hills, this Buddhist temple is easily missed by tourists, but it features a number of interesting sights and a welcome respite from the crowds. Look for the Dai-hannyakyo Sutra (大般若経) and the golden prayer wheels that are said to bring enormous fortune to anyone who touches them, and the Henjokutsu Cave (遍照窟), a fascinating and eerie collection of Buddhist icons related to the 88 Temple Pilgrimage in Shikoku.

• Miyajima Public Aquarium - 宮島水族館 - 10-3 Miyajima-cho 34.295392, 132.315356 ☎ +81 829-44-2010 Opening Hours: 8:30AM Monday - 5PM daily ¥1050 A collection of more than 350 sea creatures and daily animal events such as seal shows and penguin marches. It's worth a stop if you have restless kids in tow — about a 20-minutes walk from the pier.

• Museum of History and Folklore - 宮島歴史民俗資料館 - 57 Miyajima-cho ☎ +81 829-44-2019 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 8:30AM Monday - 5PM ¥300 (¥170/150 for children)

A small, charming collection of folk crafts and pieces of Miyajima history, many donated by local residents. The main building was built as the residence of a soy Sauce mogul about 170 years ago, and has a traditional garden out back.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Miyajima

Sneaky_deer - Out for a hike on Mt. Misen

• Mt. Misen - 弥山 - 34.2825, 132.315556 530 meters - If you have energy to spare, Mt. Misen offers gorgeous views of the island and sea. The hike takes about an hour, depending on rest stops along the way. Look for the signs for the ropeway, and when you reach it, just keep going. There is a less used, slightly more strenuous (and more rewarding) route called the Omoto Pass that begins in the mossy park near the aquarium. Those with less energy (or inclination) can cheat and take the ropeway to an observatory near the top and hike from there (¥1000 one way, ¥1800 round trip). The ropeway closes at 5PM (last vehicle down 5:30PM). It is a 30-minutes walk from the end of the ropeway to Mt Misen, you have to climb about 150 height meters after going down the first ten minutes.

• Momijidani Park - 紅葉谷公園 - The ropeway station is in the middle of Momijidani Park, but the park is worth a stroll even if you're not headed up. Known for its autumn colors and there are quite a few quiet little temples to explore along the way, and many of the island's hotels are tucked away here.

• Making Momiji Manju - Inside the Shishiiwa Station of the ropeway, on the second floor and there is a chance to make your own momiji manju, a fun way to end the ropeway trip. The price is ¥700 per person, but if you are a couple they will give you a slight discount of ¥700. It takes about 20 minutes to make the momiji manju, and the workshop starts every 30 minutes from 10AM until 3:30PM with a 1½-hour break from noon until 1:30PM. You need to register first, but that's easy to do. Just go to the coffee area near the vending machine and ask to put your name down and pay. Although it may sound a little cheesy and the results are delicious and by far the most enjoyable and affordable snack to be found before heading back down the ropeway.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Miyajima

Miyajima_Spatula_Giant - |The World's Largest Spatula Miyajima_shopping_street - The main shopping street between the ferry terminal and Itsukushima

Oddly enough, Miyajima is well-known for its rice scoops (杓子 shakushi), spatula-esque wooden spoons used to serve cooked Rice. You can even gaze upon the World's Largest Spatula (well over 5 meters long), showcased along Omotesando and the main shopping street.

The sheer number of souvenir shops is mind-boggling. For the most part and they all sell the same things for the same prices — Rice scoops, miniature floating toriis, and souvenir boxes of sweets are by far the most common items. (Even Hello Kitty has her own Miyajima-themed shop on Omotesando.) However and the path between the port from Momijidani Park has a few statuaries and art dealers with impressive wares and similarly impressive prices.

Another local treat is deer shit (鹿の糞). Not the real thing, mind you; it's just a crunchy Chocolates in the shape of droppings. It's delicious and will surely take center stage when Grandma asks your kids what they did in Japan.

Halal Food & Restaurants in Miyajima

There are many small restaurants and vendors in the shopping streets near the shrine. As a rule of thumb, anything out by the seafront in the restored classical houses will be expensive, while the simpler eateries in the streets will be cheaper. Refreshments are also available atop Mt. Misen, with the usual top-of-a-mountain extra charge. Most public restaurants close around 17:00, so travellers staying overnight should plan to have dinner at their hotels or stock up on Snacks. Most hotels also have lounges with drinks available.

If you don't eat seafood, be sure to notify your hotel well in advance, as that's almost certainly on the menu. Oysters are a popular dish, though availability may be seasonal.

• Momiji manjū (もみじ饅頭) are small cakes made in the shape of a maple leaf. Traditionally and they're made with sweet bean paste, but Cheese, Chocolates and other variations are also available. Keep an eye out for shop windows on Omotesando where you can see them being made — most will be open roughly 09:00-18:00. Boxes of momiji manjū are on sale throughout Hiroshima prefecture, but Miyajima is the best place to buy them hot and fresh. A few shops will serve you tea and a sampling while you decide which kind suits you best. One piece costs about ¥80, be sure to compare prices for different packagings, as some shops have higher prices for larger packages. You can even purchase Hello Kitty momiji manju.
• Age momiji (揚げもみじ饅頭) are fried momiji manju. They have a crispy surface, but inside the cake is very soft and sweet. They are only sold on Miyajima (try koyodou 紅葉堂 on Omotesando). A single piece costs about ¥230. But take care not to be robbed of your purchase by deer — they are attracted by the sweet smell.
• Miyajima Cola is made at the Miyajima Brewery on the island. You'll find cans of the with a deer on it, at various stalls throughout the island. There is also a organic juice garden off the main shopping street where you can sample the breweries various soft drinks while gazing out onto the water.
• Bento can be purchased from the mainland or on Miyajima. Then walk up the hill past the ropeway for 5 minutes as if you are going to climb up to Mt. Misen. There you will find picnic tables from which you can enjoy your meal next to the river.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Miyajima

Miyajima - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Miyajima, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Miyajima. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Miyajima and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Miyajima. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Miyajima. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inMiyajima: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Miyajima.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Miyajima: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Miyajima, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Miyajima.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Miyajima, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Miyajima, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Miyajima and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Miyajima, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Miyajima, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Miyajima without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Miyajima is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Miyajima.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Miyajima is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Miyajima, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Miyajima Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Accommodation on Miyajima is uniformly expensive, and most people on a budget choose to day-trip from Hiroshima instead. But if you can swing it, a night here is definitely worthwhile, as the island is much nicer without the flag-waving, megaphone-equipped tour groups that descend during the day. But, do note, Miyajima can get rather sleepy in the evening hours, so those looking for a relaxing evening, this is a great place for it.

• Backpackers Miyajima - バックパッカーズ宮島 - @miyajima.com 1-8-11 Miyajima-guchi, Hatsukaichi-shi 34.31022, 132.30463 from the station, walk to the ferry terminal and then take a right; follow the road past the waterwheel ☎ +81 829-56-3650 - Rates from ¥2300 per day A hostel in Miyajima-guchi, which is on the mainland (close to the ferry terminal). The English-speaking staff hold BBQ, camping dinner parties. Free wifi, shared bathrooms, kitchen, and paid laundry is available.

• Miyajima Tsutsumigaura Camp-jo - 宮島包ヶ浦キャンプ場 - Tsutsumigaura, Miyajima-cho 34.29109, 132.34167 a bus travels from Miyajima Pier to the campground, 10 minutes ride,; from morning until 18:00 which costs ¥700 ☎ +81 829-44-2903 - ¥300 per person; tent rental additional A nice campsite at the Tsutsumigaura Beach, about 4 kilometers from the port. Cabins and outdoor grills are available as well. There are clean toilets, but no shower: you have to use the bath-house a little way up at the bungalows, for an extra ¥700, and it closes around 8PM. The local deer walk freely around the campgrounds, so don't leave food unattended in the tent while you're away!

• Kikugawa Guest House - 796 Miyajima-cho 34.30034, 132.32325 From the ferry terminal, go straight and through the tunnel. At the end, turn right and you will see "Guest House Kikugawa". 3-minutes walk. ☎ +81 829-44-0039¥7000-20,800 for western style room; ¥24,600-32,000 for Japanese style rooms; children extra. Additional extra charges include meals and peak season lodging Check-in: 15:00 / Check-out: 11:00

An older building with eight Western and Japanese-style rooms and private baths. A restaurant is on site, providing Setouchi dinner, which mixes Japanese and European traditions. English spoken, parking available. Credit cards accepted.

• Kokuminshukusha Mori-no-Yado - 国民宿舎 杜の宿 - 796 Miyajima-cho 34.29561, 132.31526 about a 25-minutes walk or 10-minutes cab ride, next to Miyajima Marine Plaza ☎ +81 829-44-0430 Weekdays and low season: ¥20,000-12,000; high season: ¥20,290-12,600. Both rates require additional charges for children and do include dinner Check-in: 16:00 / Check-out: 10:00 - Provides Japanese and Western style rooms with private toilets and shared baths. More western style feel overall, a restaurant is on site providing Japanese food, a public bath, gift shop, and conference center. It's run by the government and hence a little more affordable than the competition.

• Hotel New Kotobuki - 515 Miyajima-cho Five minutes walk from Miyajima Pier. ☎ +81 829-44-2526¥6,000-8,000; food and children are additional, holidays also involve additional charge Check-in: 16:00 / Check-out: 10:00

A very casual Japanese-style inn with shared showers and some private bathrooms. A hostel experience more than a ryokan/Japanese formal inn experience. A restaurant is on site, serving Japanese dinner and breakfast. No credit cards accepted.

• Mikarikyu - 849 Miyajima-cho ☎ +81 829-44-2111 Rooms from ¥23,950 per person (meals included) A large, mostly Japanese-style hotel, but a few comparatively dingy Asian-style rooms are available. Rooms have private baths, but two impressive public baths with views alternate between genders from AM to PM.

• Momiji-so - Momijidani Park ☎ +81 829-44-0077¥8400 per person — ¥20,500 with breakfast, ¥26,800 with dinner Five Japanese-style rooms with only basic amenities but lovely forest views and a restaurant with nice outdoor seating.

• Ryoso Kawaguchi - 旅荘かわぐち - 469 Miyajima-cho ☎ +81 829-44-0018 Rooms ¥7350 single, ¥12,600 double, ¥18,900 triple, with reduced rates for children About ten minutes from the pier. Rooms are Japanese style, with two common baths and a third floor lounge. Japanese or Asian-style dinner and breakfast are available for an extra charge.

• Iwaso - 岩惣 - 345-1 Miyajima-cho Momijidani Park ☎ +81 829-44-2233 Rooms (with two meals) in the comparatively characterless new wing start at ¥19,000 per head and climb to a very steep ¥40,000 per head for the old wing An old-school Japanese ryokan dating back to 1854, and probably the best digs on the island. Pick-up available from the pier if you call ahead.

• Jukeiso - 50 Miyajima-cho ☎ +81 829-44-0300 Rooms from ¥8,000 for one person to ¥48,000 for a large group room Very much a luxury stopover, but well worth the cost. Includes choice of Japanese or European dinner and a Japanese breakfast. Good views over the shrine and torii from the tatami rooms and their restaurant/lounge.

• Kinsui Villa - 1133 Miyajima-cho ☎ +81 829-44-2131 - Rooms ¥19,500/22,000 off/on-season Japanese-style rooms with themes based on the view or the decor (such as The Cat and The Owl); Asian-style rooms available for single travelers. The landlord takes particular pride in his thermal spas (Muslim Friendly).

• Kinsui Villa Annex - 1165 Miyajima-cho ☎ +81 829-44-2191 - Rooms ¥10,500/13,000 off/on-season Japanese-style rooms, including ones for single travelers, and a spa with a view. They offer healthy meals that are designed for "light-hearted couples" and "happy ladies" (so be prepared to choose appropriately).

• Miyajima Grand Arimoto - 364 Minami-machi, Miyajima-cho ☎ +81 829-44-2411 Rooms from ¥15,750 per person Sleek hotel offering Japanese and Asian-style rooms. Meals are included in room rate — with cheaper meals for cheaper rooms — though upgrades are available for an extra charge.

• Watanabe Inn - 215-1 Takimachi, Miyajima-cho ☎ +81 829-44-0234 Rooms from ¥15,750 per person (meals included) A small inn close to Daisho-in, a nice spot as long as you don't mind a walk (about twenty minutes from the pier). Each room has a private bath made of Japanese cypress wood. The restaurant is particularly well regarded.

Stay Safe

Torii at low tide. Miyajima - Torii at low tide

Tame deer amble around the island, harassing tourists for food. While somewhat more restrained than their counterparts in Nara and they're still eager for a hand-out. In the past, waffle-like wafers and pellets could be bought to feed them. However, a feeding ban is in place, which has led to declining numbers — and increased boldness among the remaining deer, who are willing to root in around bags or backpacks for food (even while said bags are being worn). Further up on Mt. Misen and there are a few deer who have not had their (sharp) antlers removed, so take care if you see one.

A colony of monkeys live on Mt. Misen. There is a clearly (and hilariously) marked viewing point outside the ropeway station at the peak, but the monkeys are usually elsewhere. When they are hanging around by the station, standard monkey rules apply: don't stare, don't leave food around, and don't make sudden movements toward them. They're fairly accustomed to humans wandering around in their domain, though, and aren't likely to take much interest in you, unless you have food in your hands.

While people of most ages and fitness levels can handle the hike to Mt. Misen, it's also not a minor exertion, and there are no guide stations along the way.

If wandering the momiji trail, where the path splits a short way below the lower ropeway station, be mindful not to stray onto private property. However, feel free to go up the stairs and take a picture of the beautiful view. The owner of the restaurant claims that he owns the land on top of that hill, but that is not true. Do not hesitate to refuse his offer for an expensive drink.

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