How to Get to Miyajima: Complete Train and Ferry Guide

Published: 2026-10-13 / Updated: 2026-10-13 ・ 6 min read

To get to Miyajima (宮島), take a train to Miyajimaguchi Station (宮島口駅) and board a 10-minute ferry across the Seto Inland Sea to the island's port. From central Hiroshima Station (広島駅), the entire journey takes roughly 45 to 60 minutes using the local train and connecting ferry.

Miyajima—officially known as Itsukushima (厳島)—is famous for the "floating" red torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社), friendly wild deer, and the forested slopes of Mount Misen (弥山). Because vehicles are restricted for casual tourists, nearly every visitor arrives by boat. Navigating the transfers is straightforward once you know which rail lines, ferry piers, and ticketing systems to use.

The Core Route: From Hiroshima Station to Miyajima

Every major land route from Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka passes through Hiroshima Station before continuing to the island. Once you arrive at Hiroshima Station, you have two primary transit choices to reach the ferry docks at Miyajimaguchi.

Option 1: JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi (Recommended)

Taking the local JR train is the fastest, simplest method for most independent travelers:

1. At Hiroshima Station, head to the local train platforms and board the JR Sanyo Line (山陽本線) bound for Iwakuni (岩国) or Miyajimaguchi.
2. Ride the train for roughly 25 to 30 minutes to JR Miyajimaguchi Station (宮島口駅).
3. Exit the station through the main ticket barriers.
4. Walk straight down the underground pedestrian walkway and follow the clear English signs toward the ferry terminal (approximately 3 to 5 minutes on foot).

This route is fully covered by nationwide and regional rail passes offered by JR West.

Option 2: Hiroden Streetcar (Scenic, Slower)

If you are staying near central Hiroshima landmarks like the Atomic Bomb Dome (原爆ドーム) or Hatchobori (八丁堀), you can take the local tram:

1. Board Hiroden Streetcar Line 2 (Hiroshima Electric Railway / 広島電鉄) heading toward Hiroden-Miyajimaguchi (広電宮島口).
2. Ride the tram to its final stop at Hiroden-Miyajimaguchi Station. The ride takes around 55 to 70 minutes from central Hiroshima.
3. The tram terminal sits directly beside the ferry pier, saving you the short walk required from the JR train station.

This tram route is slower than the JR train, but it requires no station transfers if you are boarding near the Peace Park or city center shopping districts.

Boarding the Ferry at Miyajimaguchi

At the Miyajimaguchi waterfront, two separate companies operate passenger ferries side by side. Both take roughly 10 minutes to cross the water, run departures every 10 to 15 minutes for most of the day, and arrive at adjacent piers on Miyajima.

JR West Miyajima Ferry (JR西日本宮島フェリー)

The JR West ferry is the top choice for travelers holding a Japan Rail Pass or a regional JR West rail pass. Boats departing from Miyajimaguchi between roughly 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM steer a slightly wider route that passes close to the floating torii gate, providing excellent photo angles from the upper deck.

Matsudai Kisen Ferry (宮島松大汽船)

Matsudai Kisen operates right next door to the JR ferry. It runs a direct, straight-line service across the channel. This boat is an excellent option if you are paying standard fares with a prepaid IC card (such as Suica, Pasmo, or Icoca) or if you purchase a Hiroden streetcar-and-ferry combo ticket.

The Miyajima Visitor Tax

The local government levies a small visitor tax (Miyajima Visitor Tax / 宮島訪問税) of roughly 100 yen per person.

• If you buy an individual paper ferry ticket at the vending machine, this fee is automatically added to the fare.
• If you tap an IC card at the gate, the fee is deducted upon entry.
• If you hold an active JR Pass, you must buy a separate 100-yen tax ticket at a dedicated ticket machine before boarding the JR ferry, or have the gate staff process it. Always carry some cash coins for this purpose.

Alternative: Direct Boat from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

If you prefer not to take the train out to Miyajimaguchi, you can board a direct high-speed river boat operated by Aqua Net Hiroshima (広島世界遺産航路).

• Departure Point: Motoyasu Pier (元安桟橋), situated right beside the Peace Memorial Park along the river.
• Travel Time: Roughly 45 minutes direct to Miyajima Pier.
• Coverage: This is a private boat route; JR passes and standard day passes do not cover it.
• Advance Planning: River tides and bad weather can cause temporary schedule changes or service suspensions. Check local conditions on the day of travel, and consider booking your return ticket in advance during peak spring and autumn foliage periods.

Day Trips from Osaka and Kyoto: Step-by-Step

Miyajima is an easy day trip from Kansai if you make an early start. Both Osaka and Kyoto connect seamlessly to Hiroshima via the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen bullet train line.

From Shin-Osaka Station (新大阪駅)

1. Board the Sanyo Shinkansen (Nozomi, Mizuho, or Sakura train) from Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima Station. Travel time is around 80 to 90 minutes.
2. At Hiroshima Station, transfer to the JR Sanyo Line heading west.
3. Ride 30 minutes to JR Miyajimaguchi Station.
4. Walk to the ferry dock (5 minutes) and ride the JR ferry (10 minutes).

• Total transit time: Approximately 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes each way.

From Kyoto Station (京都駅)

1. Board a direct Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen from Kyoto to Hiroshima Station. The bullet train ride takes roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes.
2. At Hiroshima Station, switch to the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi (roughly 30 minutes).
3. Walk to the ferry dock and board the boat across to the island (10 to 15 minutes).

• Total transit time: Approximately 2.5 hours each way.

For wider regional rail information and nationwide travel networks, consult the Japan National Tourism Organization.

Essential Transit Advice for First-Time Visitors

• Mind the Tide Times: The famous Itsukushima Shrine torii gate sits in tidal flats. At high tide, water surrounds the base, creating the famous "floating" look. At low tide, the water recedes completely, allowing visitors to walk across the sand right up to the pillars. Check local tidal charts before boarding the ferry to coordinate your sightseeing.
• Keep Paper Receipts and Coins Ready: While IC cards work at Miyajimaguchi ferry turnstiles, ticket machines for the visitor tax or luggage lockers may require Japanese 100-yen coins or 1,000-yen bills.
• Manage Luggage at Hiroshima Station: Miyajima’s streets are pedestrian-only, uneven, and home to inquisitive wild deer that nibble on paper and bags. Avoid dragging large suitcases onto the ferry. Use coin lockers or luggage storage services inside Hiroshima Station or at Miyajimaguchi before crossing the bay.
• Watch the Evening Ferry Schedules: Ferries run frequently throughout the day, but departures taper off later in the evening. If you stay on the island for dinner or an evening walk along the illuminated waterfront, take note of the final return sailing time to avoid getting stranded.

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FAQ

Q. Does the Japan Rail Pass cover the ferry to Miyajima?

A. Yes, the JR West ferry is covered by the nationwide Japan Rail Pass and regional JR West passes, though visitors must pay a separate Miyajima visitor tax of around 100 yen per person.

Q. Can you take a direct boat from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to Miyajima?

A. Yes, high-speed aqua net boats connect the Peace Memorial Park directly to Miyajima in roughly 45 minutes, though this private route is not covered by JR rail passes.

Q. What is the fastest way to reach Miyajima from Osaka or Kyoto?

A. Take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to Hiroshima Station, switch to the local JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station, and board the short 10-minute ferry.