Miyajima

Top Things to do

• Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima)

  Hiroshima Pref. Hatsukaichishi Miyajimachou 1-1

  A Shinto shrine located on the island of Itsukushima (Miyajima) in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture famed as one of the three most scenic locations in Japan. The shrine is also registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This grand and majestic shrine is built along the sea shore where the tide ebbs and flows, and the shrine’s giant torii gate standing out in the sea is particularly famous. The shrine is said to have been built in 593, and the current seaside shrine building is said to have been constructed with the aid of Taira no Kiyomori in 1168. 17 of the shrine’s large and small structures are designated Important Cultural Properties or National Treasures, and the shrine’s Hirabutai stage, used for ceremonial dances and other performances, is considered one of the three most beautiful stages in the country. The shrine’s collection of treasures also includes numerous crafts and works of art designated Important Cultural Properties and National Treasures.

• Megahira Hot Spring Ski Resort

  Hiroshima Pref. Hatsukaichishi Yoshiwa 4301

  This ski resort is in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Come enjoy hot springs and skiing and try the 2,300 meter -long downhill course, where you can descend the mountain in one take. From late December to late February you can enjoy All-Night Skiing with slopes open until 4 a.m. And if you get hungry while skiing, there are food options on site.

• Miyajima Public Aquarium

  Hiroshima Pref. Hatsukaichishi Miyajimachou 10-3

  An aquarium located close to Itsukushima Shrine, a World Heritage Site, on the island of Miyajima in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Notable for its Japanese exterior designed to fit in with the surrounding scenery, the aquarium, locally known as “Miyaji Marine,” was remodeled and reopened in 2011. The aquarium exhibits over 13,000 fish and marine mammals spanning 350 species with a focus on the creatures living in the Seto Inland Sea. Some of the aquarium’s most popular exhibits include cute animals such as rare finless porpoises, penguins, Stellar sea lions, and Japanese river otters. Daily sea lion shows are held at the aquarium’s Live Pool.

• Youme Town Hatsukaichi

  Hiroshima Pref. Hatsukaichishi Shimohera 2-2-1

  This shopping mall in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture is managed by IZUMI Co Ltd. which runs a chain of supermarkets and whose headquarters are in Hiroshima City. Along with a vast supermarket 1,200 tsubo (almost 4,000 square meters) in size, there are also fashion stores, general goods stores, and a hobby area, meaning there’s something for every age to enjoy.

• Anagomeshi Ueno

  Hiroshima Pref. Hatsukaichishi Miyajimaguchi 1-5-11

  A long-standing anagomeshi (grilled conger eel over rice) restaurant established in 1901 located a two minute walk from Miyajimaguchi Station. The restaurant’s famed anagomeshi features fresh-grilled conger eel (anago) piled tightly packed on top of a bed of rice cooked with a broth made from conger eel bones. This long-selling favorite was originally created to offer as a bento box lunch sold in front of the nearby train station when the restaurant was founded. The restaurant is also famous for the lines of customers waiting to eat inside that constantly form out its door. Customers eating in can enjoy flavors and dishes differing from those offered for bento box lunches, such as piping hot, fresh-made anagomeshi and shirayaki conger eel grilled without seasoning. Bento box lunches can be reserved. No reservations are accepted for the restaurants sit-down space.

• Mount Misen

  Hiroshima Pref. Hatsukaichishi Miyajimachou

  It is a mountain in the center of Miyajima Town in Hatsukaichi City. It is the highest peak in Itsukushima (Miyajima), and it has been the object of worship for a long time. It is believed that the mountain was first used by Kobo Daishi in 806. Miyama Shrine is near the summit of the mountain, Daisho-in in the foothills, and Itsukushima Shrine at the base. The view from the mountaintop overlooking the opposite shore is famous for having once being praised by Hirofumi Ito. There are several hiking trails where historical sites and cultural properties are scattered, and you can choose a course to suit your physical strength and available time.

• Miyajima Ropeway

  Hiroshima Pref. Hatsukaichishi Miyajimachou In the autumnal park

  A ropeway connecting Shishiiwa Station at the top of the sacred mountain (Mt. Misen) with Momijidani Station at the foot of the mountain, in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Mt. Misen is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Itsukushima Shrine. There are still so many things to see here, such as the untouched natural primeval forest, amazing rock formations, shrines and temples, as well as an observation deck. Passengers can enjoy magnificent views of the natural scenery and deep blue sea down below from inside the gondolas. The journey time takes approximately 14 minutes. The mid-way Kayatani Station is used only for transfers so passengers cannot get off here.

• Roadside Station Spa Rakan

  Hiroshima Pref. Hatsukaichishi Iyama 21-5

  This roadside station is in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture located near Mt. Rakan. Come enjoy shopping at a store that sells locally produced products including vegetables and dining at the laidback cafe and cafeteria. You’ll also find a hot spring facility, making this relaxation spot the perfect place to wash away the fatigue from a drive or the day.

• Momijidani Park

  Hiroshima Pref. Hatsukaichishi Miyajimachou

  This is a park of 700 mainly Japanese maple trees at the foot of the virgin forest of Mt. Misen, Miyajima. The scene of the striking red colors of the trees during mid to late November make this a famous area to view the change of the seasons. The area near the Momiji (maple) Bridge is a popular spot to take photos. Although many visitors come in the autumn season the park is also attractive from spring to the summer with its fresh greenery surrounding the park. It is approximately 20 minutes on foot from Miyajima Pier.