About
Miyajima is a sacred island in the Chugoku Region of Japan, also known by its name written 宮島. It sits in the Seto Inland Sea, and it is best known for Itsukushima Shrine and the torii gate that appears to float on the water at high tide.
What to see
The shrine itself is built out over the sea on stilts, so its wooden halls and walkways seem to rest on the water. The torii gate stands offshore and is one of the most photographed sights in the country. Because the island is considered sacred, the setting feels calm and unhurried, and many visitors come simply to walk the shoreline and take in the view.
The island is also counted among Japan's three most scenic views, a reputation that draws people from across the country and abroad.
What a visit is like
Deer roam freely across Miyajima, wandering through the streets and around the shrine grounds. They are used to people, but it is wise to keep your distance and keep food out of sight.
- Arrive early or stay into the evening if you want to see the gate with fewer crowds.
- Check the tide, since the floating effect of the torii is most striking when the water is high.
- Allow time to wander the quieter lanes and the shoreline, not just the shrine.
Around the island
Miyajima is a short ferry ride from the mainland, which makes it an easy day trip. Its small town has shops and places to eat, and the surrounding bay gives a sense of why the island has long been regarded as special. A slower visit, with time for both the shrine and the open landscape, tends to suit the place best.
