Miyajima, home to the UNESCO World Heritage site Itsukushima Shrine, is not connected to the mainland by a bridge, so getting there means taking a boat. There are two main routes: a short ferry ride from Miyajimaguchi on the opposite shore, or a direct high-speed boat from Hiroshima Port in the city center.
This guide covers both routes, plus exactly how to board the ferry depending on how you’re paying.
From Miyajimaguchi to Miyajima (Ferry)
Two companies operate the ferry between Miyajimaguchi Pier and Miyajima Pier.
| Company | Notes |
|---|---|
| JR West Miyajima Ferry | Connects directly to JR Miyajimaguchi Station. Runs the “Great Torii Route,” which passes close to the floating torii gate (roughly 9:10 AM–4:10 PM) |
| Miyajima Matsudai Kisen | A short walk from Hiroden’s Miyajimaguchi tram stop. Takes a more direct course, so it arrives slightly faster |
Both companies take about 10 minutes and charge the same fare: ¥200 one way for adults (¥100 for children). Combined, the two companies run roughly 8 sailings an hour, so waiting times are short.
- JR West Miyajima Ferry timetable: https://www.jr-miyajimaferry.co.jp/
- Miyajima Matsudai Kisen timetable: https://miyajima-matsudai.co.jp/
If You Have an IC Card
With a nationwide transit IC card such as ICOCA or Suica, simply tap it at the automatic ticket gate at the pier. The fare and the Miyajima visitor tax (see below) are deducted automatically, so there’s no need to buy a paper ticket.
If You Don’t Have an IC Card
If paying with cash, buy both a boarding ticket and a Miyajima visitor tax ticket from the vending machine at the pier, then pass through the gate with both.
If You’re Using a Rail or Bus Pass (e.g., the Miyajima-Setouchi tabiwa Gururin Pass)
If you’re using a flat-rate pass that already includes the ferry fare — such as the Miyajima Mankitsu Pass or the Miyajima-Setouchi tabiwa Gururin Pass — you can’t use the automatic gate. Instead, buy only the ¥100 Miyajima visitor tax ticket from the vending machine, then show both your pass and the tax ticket to the staff at the manned gate to be let through.
About the Miyajima visitor tax: Since October 2023, visitors to Miyajima have been charged a ¥100 tax (¥50 for children). If you tap an IC card, this is deducted automatically along with the fare; if you’re paying cash or using a flat-rate pass, you’ll need a separate visitor tax ticket.
From Hiroshima Port to Miyajima (High-Speed Boat)
If you’d rather travel straight from central Hiroshima without stopping at Miyajimaguchi, the Setonaikai high-speed boat service (Setouchi Sealine) runs directly from Hiroshima Port (Ujina Port) to Miyajima.
- Travel time: About 30 minutes
- Fare: Roughly ¥2,200 one way to Miyajima (visitor tax included)
- Stop: Also calls at the Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima pier
- Timetable: https://setonaikaikisen.co.jp/sealine/
This route costs more than going via Miyajimaguchi, but it’s a single, transfer-free boat ride straight to Miyajima Pier, with scenic views across the Seto Inland Sea along the way. There’s also a “Hiroshima World Heritage Route” boat that departs near the Atomic Bomb Dome, letting you combine a visit to Peace Memorial Park with your trip to Miyajima.
Comparing the Two Routes
| Route | Travel time | Approximate fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry via Miyajimaguchi | About 10 min | ¥200 one way + ¥100 visitor tax | Cheaper, more frequent sailings; typically combined with JR or tram travel |
| High-speed boat from Hiroshima Port | About 30 min | About ¥2,200 (tax included) | No transfers needed; direct from central Hiroshima |
If you’re prioritizing speed and cost, go via Miyajimaguchi. If you’d rather skip transfers or enjoy a scenic boat ride, the direct route from Hiroshima Port is a good choice.
A Firsthand Take on Both Routes
Having actually used both routes, here’s what worked well: take the ferry from Miyajimaguchi on the way there, and if your next stop after Miyajima is central Hiroshima, cross back via the Setouchi Sealine high-speed boat from Miyajima Port to Hiroshima Port.
If you’re starting from Hiroshima Station, heading straight to Miyajima via Hiroshima Port is also an option, but it doesn’t work out cheaper once you add up the total cost. So the combination that works best is: take JR or the tram to Miyajimaguchi and cross by ferry on the way there, then use the Setouchi Sealine when you move on to central Hiroshima afterward.
That said, the Setouchi Sealine is pricier when bought on its own, so for this combination it’s worth using the “Miyajima-Setouchi tabiwa Gururin Pass.” That pass includes both the JR West Miyajima Ferry fare between Miyajimaguchi and Miyajima and one one-way use of the Setouchi Sealine between Miyajima Port and Hiroshima Port, making it cheaper than buying each ticket separately.
FAQ
Which ferry company should I choose from Miyajimaguchi?
Fares and travel times are nearly identical. Choose JR West Miyajima Ferry if you want to pass close to the floating torii gate, or Miyajima Matsudai Kisen if you’re arriving via Hiroden’s Miyajimaguchi tram stop.
What if I don’t have an IC card?
Buy both a boarding ticket and a Miyajima visitor tax ticket from the vending machine at the pier before going through the gate.
How do I board the ferry with a rail pass like the Gururin Pass?
You can’t use the automatic gate. Buy only the ¥100 visitor tax ticket from the vending machine, then show it along with your pass to the staff at the manned gate.
Can I get to Miyajima from Hiroshima Port too?
Yes. The Setonaikai high-speed boat runs from Hiroshima Port (Ujina Port) to Miyajima Pier in about 30 minutes, with no transfers required.
Can I use a different route on the way there and back?
Yes. A common combination is taking the ferry from Miyajimaguchi on the way there, then returning via the Setouchi Sealine from Miyajima Port to Hiroshima Port if your next stop is central Hiroshima. For this combination, the “Miyajima-Setouchi tabiwa Gururin Pass” is worth using, since it includes both the Miyajimaguchi–Miyajima ferry fare and one one-way use of the Setouchi Sealine.
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