Complete Guide to JR Miyajima Ferry
What is JR Miyajima Ferry?
The JR Miyajima Ferry is a maritime transportation service connecting Miyajimaguchi in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, and Miyajima, a World Heritage site. Operated by the JR West Group, it serves as an important mode of transport for visitors to Itsukushima Shrine and tourists, and is used by many people throughout the year.
Itsukushima Shrine, known for its vermilion torii gate floating on the sea, is a scenic spot counted as one of Japan’s three most beautiful views. The views from the ferry are also a highlight.
Operation Information and Access
Fares and Travel Time
- One-way fare: Adult 200 yen, Child 100 yen
- Travel time: Approximately 10 minutes
- Operating interval: Every 15-20 minutes (varies depending on the time of day)
- First and last departures: First departure around 6:00 AM, last departure around 10:00 PM (varies depending on the season)
Access to Miyajimaguchi
By Train
- Get off at JR Sanyo Main Line “Miyajimaguchi Station,” approximately 5 minutes on foot
- Approximately 25 minutes from Hiroshima Station, approximately 30 minutes from Iwakuni Station
- Get off at Hiroden Miyajima Line “Hiroden Miyajimaguchi Station,” approximately 1 minute on foot
By Car
- Approximately 10 minutes from Sanyo Expressway “Hatsukaichi IC”
- Paid parking available around Miyajimaguchi (around 1,000 yen per day)
The allure of the route that brings you closest to the Great Torii Gate
The most distinctive feature of JR Miyajima Ferry is the existence of Great Torii Gate approaching services. These services take a route closer to the Great Torii Gate than the regular routes, allowing you to view the vermilion gate up close from the sea.
- Several ferry services operate daily (check the timetable).
- Photography is permitted from the deck.
- At high tide, the torii gate appears to float on the sea; at low tide, the sandy beach leading to the torii gate is visible.
Points to Note When Visiting Itsukushima Shrine
Best Time to Visit
High Tide (Recommended)
- Enjoy the fantastical sight of the large torii gate floating on the sea.
- The shrine buildings appear to float on the sea.
- A tide level of 250cm or higher is ideal.
Low Tide
- You can walk closer to the large torii gate (tide level below 100cm).
- You can touch the pillars of the torii gate.
- Commemorative photos on the sandy beach are popular.
Tide tables can be found on the Itsukushima Shrine official website and the tourist association website.
Estimated Time Required for Visiting the Shrine
- Itsukushima Shrine Only: Approximately 1 hour
- Miyajima Island as a whole (without climbing Mt. Misen): Approximately 3-4 hours
- Including Mt. Misen climb: Approximately 5-6 hours
Highlights
- Great Torii Gate: 16m high, weighing approximately 60 tons, made of cypress wood
- Main Hall and Worship Hall: Elegant shrine buildings in the Shinden-zukuri style
- Noh Stage: A nationally important cultural property floating on the sea
- Five-Storied Pagoda: A 27m high pagoda with striking vermilion color
- Mt. Misen: 535m above sea level, accessible by ropeway
Benefits and Faith
Main Benefits
Itsukushima Shrine enshrines Ichikishima-hime no Mikoto as its main deity and is believed to offer the following benefits.
- Traffic Safety and Maritime Safety: Worshipped as the guardian deity of the sea since ancient times.
- Business Prosperity: Identified with Benzaiten, believed to improve financial fortune.
- Prayer for Victory: Worshipped by Taira no Kiyomori, who visited before the Genpei War.
- Improvement in Performing Arts: As an incarnation of Benzaiten, the god of performing arts.
- Matchmaking: Worshipped as the goddess of beauty.
How to Visit
- Worship the Great Torii Gate from the sea or land.
- Purify your body and mind at the water basin.
- Bow twice, clap twice, and bow once at the main hall.
- Obtain a Goshuin (temple/shrine stamp) at the shrine office (300 yen).
Surrounding Facilities and Tourist Information
Around Miyajima Pier
- Omotesando Shopping Street: Lined with famous shops selling Momiji Manju (maple leaf-shaped steamed buns) and oyster dishes.
- Miyajima Aquarium (Miyajima Marine): Exhibits marine life from the Seto Inland Sea.
- Momijidani Park: A famous spot for autumn foliage, with approximately 700 maple trees.
Local Specialties
- Grilled Oysters: A Miyajima specialty, from 200 yen per oyster.
- Anago Rice: Exquisite, plump conger eel.
- Momiji Manju (Maple Leaf Buns): Various flavors including red bean paste and cream.
Notes on Use
- Peak Season: Extremely crowded during Golden Week, autumn foliage season (November), and New Year’s.
- Travel Time: During peak times, boarding may take 30 minutes or more.
- Refunds: Full refund in case of cancellation due to bad weather.
- Pets: Allowed on board if in a cage.
- Bicycles: Allowed (free of charge).
Summary
The JR Miyajima Ferry is the most convenient way to access the World Heritage site, Itsukushima Shrine. Using the ferry that approaches the Great Torii gate allows you to enjoy spectacular views from the sea. Itsukushima Shrine, whose appearance changes with the ebb and flow of the tides, offers new discoveries with every visit. Be sure to visit and pray for various blessings, including traffic safety, business prosperity, and matchmaking.
