Miyajima Sightseeing Cruise Complete Guide | A Special Experience Viewing the Great Torii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine from the Sea
The Miyajima Sightseeing Cruise is a sightseeing boat operating in Miyajima, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. This approximately 20-minute boat trip, offering a close-up view of the World Heritage Site, the Great Torii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine, is a special experience that cannot be enjoyed from land, and is popular with many worshippers and tourists.
What is the Miyajima Sightseeing Cruise?
Basic Information
The Miyajima Sightseeing Cruise is a small sightseeing boat that cruises around the waters surrounding Itsukushima Shrine. It approaches directly beneath the Great Torii Gate, allowing you to view the vermilion torii gate and Mount Misen behind it from an angle only visible from the sea.
- Duration: Approximately 20 minutes
- Capacity: Varies depending on the boat, but usually around 20-40 people
- Operating Company: Miyajima Sightseeing Tours (Aqua Net Hiroshima)
- Operating Route: Around Miyajima Pier to around the Great Torii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine
The Appeal of the Sightseeing Boat
The greatest appeal is the unique perspective of visiting the shrine from the sea. Unlike viewing the Great Torii from land, you can enjoy the reflection of the torii on the water’s surface and the scenery that changes with the tides. Especially at high tide, you can enjoy the fantastic sight of the shrine buildings and the Great Torii floating on the sea from the boat.
Points to Note During Your Visit
Best Time to Board
High Tide (Recommendation: ★★★★★)
Two hours before and after high tide is the time to enjoy the most beautiful scenery. The Great Torii appears to be completely floating on the sea, and the shrine buildings of Itsukushima Shrine also appear to be floating on the water. When the tide level exceeds 250cm, it’s possible to pass under the torii gate by boat (though this may not be possible on some days for safety reasons).
- Benefits: A fantastical “floating on the sea” landscape
- Points to Note: There may be long waits for boats due to the large number of tourists.
Low Tide (Recommendation: ★★★☆☆)
At low tide, you can walk closer to the large torii gate, reducing the demand for sightseeing boats. However, viewing the combination of the tidal flats and the torii gate from the sea perspective is also worthwhile. You can observe the foundation and structure of the torii gate from angles not visible from land.
Photography Tips
Best Positions
- Right side of the ship (starboard side): Advantageous for getting closest to the large torii gate.
- Stern: Ideal for wide-angle shots or capturing both the torii gate and Mount Misen together.
- Bow: Allows for dynamic photos of the ship moving towards the torii gate.
Photography Settings Advice
- Shutter Speed: 1/250 second or faster is recommended to compensate for the ship’s movement.
- Time of Day: Less backlighting in the morning, and the setting sun beautifully illuminates the torii gate in the afternoon.
- Cloudy Days: Less overexposure, resulting in calmer, more subdued photos.
Manners for Worshiping from the Ship
While sightseeing boats are tourist vessels, they also carry the religious significance of worshiping from the sea.
- When approaching the Great Torii Gate, it is customary to bow slightly.
- Enjoy the scenery quietly on board, without raising your voice.
- Be considerate of other passengers and avoid obstructing their view.
- Please take your trash with you.
Access and Boarding Method
Boarding Location
The boarding area is approximately a 1-minute walk from Miyajima Pier. After disembarking the ferry, proceed along the coast towards Itsukushima Shrine, and you will soon see the sightseeing boat sign and ticket office.
Access to Miyajima
- 5-minute walk from JR Miyajimaguchi Station or Hiroden Miyajimaguchi Station to Miyajimaguchi Pier
- Approximately 10 minutes by ferry from Miyajimaguchi Pier (JR West Miyajima Ferry or Miyajima Matsudai Kisen)
- 1-minute walk from Miyajima Pier to the sightseeing boat dock
Fares and Operating Hours
Fares (Estimated as of 2024)
- Adults: Approximately 1,800 yen
- Children (Elementary School Students): Approximately 900 yen
- Infants: Free (if not using a seat)
*Fares are subject to change, so please check the official website for the latest information.
Operating Hours
- Regular Season: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last departure around 4:30 PM)
- Peak Season: May be extended to 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes (may vary depending on congestion)
Reservations & Same-Day Tickets
Generally, reservations are not required; tickets can be purchased at the boarding area on the day of travel. However, congestion is expected during the following periods:
- Golden Week (late April to early May)
- Obon Period (mid-August)
- Autumn Foliage Season (mid-to-late November)
- New Year’s Holidays (late December to early January)
During peak times, wait times can range from 30 minutes to 1 hour, so early morning or after 3 PM travel is recommended.
Service Cancellations & Suspensions
Service may be suspended in the following cases:
- In case of severe weather: Wave height of 1.5m or more, wind speed of 10m/s or more
- Dense fog: When visibility is poor
- When a typhoon is approaching: Cancellation may be decided the day before
You can check the operating status on the day of your visit on the Miyajima Tourism Association’s official website or by phone.
Benefits and Significance of Visiting
Benefits of Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine is a shrine that enshrines Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto as its main deity, and is said to offer the following benefits.
Main Benefits
- Safety in Traffic and Navigation: Worshipped since ancient times as a god of the sea.
- Business Prosperity: Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto is identified with Benzaiten, and is believed to improve financial fortune.
- Improvement in Performing Arts: As a Benzaiten, she is the goddess of music and art.
- Matchmaking: As a beautiful goddess, she is believed to bring good fortune in relationships.
- Prayer for Victory: Since the time of Taira no Kiyomori, warlords have prayed here for victory in battle.
Special Significance of Maritime Worship
In ancient times, Itsukushima Shrine was considered to have the entire island as a sacred object, and ordinary people were not allowed to land on the island. The formal way of worship was for worshippers to pray from afar by boat.
Sea worship by pleasure boat is a valuable opportunity to experience this ancient and elegant method of worship in modern times. The large torii gate marks the entrance to the “sea approach” to the shrine, and passing through it by boat is a formal recreation of the ritual of entering the sacred area.
Taira no Kiyomori and Maritime Pilgrimages
In the late Heian period, Taira no Kiyomori was a devout follower of Itsukushima Shrine and frequently performed maritime pilgrimages by boat. Kiyomori controlled the Seto Inland Sea and amassed immense wealth through trade with the Song Dynasty, believing his success to be due to the protection of Itsukushima Shrine.
The current sightseeing boats offer a reenactment of Kiyomori’s maritime pilgrimages, providing an experience that evokes historical romance.
Nearby Attractions
Itsukushima Shrine Main Hall
After the sightseeing boat, be sure to visit the Itsukushima Shrine Main Hall from land. It houses numerous national treasures and important cultural properties, and the high stage and Noh stage are particularly not to be missed.
- Admission Fee: Adults 300 yen, High school students 200 yen, Elementary and junior high school students 100 yen
- Visiting Hours: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Varies depending on the season)
Miyajima Ropeway
A ropeway that ascends to the summit of Mt. Misen (elevation 535m). From the summit, a spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea unfolds, and on a clear day, you can even see as far as Shikoku.
- Round-trip Fare: Adults 2,000 yen, Children 1,000 yen
- Travel Time: Approximately 15 minutes one way
Daishoin Temple
The oldest temple on Miyajima Island. It is said to have been founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai, and is a historically significant temple visited by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Ito Hirobumi.
- Admission Fee: Free
- Highlights: Five Hundred Arhats, Mani-den Hall, Ichigan Daishi
Momijidani Park
A park planted with approximately 700 maple trees. It is especially beautiful during the autumn foliage season from mid- to late November, attracting many tourists.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Does it operate in rainy weather?
A. It operates in light rain. The boats have roofs, so you can board without getting wet even in light rain. However, in severe weather, it will be canceled for safety reasons.
Q2. Can I board with a wheelchair?
A. It may be possible depending on the boat, but we recommend contacting the operating company in advance. Staff will assist you when boarding.
Q3. Can I bring my pet?
A. Small dogs may be allowed if they are in a carrier bag. Please check in advance.
Q4. I get seasick easily. Will I be okay?
A. The Seto Inland Sea is relatively calm, and the journey only takes 20 minutes, so seasickness is unlikely. If you are concerned, you can take motion sickness medication beforehand.
Q5. Where can I check the tide table?
A. The Miyajima Tourism Association’s official website publishes monthly tide tables. The tide levels for the day are also posted at the Miyajima pier.
Summary
The Miyajima sightseeing cruise offers a unique experience of visiting the World Heritage site, Itsukushima Shrine, from the sea. You can experience the magical scenery at high tide, the view from directly beneath the Great Torii gate, and the tradition of sea pilgrimages dating back to the Heian period, all in just 20 minutes.
When visiting Miyajima, be sure to enjoy the special perspective from the sea on a sightseeing cruise, in addition to visiting from land. By checking the tides beforehand and boarding at the best time, you can create an experience that will be a lifelong memory.
