Miyajima Healing Journey 2025: Experience the mystery and spectacular views of Itsukushima Shrine.

A trip to Miyajima Island in Hiroshima was a heartwarming time to spend with my family. The mystery of the World Heritage Site Itsukushima Shrine with its large torii gate standing in the sea, encounters with island deer, fresh local seafood and a relaxing break at an inn. These were all moments of nature and history. Here are some recommendations for what I discovered with my family on this trip that summarize the charms of Miyajima. The majestic splendor of the Otorii Gate, the peaceful exploration of the island, the warm taste of seafood, and the tranquility of relaxation. This trip will surely leave a deep aftertaste in your heart. Why not strengthen that special bond with your family or loved ones on the pristine island of Miyajima? Overseas visitors can also enjoy the island with its extensive English-language information boards and apps.

The secret of Itsukushima Shrine: the Otorii (Great Gate) floating in the sea.

Reach Miyajimaguchi Station, a 30-minute ride on the JR train from Hiroshima Station, and take a 10-minute ferry to Miyajima. The World Heritage-listed Itsukushima Shrine was founded in 593 and is famous for its Otorii (Great Gate) standing in the sea. As we approached the Otorii Gate on the fall morning of our visit at low tide, the children excitedly touched it and said , “There’s a gate in the sea! ” They were so excited to touch it. My husband squinted at the vermillion color of the shrine pavilions and said, “It’s so majestic, it’s overwhelming,” and I too was mesmerized by the beauty of the torii gate reflected in the water. An information board in English explained in detail the history of the shrine and the structure of the Otorii (Great Gate), while visitors from overseas sketched side by side and blended in naturally. The secret of Itsukushima Shrine is a moment to experience the spectacular view of Miyajima. Admission is 300 yen for adults and 150 yen for children. The museum is open from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm (seasonal changes). Check the official website (Itsukushima Shrine) for an English map and information on the 2025 Underwater Fireworks Festival (August).

Exploring the island: Encountering deer and exploring temples and shrines

After admiring the mystique of the Otorii Gate, take a walk around Miyajima Island. On the island, where about 500 deer roam freely, children will say : “The deer are so cute up close! and gave them rice crackers (200 yen). My husband was interested in the legends of the island and said, “I heard that this deer is a messenger of God,” and I also enjoyed climbing the stone steps of Daisho-in Temple with the deer. English hiking maps explain the island’s temples and shrines, and it happens that we overtake hikers from abroad.2025 The commemoration in spring (April) is an island-wide event. Exploring Miyajima is a peaceful moment of nature and history. The walk is free, recommended from 9:00-16:00. For more information, visit the official website (Miyajima Tourism ).

Local flavor: Anago-meshi lunch on Miyajima

After exploring the island, we enjoyed our lunch at Miyajima Anago-meshi Ue on Omotesando shopping street. At this restaurant, which is only a five-minute walk from the pier, you can enjoy the Miyajima specialty anago-meshi (conger eel rice). As we were ushered into the warm wooden store, the aroma of freshly cooked rice wafted through the air. The anago-meshi set (2,000 yen) we ordered was a perfect harmony of plump conger eel and rice, and the children were delighted with the “fluffy rice! The children were overjoyed. My husband added a glass of locally brewed beer and said, “This savory taste is Miyajima”. I too was pleased with the refreshing accent of the plum pickles. There was an English menu, and seeing overseas visitors enjoying themselves side by side stimulated family conversation. Anago-meshi is a moment to experience the taste of Miyajima. Open from 10:00-16:00 (last order 15:30). Reservations can be made via the official website (Miyajima Anagomeshi Ue ).

Silence of tranquillity: an island night at the Miyajima Guesthouse

After lunch, we rested at the Miyajima Guesthouse. This guesthouse is just a 10-minute walk from the pier and has attractive Japanese-style rooms with an island feel. We were shown to a spacious room where the children could “hear the sea ! ” and relaxed on the futon. My husband watched the sunset on the terrace and said, “I love the tranquility of this place”. I too indulged in the Japanese sweets and plum tea I had ordered from room service and reflected on the day with my family. An English-speaking guide provided detailed information about the inn and the surrounding area, and it was pleasant to see overseas visitors relaxing side by side. 2025 (August) features an underwater fireworks display associated with the inn’s events. Accommodation rates start at around 20,000 yen per room per night with half board. For more information, visit the official website (Miyajima Guest House ).

Secrets to enjoying Miyajima to your heart’s content

To help you really enjoy your trip to Miyajima, we have put together a few tips for you. Take the ferry from Miyajima-guchi Station and you can easily explore the shrine and the island on foot. If you have children with you, find out in advance which paths are stroller-friendly. Otorii Gate is easy to reach at low tide, and an English map helps overseas travelers. Avoid the crowds at Anagomeshi in Ueno and book a table early. At guesthouses, an English-language map of the area at check-in makes it easier to plan for the next day; the 2025 Underwater Fireworks Festival (August) offers a whole range of English-guided events. Check the official website for seasonal attractions (cherry blossoms in spring, autumn leaves in fall) to make your trip even more colorful. Children should stay hydrated and wear comfortable walking shoes, while visitors from abroad can use the English-language app to make their trip smoother and more enjoyable.

The mystical and spectacular view of Miyajima put a smile on the family’s faces. When the children saw the Otorii Gate, they said : “Wonderful! It floats in the sea! ” was the best thing that could have happened to us.

Private wisdom – Summary

The Miyajima trip satisfied the sensitivity and intellectual curiosity that Private Wisdom values. The mystery of the Otorii Gate was captivating and exploring the island brought a moment of serenity. The underwater fireworks of 2025 added a special glow to the trip. You too can experience the unadulterated charm of Miyajima and have a relaxing trip with your family and loved ones. Tell us about your best experiences on Miyajima in the comments!