Last month I traveled to Japan. Or rather through Japan because my trip started in Tokyo and ended a few weeks later in Hiroshima. As a ferry enthusiast I could not resist taking the ferry to Miyajima, a small island with plenty to see including free roaming deer. In this report I take you along on the ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajima and share whether it is worth the trip.
Okay let’s get some tickets for this ferry!
On the morning of departure, we arrived at the ferry terminal and discovered that a long line had already formed. Not for the ticket machines but for the next ferry. We walked to the ticket machines where a very friendly staff member informed us that the upcoming ferry was already full. The next one would depart in half an hour.
If you are already near the departure point it can be smart to purchase them early before you actually leave. It saves you some time. It is also possible to reserve the tickets through a form on the operator’s website.
What did we pay? 9600 yen for four people 2300 yen per person plus a 100 yen service fee per person. Converted this comes to about 13 euro or 15 dollars per person.
Let us board the ferry to Miyajima!
Fiveteen minutes before departure a new line begins to form. We decide to join it as well. After a short wait we see the ferry approaching and docking at the pier. We are guided on board and walk down a small staircase from the deck. To be clear this is a very small ferry with no facilities. It is best compared to a simple boat on the water.
The ferry crossing from Hiroshima to Miyajima
As you may know the route runs from Hiroshima near the Peace Memorial also known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial to the island of Miyajima. The exact locations are:
- Departure location Hiroshima: 1 Chome 9 9番地先 Otemachi Naka Ward Hiroshima 730 0051 Japan
- Arrival location: Miyajima Matsudai Kisen Ferry Terminal 1 Chome 11 6 Miyajimaguchi
On the map below you can see the exact departure location:
The crossing takes about 45 minutes. During the first fifteen minutes the ferry sails at a calm pace but at some point it is announced that the boat will speed up. The final thirty minutes are noticeably faster and you can really feel the difference…
Arrival in Miyajima
About fifty minutes after boarding we arrive at the ferry terminal in Miyajima. You step off the ferry and after a few minutes on foot you reach a large hall. This will also be your departure point when you head back.
On the island you will find plenty of small restaurants beautiful viewpoints for photos and as mentioned earlier freely roaming deer. Be careful when you are eating something. We saw several deer steal ice creams from people who were not paying attention…
Things to do in Miyajima
Although many people including myself think that Miyajima is a small island the opposite is true. For example the recreation park a popular attraction is more than a forty minute walk from the terminal. To help you plan your visit I have made a useful list of popular sights on Miyajima with the walking distance from the terminal.
- Hokoku Shrine Five storied Pagoda: 10 minutes
- Itsukushima Shrine: 12 minutes
- Daiganji Temple: 18 minutes
- Treasure Hall: 18 minutes
- Daishoin Temple: 20 minutes
- Tahoto Pagoda: 20 minutes
- Momijidani Park: 20 minutes
- Miyajima History and Folklore Museum: 20 minutes
- Kyomori Shrine: 20 minutes
- Omoto Park: 25 minutes
- Miyajima Ropeway: 25 minutes
- Miyajima Aquarium: 25 minutes
- Tsutsumigaura Recreation Park: 40 minutes
Return from Miyajima to Hiroshima by ferry
After a great lunch an afternoon of walking and dozens of new photos we decide to take the ferry back to Hiroshima. We walk back to the place where our island adventure began. Something important and interesting: we are advised from several sides to choose the ferry and train combination for the return trip. It is not only cheaper but also saves more than thirty minutes of travel time.
Ferry from Miyajima to Miyajimaguchi
We buy ferry tickets at the terminal for the ferry to Miyajimaguchi. The terminal uses colors for each line similar to the Japanese metro system. If you want to follow the same route as described above you need to follow the blue color.
The ferry departs every half hour. After waiting for about fifteen minutes we board. This ferry is much larger than the one on our outbound trip. There is an upper deck there is space for cars there are a few snack machines and there is even a lounge area.
Taking the train back to the center of Hiroshima
After about thirty minutes of sailing we arrive in Miyajimaguchi. Here you need to pay close attention. Outside the station Hiroden miyajima guchi Station you will see so called streetcars which are similar to trams. Do not take these because the train is much faster. When you walk out of the station follow the signs to the train station and take train lane 3 toward the city center.
So here is what you need to know if you want to take this crossing yourself
Have I made you excited to take this ferry route to Miyajima during your trip through Japan? Then here is a quick list of useful things to know:
- Buy your tickets in advance so you do not have to wait for the next ferries at the last moment
- Keep in mind that the outbound ferry is not very comfortable. If you get seasick easily (read more about how to avoid seasickness on a ferry) you can travel most of the way by train and only take the short final stretch by ferry
- Plan ahead what you want to see on the island. As you saw some places are a forty minute walk from the terminal
- When traveling back to Hiroshima center choose the ferry and train combination. It is cheaper and much faster. For this take the blue ferry to Miyajimaguchi
- When you arrive in Miyajimaguchi pay close attention to the signs for the train station. Do not take the streetcar toward the city center at the terminal. It takes much longer
Good luck. If you have any questions about this specific crossing feel free to ask. Leave a comment below. 良い旅を (yoi tabi o)!
