Japan Guide
Western Honshū
Miyajima
The most famous attraction on MIYAJIMA, officially known as Itsukushima, is the venerable shrine of Itsukushima-jinja, where the vermilion gate rising grandly out of the sea is considered to be one of Japan's most beautiful views. In the right light, when the tide is high and the many day-trippers have left, you may be tempted to agree.
The shrine and temples clustered around Miyajima's only village at the northern tip of this long, mountainous island can comfortably be seen in a half-day trip from Hiroshima. If you have more time, there are plenty of other attractions, including beaches to laze on, and hikes over MountMisen, whose summit provides panoramic views across the Inland Sea. Consider splashing out on a night's accommodation at one of the island's classy ryokan so that you can enjoy the after-hours atmosphere with only tame deer and a few other guests for company. Autumn is a particularly beautiful time to visit, when the myriad maple trees turn a glorious red and gold, perfectly complementing the vermilion Itsukushima-jinja shrine.