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Where to stay in Miyajima
Miyajima is a compact island centered around Itsukushima Shrine. Most accommodation is clustered near the ferry terminal and Omotesando shopping street. Staying on the island means experiencing the quiet evenings after day-trippers depart, though most services close early. If you seek late-night activity, you must stay near the Miyajimaguchi ferry terminal on the mainland side, which offers more conventional hotel options and easier transit links to Hiroshima city center.
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Compare car rentals in MiyajimaOmotesando Shopping Street Area
This is the island’s primary artery, lined with wooden ryokans and food stalls selling grilled oysters and momiji manju. Walking here puts you within minutes of the Daisho-in Temple and the iconic floating torii gate. Expect a lively, pedestrian-only environment during the day that transitions into a serene, traditional atmosphere once the final ferry departs at night.
Miyajimaguchi (Mainland Coast)
Located just a ten-minute ferry ride from the island, this area offers modern hotels and practical amenities often missing on Miyajima itself. It is highly walkable to the ferry pier and local rail stations. You get views of the island across the water while maintaining the flexibility to explore Hiroshima’s culinary scene and regional transit hubs without island logistical constraints.
Momijidani Park Vicinity
Tucked away from the main commercial drag, this area is defined by thick forest canopy and flowing streams. It feels removed from the island's peak tourism intensity, offering a tranquil base for early-morning mountain ascents. You are still within a fifteen-minute walk of the Itsukushima Shrine, but you trade the immediate convenience of shops for a deeper sense of island stillness.
One thing to think about
Avoid booking accommodation solely based on 'sea views' without checking elevation or proximity to the ferry pier. Many guesthouses on the island's periphery require steep uphill climbs with luggage, which can be exhausting in humid weather. Always confirm if your host provides shuttle service from the ferry.
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Miyajima are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Top tours & activities
Common questions
Is it worth staying overnight on Miyajima island?
Absolutely. While most tourists visit for a few hours, staying overnight allows you to experience the island’s true character. Once the last ferry leaves, the crowds vanish, leaving the beach and the illuminated torii gate remarkably quiet. It is a rare chance to see the island in its most authentic, meditative state.
How do I get to my hotel if I arrive late in the evening?
If you arrive after 6:00 PM, you will find most shops and restaurants on the island closed. Ensure your ryokan provides dinner or that you have purchased supplies in Hiroshima before boarding the ferry. Taxis are scarce on the island, so carry light luggage if you plan to walk to your accommodation at night.
Are there any major differences between staying on the island versus Miyajimaguchi?
Staying on the island provides a unique ryokan experience with views of the Inland Sea, but it limits your dining options to hotel meals. Staying in Miyajimaguchi on the mainland offers lower prices, more variety in dining, and seamless connectivity to the JR network, though you lose the atmosphere of the island at night.
Hotel links go to Booking.com.