The island of Miyajima, officially Itsukushima, is one of Japan’s most popular attractions. Located to the west of Hiroshima city, the island, famous for its “floating” Torii gate, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
If you’re staying in Hiroshima, I’d recommend spending a full day on Miyajima Island. Even better, spend the night on the island to experience its magic without the crowds. A long day trip from Kyoto or Osaka is also a possibility.
Getting there
Take the JR Sanyo Line bound for Iwakuni from Hiroshima and get off at Miyajimaguchi Station (approx. 35 minutes). Walk/roll 10 minutes to Miyajimaguchi Port, where you can catch the ferry to Miyajima. The entire journey is wheelchair-accessible, with ramps, elevators, assistance on trains, and universal restrooms at every station. On the ferry, wheelchair users must stay on the lowest level (outside with the cars or in an inside passenger area). The ferry ride takes about ten minutes.
The train and ferry are both included in the JR pass. If you don’t have one, one way from Hiroshima to Miyajima is 600¥ (approx. 4$)
Another option is to catch a direct boat from the city of Hiroshima, but make sure it’s wheelchair-accessible.
Make friends with the deer
As you walk/roll from the ferry terminal towards Itsukushima Shrine, you’ll see plenty of deer roaming freely and looking for something to eat. Most are friendly, but some can get aggressive. And be careful with your belongings as they’ll try to steal anything they deem edible.
Beware that there is strong guidance not to feed the deer!
Shop at Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street
Leading to Itsukishima Shrine is the vibrant Omotesando Shopping Street, lined with souvenir shops, local crafts, and restaurants. Although many aren’t wheelchair accessible, they offer TA options you can enjoy on the shore, admiring the views.
Visit Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine, also known as Itsukushima-jinja, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This iconic Shrine is famous for its stunning “floating” torii gate, which appears floating during high tide. The shrine complex comprises several buildings, including the main hall, stage, smaller shrines, and treasury.
It can get hectic during the peak tourist season, especially on weekends. However, if you stay overnight, visit Itsukushima Shrine first thing in the morning; it opens at 6 am.
The Shrine is equipped with ramps and has a wheelchair-accessible restroom, but some buildings involve stairs.
Opening hours: consult the official website as they depend on the season
Entrance fee: don’t purchase the combined ticket as the treasury isn’t wheelchair accessible. The Shrine’s fee is only 300¥ (approx. 2$), with no disability discount.
Admire the floating Torii
The Itsukushima Shrine’s “floating” Torii gate is one of Japan’s most iconic sights. It floats on the water during high tide, creating a stunning and picturesque scene. It’s best to visit during high tide to appreciate its beauty fully, but even during low tide, you can walk/roll right up to it and admire its grandeur up close.
To get close to the Torii in a wheelchair, pass the Itsukushima Shrine and roll along the shoreline. You will come across a steep ramp leading to the water line that transforms into packed sand during low tide. This will enable you to roll all the way to the gigantic Torii gate (if your wheelchair can handle packed wet sand).
To check the times for low and high tides, consult this website.
Take a scenic stroll/roll
Although hiking up Mount Misen or riding the Miyajima ropeway as a wheelchair user isn’t possible, take a long scenic stroll/roll along the shore, visit the beautiful Omoto Park that is partly wheelchair-accessible, and wander through the charming streets lined with old, traditional Japanese houses.
Enjoy Miyajima's regional delicacies
Oysters – Miyajima oysters are renowned for their exceptional quality and flavor. These oysters are cultivated in the pristine waters surrounding Miyajima Island, benefiting from the nutrient-rich currents of the Seto Inland Sea. You’ll encounter many restaurants with fresh raw, grilled, or fried oysters on the menu, and they are a must-try.
Momiji manju – These small cakes shaped like maple leaves and originated in Miyajima are typically filled with sweet bean paste. However, variations with other fillings like chocolate, custard, or fruit flavors exist.
“Momiji” refers to the Japanese maple tree, and “manju” is a traditional Japanese confectionery made from flour, rice powder, and buckwheat.
Get a box for your loved ones as a souvenir, but check the expiration date.
Conger eel – is another specialty of the area, and many restaurants on Miyajima and next to Miyajimaguchi Ferry port serve variations of conger eel dishes. Usually, the slowly baked conger eel is served on top of rice seasoned with soup stock taken from conger eel bones or soaked in sauce. Delicious!
Overall, Miyajima is an excellent destination for wheelchair travelers and one of the most beautiful sites we visited.