Hiroshima & Miyajima 3-Day Itinerary: Peace, Torii Gate & Oysters

How long should I spend at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum?

Allow a minimum of 90 minutes and ideally two hours for the Peace Memorial Museum. The east building covers pre-war Hiroshima and the context of the atomic bomb decision; the main building focuses on the human impact with survivors' personal belongings, photographs, and first-hand accounts. Many visitors find the museum deeply affecting — the exhibition on the watch stopped at 8:15am and children's charred clothing require time to absorb. The museum opens at 8:30am (8am in summer) and is least crowded in the first hour. Tickets cost ¥200 for adults. Combine with a 30-minute walk around Peace Memorial Park beforehand to see the Cenotaph, Flame of Peace, and Children's Peace Monument before entering the museum.

What is the best time to see the floating torii gate at Miyajima?

The famous 'floating' effect of the Itsukushima Shrine torii gate occurs at high tide when the sea rises around the gate's base, making it appear to float on water. At low tide, the gate sits on mudflats and visitors can walk up and touch it. Both experiences are worthwhile — high tide for the classic floating photograph, low tide for a close-up exploration. Check the Japan Meteorological Agency tide calendar (jma.go.jp) for Miyajima tide predictions before your visit. High tide occurs approximately twice per day and shifts by about 50 minutes each day. The golden hour around sunset is particularly spectacular if high tide aligns with late afternoon. Plan your Day 2 ferry crossing to Miyajima to arrive within 2–3 hours of the predicted high tide for the best photographs.

Do I need to book the Miyajima ferry in advance?

No advance booking is required for the Miyajima ferry. Two companies operate the 10-minute crossing from Miyajimaguchi pier to Miyajima Island: JR Miyajima Ferry and Matsudai Kisen. If you have a JR Pass, the JR ferry is included at no extra cost — simply show your pass. Without a JR Pass, tickets cost ¥200 each way from either company. Ferries run every 10–15 minutes throughout the day from around 6:30am to 10:30pm. During peak autumn foliage season (mid-November) and Golden Week (late April to early May), the pier can have 20–30 minute queues, so build extra time into your Day 2 morning schedule. The pier is a 3-minute walk from Miyajimaguchi Station on the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima (25 minutes, ¥410).

Can I climb Mt. Misen without the ropeway?

Yes — Mt. Misen (535m) can be hiked from the base of Miyajima Island without the ropeway. Three trail options exist: the Omoto Course (2.5km, approximately 90 minutes up), the Daisho-in Course (2.5km, approximately 90 minutes, passing the atmospheric Daisho-in temple), and the Momijidani Course (2.6km, approximately 90 minutes through maple forest). All trails converge at the summit and are well-maintained with signage in Japanese and English. The Omoto and Daisho-in courses are considered moderate difficulty; sturdy shoes are required. The ropeway (¥2,000 round-trip) takes 15 minutes to the Shishiiwa Observatory and then requires a further 30-minute uphill walk to the true summit. If using the ropeway, the Daisho-in Course descent is a popular option for seeing the temple before returning to the ferry pier.

What is anago meshi and where is the best place to eat it on Miyajima?

Anago meshi is a Miyajima specialty dish of braised conger eel (anago) simmered in a sweet soy-based sauce and served over white rice in a lacquered wooden box. Unlike unagi (freshwater eel found across Japan), anago is sea eel — lighter, less fatty, and with a more delicate flavor. The most famous source is Ueno restaurant, established in 1901 and credited with creating the dish. Ueno is located near Miyajimaguchi ferry pier on the mainland (not on the island) and operates lunch only — expect a 30–60 minute queue on weekends. A single anago meshi box costs approximately ¥2,000. On Miyajima Island itself, the shotengai (shopping street) from the ferry pier toward the shrine has several shops selling anago meshi lunch boxes and grilled anago skewers (¥400) for a budget version.

Is it possible to do a day trip to Onomichi from Hiroshima on Day 3?

Onomichi is feasible as a short addition to Day 3 but only if you have a flexible departure time. The JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima to Onomichi takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes (¥2,310 or covered by JR Pass). Onomichi is a charming hillside city of stacked temples, narrow stone paths, cats, and the famous cat alley (Neko no Hosomichi). To see it properly, you need at least 2.5–3 hours on the ground for the ropeway up to Senkoji Park, the temple walk, and a bowl of Onomichi ramen. Round trip from Hiroshima is 3 hours of travel alone, making it viable only if you don't have a morning flight. If your Day 3 departure is evening, Onomichi works well as a half-day addition before returning to Hiroshima. If departing in the afternoon, stick with the Hiroshima city shopping and Hondori arcade plan in this itinerary.

How do I get between Hiroshima city and Miyajima Island?

The standard route from central Hiroshima to Miyajima takes about 35–45 minutes total. Option 1 (most common): Hiroshima Electric Railway (streetcar/tram) Line 2 from Hiroshima Station or city center to Miyajimaguchi-eki-mae terminal (approximately 70 minutes, ¥260). Then walk 3 minutes to the ferry pier and take a 10-minute ferry crossing (¥200 each way, or free with JR Pass on the JR ferry). Option 2 (faster, JR Pass recommended): JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station (25 minutes, ¥410), then 3-minute walk to pier and ferry. The tram is atmospheric but slow; the JR train is faster. A one-day Hiroshima-Miyajima Visit Pass (¥1,000) covers unlimited tram rides and the JR Miyajima Ferry — very good value if you're also using trams to get to Peace Park. Buy it at Hiroshima Station tourist information.