Experience Japan's 'Island of Gods' from the water with scenic cruises, sunset rafts, and shrine pilgrimages
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Hand-picked experiences loved by thousands of travelers
Explore Hiroshima's history by bike and Miyajima's Shinto sites by boat on this full-day adventure.
Enjoy a luxury dinner cruise on a unique raft-type boat through the calm waters of the Ono Seto Sea.
Journey around the World Heritage island of Miyajima on a comfortable cruiser to visit seven historic shrines.
Discover the 'Island of Gods' with a ferry tour visiting seven shrines, complete with a traditional lunch box.
Savor a scenic lunch cruise on the unique HANAIKADA raft boat through the tranquil Seto Inland Sea.
Relax on a private two-deck boat cruise through Hiroshima Bay with snacks, drinks, and island views.
Combine a guided tour of Itsukushima Shrine with a unique boat visit to a local oyster farm.
Explore Itsukushima Shrine and Daishoin Temple on a guided walking tour led by award-winning local guides.
Enjoy a customizable 4-hour private tour of Miyajima with a government-licensed English-speaking guide.
Discover the history of Peace Memorial Park and the beauty of Miyajima on a private, expert-led tour.
All the details about your upcoming adventure in one place
Arriving at Miyajima by boat is more than just transportation; it is a spiritual introduction to the 'Island of Gods.' While standard ferries shuttle visitors from the mainland, specialized boat tours offer a deeper connection to this UNESCO World Heritage site. Options range from the traditional 'Nanaura Meguri' (Seven Shrines Pilgrimage) that circles the island to pay respects at remote coastal shrines, to the luxurious 'Hanaikada' raft cruises that offer dining on the calm waters. Whether you choose a sunset cruise to see the floating Torii gate illuminated or a sea kayak adventure for an up-close perspective, seeing Miyajima from the water reveals the true majesty of Itsukushima Shrine, built over the tides to honor the sea deities.
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Most tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for peace of mind
Autumn (Nov) for maple leaves|Spring (Apr) for cherry blossoms|Winter (Jan-Feb) for oysters
Comfortable walking shoes (essential)|Layers for boat breezes|Rain jacket in June/July|Slip-on shoes for temple entry
The shrine was established in 593 AD, with the current floating structure built by Taira no Kiyomori in 1168.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for most standard tours
Share your experience: #Miyajima #ItsukushimaShrine #JapanTravel #FloatingTorii #SetoInlandSea
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Real experiences from real travelers
The Hanaikada dinner cruise was the highlight of our Japan trip. Seeing the Torii gate light up from the water while eating delicious local oysters was unforgettable. Highly recommend booking in advance!
We took the Seven Shrines cruiser tour. It was a profound experience to see the sides of the island that tourists usually miss. The guide was knowledgeable about the history of the Nanaura Meguri.
We did the Bike and Boat tour. Cycling around Hiroshima was fun, and the ferry ride over was scenic. The guide spoke excellent English and made the history come alive.
Romantic and peaceful. The boat ride is smooth because the Seto Inland Sea is so calm. The food on the lunch cruise was surprisingly high quality.
The views are stunning, especially the floating shrine. Just be aware that in August it is very hot, even on the water. Bring a hat and sunscreen!
Private tour was expensive but worth it for our family. We customized the schedule and didn't have to wait in any lines. The guide took us to a great oyster farm spot.
Everything you need to know for your journey
Yes, but it's a long day. The Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hiroshima takes about 4 hours one way. We recommend staying at least one night in Hiroshima or on the island to enjoy the experience fully.
Yes, for specialized experiences like the Dinner Cruise, Seven Shrines tour, or Private Charters, booking weeks in advance is highly recommended. The standard public ferries run frequently and do not require reservations.
The Japan Rail (JR) Pass is valid ONLY on the JR West Miyajima Ferry. It is not valid on the Matsudai Ferry, Aqua Net boats, or private dinner cruises.
To see the gate 'floating,' you must visit during high tide (tide level >250cm). To walk up to the gate, visit during low tide (tide level <100cm). Check the official Miyajima tide table before your trip.
Most tour boats and cruisers have restrooms on board. The short public ferries (10 min ride) also have restrooms.
NO. Feeding the deer has been banned since 2008 to protect their health and the island's ecosystem. Please do not feed or touch them.
Most boat tours operate in rain, as the vessels are covered. However, in cases of typhoons or extreme winds, tours will be cancelled and fully refunded.
Take the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station (approx. 25 mins), then walk 5 minutes to the ferry terminal. For the World Heritage Sea Route, boats leave directly from near the Atomic Bomb Dome.
The large public ferries (JR and Matsudai) are wheelchair accessible. Smaller private tour boats and the Hanaikada raft may not be; please check specific tour details before booking.
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