*AI Translated
Miyajima, one of the most iconic sightseeing spots representing Hiroshima. Many of you may have already seen Itsukushima Shrine and its great torii gate floating on the sea. But have you ever visited Itsukushima Shrine “from the sea”?
Since ancient times, this island has been revered as a place where the gods dwell. To avoid defiling this sacred place, it is said that people would visit Itsukushima Shrine not from the land, but from the sea. The tour we are introducing this time allows you to experience this traditional way of worship in the modern day.
With an English-speaking guide, you will board a boat and visit Itsukushima Shrine from the sea, observe Hiroshima’s “kaki-ikada” (oyster rafts) in the largest oyster-producing area in Japan, and finally enjoy a lunch of fresh Miyajima oysters. This is a special cruise experience lasting about two hours. Add a new layer of excitement to your usual Miyajima sightseeing. In this article, we will introduce the appeal of “Discovering Another Side of Miyajima from the Sea” by following the flow of the tour.
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What Kind of Place is Miyajima? How to Access from Hiroshima City
Miyajima is a beautiful island located in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, and is known as one of the Three Most Scenic Spots of Japan. The great torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, the symbol of the island, is especially impressive as it stands in the sea. The island is blessed with rich nature, and you may even encounter wild deer. With its beautiful scenery, historic buildings, and delicious local specialties, Miyajima is a popular tourist destination with a wide variety of attractions.
Access from Hiroshima City to Miyajima
The most convenient way to reach Miyajima from Hiroshima City is by train and ferry, which takes about one hour.
| Transportation | Route | Time Required |
| JR + Ferry | JR Hiroshima Station → JR Miyajimaguchi Station → Miyajima | About 45–60 minutes |
| Hiroshima Electric Railway (Streetcar) + Ferry | Hiroden Hiroshima Station → Hiroden Miyajimaguchi Station → Miyajima | About 90 minutes |
| World Heritage Route (High-speed Boat) | Peace Memorial Park (Motoyasu Bridge East Pier) → Miyajima | About 45 minutes |
Discover Miyajima from the Sea | Special Tour with Sea Worship and Oyster Lunch
When it comes to sightseeing in Miyajima, most people visit Itsukushima Shrine by walking around the island. The main feature of this tour is the “sea” surrounding Miyajima. You will worship at Itsukushima Shrine and the great torii gate from the sea, visit the oyster farming sites in the same waters, and taste those oysters. Starting from the sea of Miyajima, you can experience faith, local livelihoods, and food culture as one story—this is the unique appeal of this tour. Guides are available in English, and Japanese is also supported. This is the perfect tour for repeat visitors who want to deepen their understanding of Japanese culture.
From Sea Worship to Oyster Lunch: The Two-Hour Flow
11:20 Gather near the Miyajima Pier Tourist Information Center and Board the Chartered Boat
The meeting point is near the Miyajima Pier Tourist Information Center. From here, you will board a chartered boat operated by Shimada Suisan.
11:30 Depart on the Chartered Boat! Worship at Itsukushima Shrine from the Sea
The cruise finally begins. The boat moves slowly across the calm sea. The highlight is the “sea worship,” where you can view the great torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine up close from the water. You will see the torii gate standing in the sea and the shrine buildings beyond it from a different angle than from land. Seeing the entire island of Miyajima from the sea is also a unique experience only possible by boat. The breathtaking scenery of the sea, torii gate, and shrine buildings is a perfect photo opportunity. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture a memorable shot.
Onboard the boat, the guide will explain the history and origins of Itsukushima Shrine and its connection to the sea. As you listen to stories about traditional worship practices passed down through generations and imagine the thoughts of people from long ago, you can enjoy a special experience of offering prayers toward the Grand Torii Gate from the water.
Touring the Oyster Rafts: Get Up Close to the “Kaki Ikada”
Next, the boat heads to the floating “kaki ikada” oyster rafts. This is a unique sight found only in Hiroshima, Japan’s top oyster-producing region.
When you arrive near the rafts, the producers will pull oysters up from the sea. The sight of ropes covered with countless oysters is truly impressive. It’s a moment you’ll want to capture with your camera.
Hear the Story of Oyster Farming History and Techniques from the Producers
During the tour, you can hear directly from the producers about the history and techniques of oyster farming. With an English-speaking guide accompanying you, international visitors can feel at ease. This is a rare opportunity to interact with producers and see the oyster farming process up close, something you don’t usually get to experience.
12:30 Oyster Feast Lunch at Shimada Suisan’s Oyster Hut
After the cruise, it’s lunchtime at Shimada Suisan’s oyster hut. The menu features the “Oyster Set Meal,” made with fresh oysters from Miyajima.
You can also enjoy a hands-on “Grilled Oyster Experience,” where you grill oysters in their shells over charcoal. The sound and aroma of oysters cooking over the fire will delight all your senses. Tasting oysters you just saw in the sea is a special pleasure unique to this tour.
One bottle of mineral water is included. Wine is also available as an optional add-on (8,000 yen).
13:30 Tour Ends at Shimada Suisan
The tour concludes at Shimada Suisan.
Four Unique Highlights of This Tour You Won’t Find on a Typical Miyajima Visit
Experience “Worship from the Sea” with an English-Speaking Guide
You can worship at Itsukushima Shrine and the Grand Torii Gate from the water. This is the only tour that offers worship from the sea with an English-speaking guide.
Experience the Stories of Faith and Daily Life Rooted in Miyajima’s Sea
This tour lets you discover two stories that begin with the sea of Miyajima. One is the story of faith, where people have worshipped at Itsukushima Shrine from the sea since ancient times. The other is the story of local life and food culture in Hiroshima, nurtured by people who have lived with the sea and cultivated oysters since the Edo period.
The Full View of Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine from the Sea
You can enjoy views of Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine that can only be seen from the water.
Interaction with Oyster Producers
You can hear directly from the producers at the oyster farm site.
Recommended For｜Repeat Visitors and Solo Travelers Welcome
• Those who have visited Miyajima before and want to experience it in a new way
• Those who want to deepen their understanding of Japanese culture and cuisine
• Those who value unique and special experiences
• Those who want to enjoy oyster cuisine in Hiroshima
• Solo travelers (participation from one person is welcome)
Important Points to Know Before Joining the Miyajima Sea Pilgrimage Tour
• Payment Method: Tour fees can only be paid by credit card.
• Additional Drinks at Lunch: Payment for additional drinks at lunch is made on site. Please prepare Japanese yen in cash.
• Not Included: Transportation before and after the tour, Miyajima visitor tax, drinks at lunch other than mineral water and additional options, etc.
• Weather: The tour may be canceled in case of severe weather. In such cases, a full refund will be provided, but costs to the meeting point and other expenses will not be compensated.
• Allergies: If you have any dietary restrictions, please inform us in advance.
• If You Are Concerned About Seasickness: The waters are generally calm, but if necessary, please bring motion sickness medication.
• What to Bring: Cash (Japanese yen), identification (such as a passport), rain gear, and comfortable clothing suitable for the season
Tour Overview｜Fees, Meeting Point, and How to Reserve
| Item | Details |
| Tour Name | [From Miyajima] Sea Pilgrimage to Itsukushima Shrine & Oyster Farm Visit including Lunch |
| Duration | About 2 hours (Meet at 11:20 / Finish at 13:30) |
Meeting Point | Near Miyajima Pier Tourist Information Center (Miyajima Ferry Terminal) 739-0588 Hiroshima Prefecture, Hatsukaichi City, Miyajima |
| End Point | Shimada Suisan |
| Fees | Adult (12 years and older): 15,000 yen Child (4–11 years): 10,000 yen Option: Wine 8,000 yen |
| Included | Lunch (Oyster Set Meal), 1 bottle of mineral water, charter boat fare from Miyajima to Shimada Suisan, English guide fee |
| Languages | English, Japanese |
| Minimum Participants | 1 person |
| Reservation Deadline | Until the day before |
| Payment Method | Credit card only |
| Cancellation Fee | 100% on the day (including no-shows). If canceled by the organizer due to weather, 0% even on the day |
Enjoy Your Next Miyajima Trip from the Sea
Worship at Itsukushima Shrine from the sea, tour the oyster rafts, hear from the producers, and savor fresh oysters. The “[From Miyajima] Sea Pilgrimage to Itsukushima Shrine & Oyster Farm Visit including Lunch” is a special tour that lets you experience the culture of Miyajima more deeply through its waters. When planning your trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima, be sure to keep this tour in mind.
▶ Click here for tour details and reservations
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