Sacred island with the floating torii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; ferry 380 ¥ each way (JR Pass valid) plus 300 ¥ shrine admission.
The island of Miyajima, 25 minutes by ferry from Hiroshima, houses the Shinto shrine of Itsukushima, famous for its great orange torii 16 metres tall that seems to float on the sea at high tide. The complex dates from the 6th century and the current structure was built in the 12th century under the patronage of the feudal lord Taira no Kiyomori. A World Heritage Site since 1996, the shrine is a National Treasure of Japan. The island also has Mount Misen (535 m) with a ropeway, sika deer that roam freely through the town, and shops with the famous momiji manju and Hiroshima oysters. The ferry leaves from Miyajimaguchi every 10-15 minutes and costs 380 ¥ in each direction (covered by the JR Pass). Admission to the shrine costs 300 ¥. Arrive early in the morning to see the torii with water and few people, go up Misen by ropeway and have oysters for lunch before returning. A full day trip not to be missed from Hiroshima.
