Miyajima
Hiroshima
A recommended route for sightseeing in Miyajima (Hiroshima Prefecture) in one day. You can enjoy Miyajima for a whole day, including World Cultural Heritage Itsukushima Shrine, its O-torii gate, and the ropeway to the summit of Mt. Misen. The famous anago-meshi and Momiji Manju are delicious.
Take the 8:21 train bound for Iwakuni from Hiroshima Station. Arrive at Miyajimaguchi station at 8:50. Exit the ticket gate, go through the underpass, and walk straight to the ferry terminal in about 6 minutes.
Take the JR West Miyajima Ferry at 9:10 to Miyajima. There are two ferry companies.I chose this ferry that passes near Otorii. You can use Suica.
Arrive at Miyajima. It was crowded, so I disembarked slowly. Misen in Misen-maru (ferry's name)is the name of a mountain in Miyajima.
You can take a picture so that the Otorii of Itukushima Shrine enters the round hole.
Miyajima is known as one of the three most scenic spots in Japan, along with Amanohashidate in Kyoto and Matsushima in Miyagi.
While watching the deer on the side, pass through the stone large torii gate built on the approach to the shrine.
Since the tide is still high, we will climb Mt. Misen first. In the afternoon, when the tide is low, you can walk to the foot of Otorii.
source:Miyajima Tourist Association HP
Miyajima Guide Map
Go through Momijidani Park to Momijidani Station. Purchase a round-trip ticket (2,000 yen) and line up in the line for boarding. The Momijidani Line is an 8-passenger loop ropeway.
It takes about 10 minutes to get to Kamiya Station for transfer. Transfer to the Shishiiwa Line at Kayatani Station. The Shishiiwa Line is a 30-passenger ropeway.
It takes about 4 minutes to arrive at Shishiiwa station, the last stop. There is an observation deck.
source:Miyajima Tourist Association HP
Mt.Misen Map
After getting off the ropeway, walk to the top of the mountain. Along the way, there are spots where you can see the Seto Inland Sea.
About 25 minutes on foot from Shishiiwa Station. A huge rock arch "Kuguriiwa" created by nature appears near the summit. We will soon reach the summit.
Misen is the highest peak on Miyajima, about 535 meters above sea level. From the observation deck, you can see a large panorama of the Seto Inland Sea.
After descending. To Fujitaya, an anago-meshi restaurant that won one star in the Michelin Guide Hiroshima edition. About 30 groups are waiting and it will take about 2 hours. I put my name on the reservation list and decided to go to Itsukushima Shrine.
The precincts, which were filled with tide in the morning, were completely ebb.
I worshiped the precincts of Itsukushima Shrine and walked to the O-torii gate.
After worshiping, go to Fujitaya. About 45 minutes to sit and wait in the waiting space. As a result, the total waiting time was 120 minutes. Finally, I was guided into the store and was able to have a delicious Anago-meshi.
If you want to eat lunch early, please go to Fujitaya before it opens at 11:00.
This is a shakushi awarded at Itsukushima Shrine. It is a lucky charm that contains the divine virtues of the shrine, and can be used for decoration or use.
Momiji Manju, maple leaf shaped snack cakes, is the most popular sweet on Miyajima.
I bought an assortment of tsubuan&koshian (Grained red bean paste & strained bean paste) at Iwamura Momijiya in Miyajima. It was sold freshly baked, and there was a line in the daytime.