How to Visit HIROSHIMA and MIYAJIMA in ONE DAY (3 Easy Steps Guide)

Before we dive into how to visit Hiroshima and Miyajima in one day, my recommendation is to start your day in Hiroshima and then continue to Miyajima.

It makes more sense logistically to do it that way. You will be more efficient and save time during the day and you will be able to accomplish more!

• How to Get to Hiroshima from Kyoto

Kyoto Station and Hiroshima Station are connected by the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines. Both lines will take you directly from Kyoto to Hiroshima.

The journey will take about 1 hour and 40 minutes. You can use your JR Pass. In addition, The Nozomi Shinkansen trains only take 1 hour 15 minutes but are not covered by the pass.

• How to Get to Hiroshima from Osaka

Shin-Osaka Station and Hiroshima Station are connected by a bullet train – Sanyo Shinkansen Line. Journey times vary according to the model of the train.

The faster models like the Mizuho and the Nozomi take just 1 hour and 25 minutes, however, they are not covered by the JR Pass.

The fastest train covered by the JR Pass is the Sakura train which takes 1 hour 32 minutes.

• How to Get to Miyajima from Hiroshima

Trains from Hiroshima Station depart every 15 minutes for Miyajima. You are going to exit the train once you reach Miyajimaguchi Station.

It is about a 30-minute ride from Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi Station. Once you arrive at Miyajimaguchi Station, follow the signs for the Miyajima Island ferry.

The ferry is no more than a 10-minute walk from the Miyajimaguchi Station. Both, the train and the ferry are covered by the JR Pass.

There is a lot to do in Hiroshima and you can spend at least 2 days exploring this fascinating place. If you have more time for Hiroshima then make sure not to miss these helpful posts:

10 Amazing Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit to Hiroshima

Perfect One Day in Hiroshima (5 Things You Can’t Miss+Useful Tips)

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Self-Guided Walking Tour (8 Easy Steps)

However, if you only have a few hours to spend in Hiroshima then here are my 3 top places that you need to put on your list:

Atomic Bomb Dome should be one of the first things to do in Hiroshima. It is an iconic symbol of the “peace city” of Hiroshima. Atomic

• Bomb Dome is also called A-Bomb Dome, Genbaku Dome, or the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. It is part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park serves as a memorial to people killed in the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6th, 1945.
• Originally, Atomic Bomb Dome was the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. It housed national and municipal governmental offices.
• The building was located just 160 meters from the epicenter of the blast. Amazingly, it was one of the few structures in the area to remain upright after the explosion.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was designed by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange. It opened to the public in 1954. The park has a total area of 122,000 square meters and houses a museum, as well as numerous memorials and monuments commemorating the people who perished during the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6th, 1945.

Here are a couple of memorials and monuments that you should stop by:

• Children’s Peace Monument

Children’s Peace Monument is a tribute to Sadako Sasaki and all the children who perished due to the atomic explosion.

Sadako was exposed to the A-bomb at the age of two. Yet, she grew into a strong and healthy girl. However, nine years after exposure to the atomic bomb radiation, she developed leukemia.

Based on a traditional Japanese belief, Sadako thought that if she folded 1,000 origami cranes she would recover. But, after an eight-month battle with the disease, she passed away.

• Cenotaph

Cenotaph, also known as the Memorial Monument for Hiroshima for the A-bomb Victims is located in the center of the park. It consists of a stone coffer beneath an arch. Within the coffer is a record of the names of victims of the atomic bombing.

Cenotaph is inscribed with the phrase: “Let all the souls here rest in peace for we shall not repeat the evil.”

If you are planning to spend a few more hours in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park or want to learn more about the events leading to the bombing of Hiroshima then read Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Self-Guided Walking Tour (in 8 Easy Steps).

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum was built by the city of Hiroshima and it was opened to the public in 1950.

The museum collects materials that convey the horror of Hiroshima’s atomic bombing. It displays artifacts, photographs, and paintings that show Hiroshima before and after the bombing.

It demonstrates the present and current status of the nuclear age.

I love Miyajima Island and going to Miyajima is one of my favorite day trips from Hiroshima.

Needless to say, you can easily spend a day exploring the island. In addition, consider spending a least one night on the island. Make sure to read Day Trip to Miyajima from Kyoto, Osaka, or Hiroshima.

Here are my top 3 places you need to visit on Miyajima Island:

The number one attraction as well as the symbol of Miyajima Island is a Giant Torii (gate). During the high tide, it appears as if the torii is floating out in the sea.

If you are visiting the island during the low tide, you can walk up all the way to the torii and really get the feel of how enormous this structure is.

Interestingly enough, unlike the traditional torii, which consist of two pillars, the Miyajima Island Giant Torii has additional four supporting pillars. All in all, it weighs about 60 tons and stands almost 17 meters high.

Next, head on to Itsukushima Shrine.

The shrine was built in 593 and became an important place of worship in about 1168. In 1996 the World Heritage Committee officially inscribed Itsukushima Shinto Shrine as a World Cultural Heritage.

Itsukushima Shrine is well known for its unique construction. It consists of four main areas:

• the Holy Hall where the gods live (Heiden)
• the inner part where only the priests enter (Haiden)
• the external area for worship (Haraiden)
• the noh theater stage

All the sections are connected by numerous boardwalks and supported by pillars above the sea. During the high tide, the shrine looks as if it is floating in the Seto Sea.

Interestingly enough, the reason why the shrine was built out in the sea was that the island was originally thought to be too sacred for commoners to set foot upon.

Next, take the ropeway to catch the magnificent views of the island.

• The ropeway leaves from Momijidani Station. You can take a bus or you can walk to the station. My recommendation is to walk to Momijidani Station. It is no more than a 10-minute hike up a slight incline. Simply, take the path leading from Itsukushima Shrine to Momijidani Park.
• Momijidani Park is a hang-out place for the famous Miyajima Island deer. They will be happy to see you and eager to find out if you have any treats. In addition, Momijidani Park is one of the most famous maple leaves parks in Japan. It is an absolute must-do if you are planning your Miyajima Island day trip in the fall.
• The ropeway goes from Momijidani Station to Kayadani Station. Once you reach Kayadani Station, you will take a second ropeway to your final destination which is Shishiwa Station.
• The Shishiwa Station is 430 meters above sea level. The views of the Seto Sea from the station are breathtaking.
• Tickets for the ropeway are available for purchase at several locations on the island. You can purchase a one-way ticket or a round-way ticket. It all depends on how much time you have to explore the island.
• It is important that you check if the ropeway is operating. The service could be suspended due to adverse weather. You can check prices, hours, and operation conditions here.