Itsukushima Island Japan (Miyajima, Hiroshima)

Itsukushima Island (aka Miyajima, or "Shrine Island") is part of Japan's Hiroshima Prefecture. It is in Seto Inland Sea, and located northwest of Hiroshima Bay.

Itsukushima has total land area approx 30 km2 (12 mi2) and population around 2,000.

Itsukushima Island is part of Hatsukaichi City (Hiroshima Prefecture). In 2005, the town of Miyajima merged with Hatsukaichi. The island and its surrounding waters are part of the Setonaikai National Park.

The island's most famous attraction is the Itsukushima Shrine - a Shinto shrine, listed as a UNESCO Site and one of Japan's National Treasures. The island has several temples, including Toyokuni Shrine (a 5-story pagoda) and Daiganji (one of Japan's three Benzaiten temples). The island is also famous for its cherry blossoms and maple leaf fall foliage.

Frequent ferries operated by JR Miyajima ferry (JR West) and Miyajima Matsudai Tourist Ship, serving the passenger traffic between mainland Japan and Miyajima. The ferry travel time is approx 10 min. There is also an hourly express passenger ferry service to Hiroshima harbor.

The island's highest elevation point (Mt Misen) is 535 m (1755 ft). Miyajima Ropeway carries tourists to the peak's top within a 30-minute hike. At the top, there are a number of sites related to Kobo Daishi (774-835 AD, Buddhist priest, founder of Shingon Buddhism).

Itsukushima Island also features the Miyajima Natural Botanical Garden (located on the northern coast). A short ferry ride is offered from mainland Japan to pray at the Miyajima's shrines and to marvel at the beauty of its forests. Among the island's many temples and shrines is the "Five-Roofs Pagoda".

Itsukushima Island Japan cruise terminal

Itsukushima Island Japan tours, shore excursions, hotels

City Tours and Shore Excursions

Itsukushima Shrine

Daiganji Temple

Toyokuni Shrine