How to Get to Miyajima from Hiroshima: JR Train, Ferry, Streetcar & Direct Boat (2026)

If you are searching for how to get to Miyajima from Hiroshima, here is the short answer: take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station, then board the JR West Miyajima Ferry. For most first-time visitors, this is the easiest, fastest, and most reliable route.

That said, the best route depends on where you are starting in Hiroshima. If you are near Peace Memorial Park, the direct boat can save you a transfer. If you are trying to spend as little as possible, the Hiroden streetcar is cheaper but slower. If you are staying near Hiroshima Port, there is also a niche high-speed boat option.

Quick Answer

The fastest and easiest route is the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station to JR Miyajimaguchi Station, followed by the JR West Miyajima Ferry. The total journey usually takes about 45 minutes and costs about 700 yen one way, including the 100 yen Miyajima Visitor Tax.

The cheapest pay-as-you-go option is the Hiroden streetcar plus ferry. It takes longer — usually about 80 to 90 minutes from Hiroshima Station — but starts from around 520 yen one way if you use the lowest-cost ferry option.

The most convenient option from the city center is the direct boat from Peace Memorial Park. It takes about 45 minutes with no train transfer, but it costs much more — usually around 2,500 yen one way from Peace Park to Miyajima — and can be affected by tide conditions.

Route Comparison at a Glance

Prices and operating conditions can change. The figures below are practical planning estimates as of June 2026, and include the 100 yen Miyajima Visitor Tax where relevant.

Route	Best For	Total Time	Total Cost One Way	JR Pass	Main Drawback
JR Train + JR Ferry	Most first-time visitors	About 45 minutes	About 700 yen	Train and JR ferry covered Visitor tax not covered	You need to transfer at Miyajimaguchi
Direct Boat from Peace Memorial Park	Travelers already near the Atomic Bomb Dome	About 45 minutes	About 2,500 yen from Peace Park to Miyajima	No	Higher price and tide-related disruptions
Hiroden Streetcar + Ferry	Budget travelers and city-center starts	About 80 to 90 minutes	From around 520 yen	No	Much slower than JR
Boat from Hiroshima Port	Travelers near the port area	About 30 minutes on the boat	About 2,400 yen including visitor tax	No	Less central boarding point and limited departures

Best Route by Traveler Type

• Choose JR train + JR ferry if you want the fastest all-round option, are starting from Hiroshima Station, or have a Japan Rail Pass.
• Choose the direct boat if you are already visiting Peace Memorial Park and want a transfer-free ride to Miyajima.
• Choose the Hiroden streetcar if keeping costs low matters more than saving time.
• Choose the Hiroshima Port boat only if you are already staying near Hiroshima Port or the Ujina area.

1. JR Train + Ferry: Fastest and Most Recommended

For most travelers, this is the best way to get from Hiroshima to Miyajima. It is straightforward, frequent, and easy to understand even if this is your first trip to Japan.

JR Train to Miyajimaguchi Station

From JR Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo Line toward Iwakuni or Miyajimaguchi. The ride usually takes about 26 to 30 minutes and costs around 420 yen one way.

Once you arrive at JR Miyajimaguchi Station, follow the signs to the ferry terminal. The walk is short and usually takes around 5 minutes. There is an underpass with elevator access, so the transfer is manageable even with luggage or a stroller.

JR West Ferry vs. Miyajima Matsudai Kisen

At the waterfront, you will see two regular ferry operators going to Miyajima:

• JR West Miyajima Ferry: 180 yen one way + 100 yen visitor tax
• Miyajima Matsudai Kisen: 200 yen one way + 100 yen visitor tax

Both crossings take about 10 minutes, and both are reliable for ordinary sightseeing. Both regular ferry routes also allow you to pay the ferry fare and visitor tax conveniently at the gate when using a compatible transportation IC card.

There are two practical differences worth knowing.

First, the JR West ferry is the better choice for Japan Rail Pass holders, because the JR ferry fare is covered by the pass. The 100 yen Miyajima Visitor Tax is not covered, so you still need to pay that separately when entering the island.

Second, JR West operates a Great Torii route on many daytime departures from Miyajimaguchi. On those sailings, the ferry passes closer to the famous floating torii gate, giving you a better view from the water. If you want the best photo opportunity on the crossing, the JR ferry is usually the better choice during the day.

Who This Route Suits Best

This is the best route if you are arriving by train, using a Japan Rail Pass, visiting Miyajima for the first time, or simply want the least stressful option. It is also the easiest route to recommend if you have a tight schedule and want a predictable journey.

If you are happy to handle the JR route yourself but want more context once you arrive, a short Miyajima guided walk can be easier than exploring the shrine area and food streets completely on your own — especially if you want to understand the history behind the landmarks without relying only on signs and guidebooks.

2. Direct Boat from Peace Memorial Park: Most Convenient from the City Center

If you are already near the Atomic Bomb Dome or Peace Memorial Museum, you do not need to go back to Hiroshima Station first. You can take a direct boat to Miyajima from Motoyasu Pier, just south of the Atomic Bomb Dome.

This service is operated by Aqua Net Hiroshima as the World Heritage Sea Route. The ride takes about 45 minutes. From Peace Park to Miyajima, the adult one-way fare is typically listed at around 2,500 yen including the Miyajima Visitor Tax. Fares differ by direction and ticket type, so check the latest Aqua Net booking page before planning around a specific price.

• Time: About 45 minutes
• Cost: Usually around 2,500 yen from Peace Park to Miyajima, including the visitor tax
• JR Pass: Not accepted
• Boarding point: Motoyasu Pier, near the Atomic Bomb Dome
• Best use: Connecting Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima without backtracking to Hiroshima Station

Tide and Weather Considerations

This is the most scenic and convenient option from central Hiroshima, but it also has the biggest operational risk. Because the boat travels through Hiroshima’s river channels before heading into the bay, the route can be affected by both high and low tide.

If the tide is too high, the boat may not be able to pass safely under the bridges. If it is too low, there is a risk of touching the riverbed. That means route changes or cancellations can happen. If your travel date is fixed, check the sailing status in advance, especially if you are trying to line up your visit with the best time to visit the floating torii gate.

Booking and Payment Notes

Online reservations are usually accepted until the evening before departure. Same-day tickets may be sold at the pier if seats remain, but they are subject to availability. Advance booking is a good idea during weekends, public holidays, cherry blossom season, autumn leaves, and summer holidays.

Transportation IC cards are not accepted on this direct boat service. Bring cash or a credit card as a backup if you plan to use this route.

Who This Route Suits Best

This is the best option if you are already sightseeing around Peace Memorial Park and want to avoid backtracking to Hiroshima Station. It is also a good fit for travelers who value convenience more than price.

3. Hiroden Streetcar + Ferry: Cheapest Option

If you want to spend as little as possible and do not mind a slower trip, the Hiroden streetcar is the cheapest way to reach Miyajima from Hiroshima.

From Hiroshima Station, take Hiroden Line 2 to Hiroden-miyajima-guchi. You can also board from central stops such as Genbaku Dome-mae if you are already near the Atomic Bomb Dome. The streetcar ride usually takes about 70 minutes from Hiroshima Station, or less if you board from the city center.

• Streetcar fare: 240 yen
• Ferry fare: from 180 yen
• Visitor tax: 100 yen
• Total: from around 520 yen one way

After arriving at Hiroden-miyajima-guchi, walk to the ferry area and board a ferry to Miyajima. If you are paying separately and want the lowest possible total, the JR West Miyajima Ferry is usually the cheapest regular ferry option. If you are using a Hiroden streetcar-and-ferry pass, use the ferry operator included in that pass rather than assuming all ferries are covered.

Who This Route Suits Best

This route makes sense if you are staying in central Hiroshima, using local transport throughout the day, or trying to keep your transport budget down. The trade-off is simple: it is much slower than JR, especially during a one-day Hiroshima and Miyajima itinerary.

4. Other Route: Boat from Hiroshima Port

If you are staying near Hiroshima Port or the Ujina area, there is also a high-speed boat route operated by Setonaikai Kisen between Hiroshima Port, the Prince Hotel Port area, and Miyajima.

The boat portion takes about 30 minutes between Hiroshima Port and Miyajima. The adult one-way fare is around 2,300 yen, and travelers entering Miyajima also need to pay the 100 yen Miyajima Visitor Tax. For practical planning, expect about 2,400 yen one way when going to Miyajima.

This route is rarely the best choice for first-time visitors because Hiroshima Port is less central than Peace Memorial Park or Hiroshima Station. However, it can be useful if you are staying near the port, arriving by ferry from another part of Japan, or using a hotel close to the Ujina waterfront.

Paying the Miyajima Visitor Tax

The Miyajima Visitor Tax is 100 yen per visit for most travelers entering Miyajima by boat. This tax is separate from your ferry fare, although it is usually collected at the same time.

Some travelers are exempt, including preschool children and certain official school trip groups or travelers who meet the local exemption rules. Most short-term international visitors should simply expect to pay the 100 yen tax when entering the island.

How to Pay the Tax

• JR West or Matsudai Kisen ferry with an IC card: Tap through the ferry gate and the system will usually deduct both the ferry fare and the visitor tax together.
• Paper ticket or cash purchase: Buy a ticket that includes the ferry fare and visitor tax, or pay the tax separately if you are using a voucher or pass that does not include it.
• Direct boat from Peace Memorial Park: The visitor tax is normally handled through the ticket purchase process for that route.
• Special passes or tour vouchers: Do not assume the visitor tax is included. Check the pass conditions before boarding.

Using the Japan Rail Pass and IC Cards

The Japan Rail Pass covers the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi and the JR West Miyajima Ferry. However, it does not cover the 100 yen Miyajima Visitor Tax.

That means JR Pass holders still need to pay the tax before boarding for Miyajima. In practice, this is easy, but it is worth knowing in advance so you do not get caught out at the terminal.

IC cards such as Suica, PASMO, and ICOCA are very convenient for the regular ferries from Miyajimaguchi because they can usually handle both the ferry fare and the visitor tax at the gate. For the direct Aqua Net boat from Peace Memorial Park and the Hiroshima Port boat, bring cash or a credit card as a backup.

Money-Saving Pass Options

Hiroden 1-Day Streetcar and Ferry Pass

If you plan to use Hiroshima’s local transport throughout the day, the Hiroden 1-Day Streetcar and Ferry Pass can be worth considering. It costs 1,000 yen for adults and includes Hiroshima Electric Railway streetcars plus the Miyajima Matsudai Kisen ferry between Miyajimaguchi and Miyajima. The Miyajima Visitor Tax is included in this pass.

Do not confuse this pass with the JR route. The Hiroden 1-Day Streetcar and Ferry Pass is not valid on JR trains and is not valid on the JR Miyajima Ferry. If you use this pass, follow the Hiroden streetcar route and use the Matsudai Kisen ferry.

This pass is especially useful if you are starting near the city center rather than Hiroshima Station and plan to visit multiple streetcar-accessible sights. It is a budget-friendly option, not a fast one. If your priority is saving time, the JR train is still the better choice.

Visit Hiroshima Tourist Pass

If you plan to use streetcars, buses, and the Miyajima ferry on the same day, it may also be worth comparing the Visit Hiroshima Tourist Pass on Klook before paying for each ride separately. Check the latest coverage carefully, because the Miyajima Visitor Tax may need to be paid separately depending on the pass.

DIY Transit or a Guided Tour?

For most travelers, getting to Miyajima independently is easy enough. The JR route is simple, the signs are clear, and the ferry crossing is short. If you are comfortable using trains and ferries in Japan, there is no need to book a tour just to make the journey.

That said, a guided tour can still make sense if you only have one day in Hiroshima and want to visit both Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima without worrying about transfer timing, visitor tax payments, or route changes for the direct boat.

• DIY transit is best for you if: you want the cheapest or fastest route, already know your schedule, or prefer exploring at your own pace.
• A guided tour is best for you if: you want one smooth day covering Hiroshima’s key UNESCO sites with less planning and more historical context.

Sample Itinerary: Hiroshima Peace Park + Miyajima in One Day

Many travelers want to see both Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima in a single day. The easiest order depends on where you are staying and whether you care more about tide timing, museum time, or transport simplicity.

With the JR Route: Recommended for First-Timers

• Morning: Start from Hiroshima Station and take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi.
• Late morning: Arrive on Miyajima, visit Itsukushima Shrine, and see the floating torii gate.
• Lunch: Eat on Miyajima. Popular local options include anago meshi and oysters.
• Early afternoon: Return by ferry and JR train to Hiroshima Station.
• Afternoon: Visit Peace Memorial Park, the Peace Memorial Museum, and the Atomic Bomb Dome.
• Evening: Have okonomiyaki in Hiroshima before heading back.

With the Direct Boat: Best If Starting from Peace Park

• Morning: Visit Peace Memorial Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome.
• Late morning or early afternoon: Board the direct boat from Motoyasu Pier if it is operating normally.
• Afternoon: Explore Miyajima, Itsukushima Shrine, and the main shopping street.
• Return: Use the direct boat if convenient, or return via Miyajimaguchi using the regular ferry and train or streetcar.

With the Streetcar: Budget-Friendly but Slower

• Morning: Board the Hiroden streetcar to Hiroden-miyajima-guchi.
• Late morning: Arrive on Miyajima and spend the main part of the day on the island.
• Afternoon: Return by streetcar to the city center.
• Late afternoon: Visit Peace Memorial Park or another central Hiroshima sight.

Tips for Your Trip

Check the Tide Before You Go

If you want to see the floating torii gate when it appears to float, check the tide schedule before you leave. The gate is most photogenic around high tide, while low tide lets you walk closer to the base of the gate when conditions allow.

Travel Light if Possible

Coin lockers are available at major stations and near ferry terminals, but sizes and availability vary. If you are traveling with large luggage, store it at Hiroshima Station or your hotel before heading to Miyajima. The JR route is manageable with luggage, but the island is much more enjoyable with a smaller day bag.

Traveling with Kids

The JR route is usually the easiest option with children because the train ride is short, the ferry crossing is quick, and the transfer at Miyajimaguchi is straightforward. Streetcars can be crowded during commuter hours, so families with small children may find JR more comfortable even if it costs slightly more.

What to Do on a Rainy Day

The JR and streetcar routes usually operate normally in ordinary rain, but boats can still be affected by weather or operational conditions. The direct boat from Peace Memorial Park is especially important to check in advance because tide conditions can affect the route even when the weather looks fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to get to Miyajima from Hiroshima?

The fastest and easiest option for most travelers is the JR Sanyo Line to JR Miyajimaguchi Station, followed by the JR West Miyajima Ferry. The total journey usually takes about 45 minutes.

What is the cheapest way to get to Miyajima from Hiroshima?

The cheapest pay-as-you-go route is usually the Hiroden streetcar plus ferry. The total starts from around 520 yen one way, based on a 240 yen streetcar ride, the lowest regular ferry fare, and the 100 yen Miyajima Visitor Tax.

Which ferry should I take from Miyajimaguchi?

If you have a Japan Rail Pass, take the JR West Miyajima Ferry because the ferry fare is covered. If you do not have a JR Pass, either ferry is fine for ordinary sightseeing. The JR ferry is often preferred for its daytime Great Torii route, while Matsudai Kisen is the ferry included in the Hiroden streetcar-and-ferry pass.

Can I use an IC card for the ferry and visitor tax?

Yes, for the regular ferries from Miyajimaguchi, IC cards such as Suica, PASMO, and ICOCA can usually be used to pay both the ferry fare and the visitor tax together. The direct boat from Peace Memorial Park and the Hiroshima Port boat may require a different payment method, so bring cash or a credit card as a backup.

Do I need to reserve the direct boat from Peace Memorial Park?

Not always, but it is a good idea during busy seasons and on weekends. Online reservations are typically available until the day before departure, while same-day tickets are sold at the pier if seats remain.

Do I need to check timetables in advance?

For the JR train and regular Miyajimaguchi ferries, checking exact times is useful but not usually stressful because services are frequent during the day. For the direct Peace Park boat and Hiroshima Port boat, check the latest timetable before travel because departures are more limited and can be affected by operating conditions.

What happens if the direct boat is canceled?

If the direct Aqua Net boat is affected by tide conditions or other operational issues, the best backup plan is to take the JR train to Miyajimaguchi and continue by regular ferry. This is the most reliable alternative for most travelers.

Is the streetcar worth it if I already have a Japan Rail Pass?

Usually no. If you already have a Japan Rail Pass, the JR train + JR ferry route is normally the better choice because it is much faster and most of the journey is already covered. The streetcar only makes more sense if you strongly prefer leaving from the city center and do not mind the longer ride.

Can I visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima in one day?

Yes. Many travelers visit both in one day. The key is to start early and choose the route that fits your priorities. If you want the least complicated plan, use the JR route. If you are already finishing your Hiroshima sightseeing near the Atomic Bomb Dome, the direct Peace Park boat can be convenient if it is running normally.

Is there another boat route from Hiroshima besides the Peace Park boat?

Yes. There is also a boat connection from Hiroshima Port operated by Setonaikai Kisen, which can be useful for travelers staying near the port area. For most visitors, however, the main choices are still the JR route, the direct boat from Peace Memorial Park, or the Hiroden streetcar + ferry route.

Where can I store my luggage when visiting Miyajima?

Coin lockers are available at major stations and near the Miyajima ferry terminals, but sizes and availability vary. If you have large suitcases, it is usually easier to store them at Hiroshima Station or your hotel before visiting the island.

Final Verdict

If you are still deciding how to get to Miyajima from Hiroshima, the best choice for most people is the JR train + JR West ferry. It is the fastest overall, easy to understand, and the best-value option for Japan Rail Pass holders.

The direct boat from Peace Memorial Park is the most convenient option if you are already near the Atomic Bomb Dome and want to avoid backtracking, but you will pay much more and need to keep an eye on operating conditions. The Hiroden streetcar is the cheapest route for travelers paying out of pocket, but it is only worth it if you do not mind the extra time. The Hiroshima Port boat is a niche option best reserved for travelers already near the port.

Choose JR for speed, simplicity, and the best all-round balance.
Choose the direct boat for convenience from Peace Memorial Park.
Choose the streetcar only if keeping costs low matters more than saving time.
Choose the Hiroshima Port boat if you are already in the port area.

If you would rather avoid comparing routes, buying separate tickets, and coordinating Hiroshima with Miyajima in one day, booking a guided day trip is the easiest way to keep everything simple.

If you want fewer moving parts, you can check availability and reviews for the Hiroshima and Miyajima UNESCO Sites 1-Day Tour before finalising a DIY route.

Prices, transport schedules, pass conditions, visitor tax rules, payment methods, tour inclusions, and boat operations can change. Always check official sources and your selected booking page before finalizing your trip.