If you are planning a day trip to Hiroshima, seeing both the poignant Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the iconic floating torii gate of Miyajima is likely at the top of your itinerary. However, figuring out how to get to Miyajima from Hiroshima can be slightly confusing due to the different transit options, two separate ferry companies, and the recently introduced Miyajima Visitor Tax.
Whether you want the fastest route, the cheapest option, or a direct boat from the Peace Park, this guide breaks down exactly how to make the journey so you can choose the best option for your schedule and budget.
At a Glance: 3 Main Ways to Get to Miyajima
Here is a quick comparison of the three primary routes from central Hiroshima to Miyajima Island. Note: All prices below include the mandatory 100 JPY Miyajima Visitor Tax.
| Route | Departure Point | Total Time | Total Cost (One-way) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. JR Train + Ferry (Fastest) | Hiroshima Station | Approx. 45 mins | 720 JPY |
| 2. Direct Boat (Most Convenient) | Peace Memorial Park | Approx. 45 mins | 2,500 JPY |
| 3. Streetcar + Ferry (Cheapest) | Atomic Bomb Dome / City Center | Approx. 80-90 mins | 570 JPY |
Short on time?
If you only have one day in Hiroshima and want to experience both the A-Bomb Dome and Miyajima without the stress of navigating train schedules, transferring to ferries, or dealing with ticket machines for the new tourist tax, joining a guided tour is highly recommended.
Check availability for the Hiroshima and Miyajima UNESCO Sites 1-Day Tour
Route 1: The Fastest Way (JR Train & Ferry)
For most travelers, taking the local JR train followed by a short ferry ride is the most efficient and straightforward way to reach the island. This route is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass (excluding the 100 JPY Visitor Tax).
Step 1: JR Train to Miyajimaguchi Station
From JR Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo Line (bound for Iwakuni or Miyajimaguchi). The ride takes about 28 minutes and costs 420 JPY. Trains depart frequently, usually every 15 minutes. Once you arrive at JR Miyajimaguchi Station, exit the station and walk straight down the main road for about 3 to 5 minutes to reach the ferry terminal.
Step 2: The Ferry (JR vs. Matsudai Kisen)
At the Miyajimaguchi ferry terminal, you will see two different companies operating ferries to the island: JR West Miyajima Ferry and Miyajima Matsudai Kisen. Both cost exactly the same (200 JPY + 100 JPY tax) and take about 10 minutes. However, there is a crucial difference you should know.
Always choose the JR West Miyajima Ferry during the day.
Between 9:10 AM and 4:10 PM, departing from Miyajimaguchi, the JR ferries take a specific “Great Torii Route.” This means the boat deliberately arcs closer to the famous floating O-torii gate, giving you the best photo opportunities from the water. The Matsudai ferries simply take a straight path to the pier.
Route 2: The Direct Way (Boat from Hiroshima Peace Park)
If you are already exploring the city center and have just finished visiting the Atomic Bomb Dome or the Peace Memorial Museum, you do not need to travel all the way back to Hiroshima Station. You can take a boat directly to Miyajima.
The Hiroshima World Heritage Sea Route (operated by Aqua Net) departs from the Motoyasu Pier, located right next to the Atomic Bomb Dome along the river.
- Time: About 45 minutes
- Cost: 2,500 JPY one-way / 4,500 JPY round-trip (Visitor tax included)
- JR Pass: Not accepted
Important Warning: Tide Levels
Because this boat travels through the shallow riverways of Hiroshima city before hitting the ocean, operations are highly dependent on tide levels (which is also essential to monitor if you are planning the best time to visit the floating torii gate). During low tide, boats cannot navigate the river, leading to adjusted schedules or outright cancellations. It is highly recommended to check the official Aqua Net schedule online a day or two before and book your tickets in advance to secure a seat, as this is a smaller vessel that fills up quickly.
Route 3: The Cheapest Way (Hiroden Streetcar)
If you are traveling on a tight budget or already hold a local transit pass like the Visit Hiroshima Tourist Pass, taking the Hiroden (Hiroshima Electric Railway) streetcar is your most economical option.
You can board Line 2 from Hiroshima Station, or hop on at various stops in the city center, such as the Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome-mae). You will ride the streetcar all the way to the final stop: Hiroden-miyajimaguchi.
- Time: 70 to 80 minutes from Hiroshima Station.
- Cost: 270 JPY for the streetcar + 300 JPY for the ferry (including tax). Total: 570 JPY one-way.
- Pros: It is cheap, and you can board directly from the city center without returning to Hiroshima Station.
- Cons: It is significantly slower than the JR train because it stops frequently along the way.
Essential Tips for Your Journey
How to Pay the Miyajima Visitor Tax (100 JPY)
As of October 2023, the city of Hatsukaichi implemented a mandatory Miyajima Visitor Tax of 100 JPY for all visitors entering the island. Paying this tax is simple, but the method depends on how you are paying for your ferry ride:
- Using an IC Card (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA): This is the easiest method. Simply tap your card at the ferry terminal gates. The system will automatically deduct both the 200 JPY ferry fare and the 100 JPY tax (300 JPY total) from your balance.
- Buying a Paper Ticket: Go to the ticket machines at the Miyajimaguchi ferry terminal. You must purchase a combined ticket that covers both the ferry fare and the tax (300 JPY).
Can I Use the Japan Rail Pass?
Yes, but with one important caveat. The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) fully covers the JR Sanyo Line train ride to Miyajimaguchi, as well as the fare for the JR West Miyajima Ferry. However, the JR Pass does not cover the 100 JPY Visitor Tax.
If you are using a JR Pass, you cannot simply flash your pass and walk onto the boat. You must stop at a ticket machine or manned window at the ferry terminal to pay the 100 JPY tax separately before boarding.
DIY Transit vs. Guided Tour: Which is Better?
Deciding whether to navigate the transit system yourself or book a tour comes down to how much time you have and your travel style.
DIY Transit is best for you if:
- You are a budget traveler or want to maximize your JR Pass.
- You want to spend the entire day and evening on Miyajima Island at your own pace, especially if you plan to stay overnight at a traditional Miyajima ryokan.
- You do not mind researching tide schedules, train timetables, and walking between stations.
A Guided Tour is best for you if:
- You only have one day in Hiroshima and want to see both the Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima efficiently.
- You want to skip the hassle of buying separate transit tickets, figuring out the visitor tax, and worrying about boat cancellations.
- You want deep historical context and local insights from an English-speaking guide that you cannot get from reading plaques.
If you want to guarantee a smooth, educational, and stress-free day covering both of Hiroshima’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, booking a comprehensive day tour is a smart investment of your limited vacation time.
Check availability and book the Hiroshima and Miyajima UNESCO Sites 1-Day Tour here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the fastest way to get to Miyajima?
The fastest route is taking the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station to JR Miyajimaguchi Station (28 minutes), walking to the pier (3-5 minutes), and taking the JR ferry across to the island (10 minutes). The total travel time is roughly 45 minutes.
Is the direct boat from the Peace Park worth it?
It is worth it if you are already at the Peace Park, want to save transit time, and prefer a scenic river ride. However, it is much more expensive than the train (2,500 JPY vs 720 JPY) and is subject to cancellations due to low tide. Always check the schedule in advance.
Do I need to book the Miyajima ferry in advance?
No. Both the JR West Miyajima Ferry and the Matsudai Kisen ferry run very frequently (usually every 10 to 15 minutes during peak hours) and do not require advance reservations. You can just show up, pay, and board the next available boat.
Hi, I’m Kai. I’m a Tokyo-based travel writer, tourism industry insider, and the author of a published guidebook for international visitors to Japan. With over 10 years of professional experience at a leading Japanese tourism company, my mission is to help you skip the tourist traps and navigate Japan’s best destinations like a local. I believe the perfect day trip is like a traditional kaiseki meal: a beautiful balance of precise planning and unforgettable seasonal discovery. When I’m not out conducting field research, you’ll usually find me drafting new itineraries with one of my favorite fountain pens!