If you are planning a day trip to Hiroshima, chances are you want to see both Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the famous floating torii gate on Miyajima. The good news is that getting there is easy once you know which route fits your budget, schedule, and starting point.
In most cases, the best answer to how to get to Miyajima from Hiroshima is simple: take the JR train to Miyajimaguchi and then the ferry. But that is not the only option. You can also take a direct boat from Peace Memorial Park or save money with the Hiroden streetcar.
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. It usually takes about 45 minutes and costs about 700 yen one way in total, including the 100 yen Miyajima Visitor Tax as of April 2026.
The cheapest pay-as-you-go option is the Hiroden streetcar plus ferry. It takes longer, but costs from 520 yen one way.
The most convenient option from the city center is the direct boat from Peace Memorial Park. It takes about 45 minutes with no transfer, but it is much more expensive and can be affected by tide conditions.
Route Comparison at a Glance
Prices below are current as of April 2026 and include the 100 yen Miyajima Visitor Tax unless noted otherwise.
| 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 ferry covered 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 | No | Higher price and tide-related disruptions |
| Hiroden Streetcar + Ferry | Budget travelers and city-center starts | About 80 to 90 minutes | From 520 yen | No | Much slower than JR |
Best Route by Traveler Type
- Choose JR train + 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 you care most about keeping costs low and do not mind the longer journey.
The Fastest Route: JR Train + Ferry
For most travelers, this is the best way to get from Hiroshima to Miyajima. It is straightforward, frequent, and the ferry portion is covered by the Japan Rail Pass if you use the JR West ferry.
JR Train to Miyajimaguchi Station
From JR Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo Line bound for Iwakuni or Miyajimaguchi. The ride takes about 28 to 30 minutes and costs 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. Matsudai Kisen
At the waterfront, you will see two 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. However, there are two practical differences.
First, the JR West ferry is the better choice for JR Pass holders, because the ferry fare is covered by the pass. You only pay the visitor tax separately.
Second, JR West operates the Great Torii route on many daytime departures from Miyajimaguchi. On these sailings, the boat passes closer to the famous torii gate, which gives you a better view from the water. If you want the best photo opportunity on the crossing, choose the JR ferry during the daytime.
Who This Route Suits Best
This is the best route if you are arriving by train, using a JR 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.
The Direct Route: Boat from Peace Memorial Park
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. It takes about 45 minutes and costs 2,500 yen one way in total as of April 2026.
- Time: About 45 minutes
- Cost: 2,500 yen one way in total
- JR Pass: Not accepted
- Boarding point: Motoyasu Pier, near the Atomic Bomb Dome
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
You can buy tickets at the pier on the day, but advance booking is recommended in busy periods. Online bookings are accepted until the day before departure. Same-day departures are sold at the ticket office, subject to availability.
Another important detail: transportation IC cards are not accepted on this direct boat service. Bring cash or a credit card 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.
The Cheapest Route: Hiroden Streetcar + Ferry
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 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 520 yen one way
After arriving at Hiroden-miyajima-guchi, walk to the ferry area and board the next available boat to Miyajima. If you want the lowest possible total, use the JR West Miyajima Ferry. If you prefer the most direct connection from the tram side, many travelers simply board whichever ferry is leaving first.
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.
Paying the Miyajima Visitor Tax
As of April 2026, the Miyajima Visitor Tax is 100 yen per visit for most travelers arriving on the island by boat. This tax is separate from your ferry fare, although it is usually collected at the same time.
There are some official exemptions, including preschool children, certain school trip groups, and some disabled travelers who meet the city’s exemption rules.
How to Pay the Tax
- JR West or Matsudai Kisen ferry with an IC card: tap through the ferry gate and the system will deduct both the ferry fare and the visitor tax automatically.
- 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 handled through the ticket purchase process for that route.
If you are using a special pass, tour voucher, or exchange ticket, do not assume the visitor tax is included. Check 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 stop and 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 standard ferry routes from Miyajimaguchi because they can handle both the ferry fare and the visitor tax at the gate. For the direct Aqua Net boat from Peace Memorial Park, use cash or a credit card instead.
A Money-Saving Pass Option
If you plan to use Hiroshima’s local transport throughout the day, the Hiroden 1 Day Streetcar and Ferry Pass can be worth considering. As of April 2026, it costs 1,000 yen and can be better value than paying separately if you are sightseeing in the city before or after your island visit.
This pass is especially useful if you are starting near the city center rather than Hiroshima Station. Just remember that it is a budget-friendly option, not a fast one. If your priority is saving time, the JR train is still the better choice.
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.
If you are planning a single-day visit and would rather skip the logistics, a guided day tour can be the easiest way to combine both major sights efficiently.
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. As of April 2026, the total cost starts from about 520 yen one way, including 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, although many travelers still prefer the JR ferry for its daytime torii-view route.
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 does not accept transportation IC cards, so use cash or a credit card instead.
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.
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 ferry. This is the most reliable alternative and usually only adds a small amount of extra travel time.
Is the streetcar worth it if I already have a JR Pass?
Usually no. If you already have a JR 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, 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.
Check availability for the Hiroshima and Miyajima UNESCO Sites 1-Day Tour
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.
For a simple decision:
- 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.
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.
Check availability and book the Hiroshima and Miyajima UNESCO Sites 1-Day Tour here
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!