Daisho-in Temple
Hiroshima, Japan
Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima
i
Photo: JordyMeow, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia CommonsThe essentials in 10 seconds
- Entry
- ¥300; high school ¥200; schoolchildren ¥100
officiali
Confirmed by an official source: the venue, a ministry or the operator. - Hours to 30 November
- 6:30–17:30
officiali
Confirmed by an official source: the venue, a ministry or the operator. - Time on site
i
A typical visit without queueing. In high season add 15–30 minutes. - 1 h 30 min
- With kids
- Fine with kids
- With the Treasure Hall
- ¥500
officiali
Confirmed by an official source: the venue, a ministry or the operator. - December hours
- 6:30–17:00
officiali
Confirmed by an official source: the venue, a ministry or the operator. - Payment
- Cash only
officiali
Confirmed by an official source: the venue, a ministry or the operator. - Getting there
- JR to Miyajimaguchi, 30 minutes, then a 10-minute ferry
Key facts
593the year the shrine was founded, by ancient records
Sourcei
itsukushimajinja.jp1168Taira no Kiyomori built the present complex
Sourcei
itsukushimajinja.jp1996the year it was listed by UNESCO
Sourcei
itsukushimajinja.jp1875the year the present Great Torii was built
Sourcei
en.wikipediaTop 3 viewsMiyajima is one of Japan's three most scenic views
Sourcei
itsukushimajinja.jp3 goddessesworshipped at the shrine — protectors of seafarers
Sourcei
itsukushimajinja.jp¥300adult entry
Sourcei
itsukushimajinja.jp10 minutesby ferry from Miyajimaguchi
Sourcei
itsukushimajinja.jpWhat is Itsukushima Shrine?
Itsukushima is a Shinto shrine on Miyajima island off Hiroshima. According to the official site, it was founded in 593 where the tide ebbs and flows, and in 1168 the powerful Taira no Kiyomori built the present complex in the style of noble palaces. It enshrines three goddesses who protect seafarers.
Its halls and corridors stand on piers over the water, and in the sea in front stands the vermilion Great Torii gate. At high tide both gate and shrine seem to float on the sea. Miyajima has long been counted among Japan's three most scenic views, and the shrine was listed by UNESCO in 1996.
Tickets and hours
According to the official site, entry is ¥300 for adults, ¥200 for high-schoolers and ¥100 for schoolchildren. A combined ticket with the Treasure Hall costs ¥500 and is sold only at the shrine entrance. Cards aren't accepted — bring cash.
Hours depend on the season: from 1 March to 14 October 6:30–18:00, from 15 October to 30 November 6:30–17:30, in December 6:30–17:00, and from 4 January to the end of February 6:30–17:30. The Treasure Hall opens 8:00 to 17:00. On the hill nearby stands the large Senjokaku hall, entry ¥100.
What to see
- The Great Torii in the sea.
- The corridors on piers over the water.
- The main hall of the shrine.
- The Noh stage above the sea.
- The arched Soribashi bridge.
- Senjokaku and the pagoda on the hill nearby.
How to get to Itsukushima
Tap a route to highlight it on the map.
Where are you starting from?
We’ll draw it on the map on foot and by taxi; metro and buses open in your maps app. Your location isn’t stored.
On foot
- Daisho-in Temple is about 7 min away on foot.
More tips
- JR — from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi on the Sanyo line, about 30 minutes.
- Ferry — from Miyajimaguchi to the island, about 10 minutes; JR and Matsudai ferries run.
- Hiroden tram — from central Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi, about an hour.
- From the island pier — about 10 minutes on foot along the shore.
- Direct boat — from central Hiroshima, about 45 minutes.
Itsukushima or Fushimi Inari
| Itsukushimayou are here | A gate in the sea | ¥300 | Train and ferry | A day with the island |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fushimi Inari | Thousands of gates up a mountain | Free | A train from Kyoto | 2–3 hours |
How long do you need?
An hour is enough for the shrine itself, but allow a whole day for the island: stroll the Omotesando shopping street, take the ropeway up Mount Misen and visit Daisho-in temple. Deer roam freely on the island — as in Nara, but here you mustn't feed them.
Try the local food: grilled oysters — Hiroshima is famous for them — anago-meshi, rice with sea eel, and momiji manju, cakes shaped like maple leaves.
Since October 2023 visitors to the island pay a small visitor tax — according to guides, it's added to the ferry ticket.
Is Itsukushima worth visiting?
Yes: the gate in the sea is one of Japan's most recognisable views, and the island with Mount Misen is the best trip from Hiroshima.
The YesGo take: at weekends and in the middle of the day the island is very crowded, and the finest views are in the morning and at sunset. If you can, stay the night on Miyajima: in the evening, once the last ferries leave, the island empties and the gate is lit up.
Before you go: checklist
Ready: 0 of 5Tick what is ready — your ticks stay in this browser.
You are ready for the visit
Temples and shrines: compare and choose
Temples and shrines rated by YesGo. Tap a column heading to sort.
| Itsukushima Shrineyou are here | 37 | 1 h 30 min | ¥300 | — |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daisho-in Temple | 29 | 45 min | Free | 8 min walk |
| Mount Misen | 19 | 3 h | trails free; ropeway ≈ ¥2,000 return | 31 min walk |
Miyajima in a day
Itsukushima Shrine and the gate in the sea in the morning, Daisho-in temple at midday, and the ropeway up Mount Misen in the afternoon. Add them to your route — YesGo fits in the timing and transfers.
- Itsukushima Shrineyou are here1 h 30 min · ¥300
- 8 min walk from the previous stopDaisho-in Temple45 min · free
- 24 min walk from the previous stopMount Misen3 h · trails free; ropeway ≈ ¥2,000 return
3 places · about 5 h 47 min with walks · 32 min on foot in total
Nearby — add to your day
Mount Misen
Hiroshima, Japan
How to do it right
- Check the tide table.
- Bring cash — ¥300.
- Don't wear heels.
- Don't feed the island's deer.
- Next: Mount Misen.
Questions
How much is entry to Itsukushima Shrine?
¥300 for adults; ¥500 with the Treasure Hall.
What are the opening hours?
To 30 November 6:30–17:30, December 6:30–17:00, until 18:00 in spring and summer.
How do I get there from Hiroshima?
JR to Miyajimaguchi, about 30 minutes, then a 10-minute ferry.
When does the gate 'float'?
At high tide; at low tide you can walk out to it.
Can I pay by card?
No, cash only.
How long do you need?
An hour for the shrine, a day for the island.
When was the shrine built?
Founded in 593; the present complex dates from 1168.
What else is on the island?
Mount Misen, Daisho-in temple and the Omotesando shopping street.
Have you been? Was it worth your time?
1 — no, 5 — absolutely
Your vote counts towards the YesGo score.
Sources and fact-check
- Shrine official site (itsukushimajinja.jp/en) — history, seasonal hours, prices, payment, access (checked 09.11.2026)
- English Wikipedia: Itsukushima Shrine — the 1875 Great Torii, restoration
- Travel guides — tides, visitor tax, local food (unofficial)
- Wikidata Q191763 — coordinates
