Famous for its striking vermilion torii gate seemingly floating on the sea, Itsukushima Shrine is one of Japan’s most iconic and spiritually resonant landmarks. Each year, millions of visitors from across Japan and around the world come to Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture to witness this breathtaking scene—an embodiment of “the beauty of Japan.” Though only about two hours from Osaka by Shinkansen, taking your time here allows you to fully immerse yourself in the area’s deep layers of history, nature, and culture.

The journey begins at Shin-Osaka Station. From there, the Nozomi bullet train takes you to Hiroshima in about 90 minutes. A local JR Sanyo Line train brings you to Miyajimaguchi Station, where a short 10-minute ferry ride delivers you to Miyajima. Even before arriving, the view of the majestic torii rising from the sea seen from the ferry sets the tone for the spiritual adventure ahead.

Upon arrival, make your way to Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally constructed in the Heian period, the shrine’s unique structure extends over the water, creating an ever-changing tableau depending on the tides. At low tide, you can walk right up to the base of the torii, while at high tide, the buildings appear to float magically above the sea. The shifting light of morning and evening gives the shrine different expressions, making a visit at varied times of day especially rewarding.

After your shrine visit, explore the bustling Omotesando shopping street, where local delicacies and souvenirs await. Try the island’s famous anago-meshi (grilled conger eel over rice), momiji manju (maple-leaf-shaped cakes), charcoal-grilled oysters, or locally brewed craft beer. Cozy cafés tucked into side alleys and renovated traditional homes-turned-restaurants offer a relaxed lunch experience that blends perfectly with the island’s tranquil rhythm.

In the afternoon, consider a hike or ropeway ride up Mount Misen, a popular activity for those seeking both scenic beauty and spiritual atmosphere. At 535 meters above sea level, the summit offers sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea and its many islands, with visibility extending as far as Shikoku on clear days. Along the way, you’ll encounter sacred sites connected to the monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai), as well as mysterious megaliths—creating a landscape where nature and faith harmoniously intertwine.

If time allows, extend your journey to Hiroshima City to visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Atomic Bomb Dome) and the Peace Memorial Museum. Also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this area invites quiet reflection on the themes of war, memory, and peace. By combining a visit to Miyajima with Hiroshima, travelers can experience Japan’s “stillness and movement,” its “past and future,” within the same trip.

Accommodations are available on Miyajima itself, including traditional inns and modern hotels. Spending the night on the island offers a truly special experience—away from the crowds, you can walk the shrine path in the quiet early morning or admire the illuminated torii gate after dusk. These are moments of calm and beauty that day-trippers often miss, and they reveal the island’s deeper charm.

Hiroshima and Miyajima are far more than sightseeing destinations—they are places where profound spirituality and natural beauty coexist in quiet harmony. Just two hours from Osaka, this World Heritage island invites you to leave behind the rush of daily life and rediscover stillness. Why not plan a weekend escape to Miyajima, where time seems to slow, and the heart finds space to breathe?