Miyajima is known for one of Japan’s most famous shrines – the UNESCO World Heritage site of Itsukushima Shrine. Hiroshima is known for its historic landmark the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Memorial/Park. Both can be visited on a day trip from Osaka. It will be a long day but will be well worth it, especially if you have a JR Pass. If time allows, staying overnight would give you more time to explore the areas in your ownn pace.
If you choose to do a day trip, set out as early as you can so you can maximize your day. Though you can get to these places in either order, I recommend starting with Miyajima in the morning to avoid the crowds and to see the famous Itsukushima Shrine and its Torii Gate at high tide (so it looks like it is floating in the water).
The floating Torii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine
How to get to Miyajima with JR Pass:
- From Shin-Osaka station take the shinkansen to Hiroshima Station (depending on which train you take, it can take 1.5 hrs to just over 2 hours)
- From Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo line train going to Miyajimaguchi Station (~30 minutes). Exit station and follow signs (or the people) to go to the ferry port nearby.
- At the ferry terminal, take a ferry to Miyajima. If you have a JR Pass, the the JR Ferry is included with the pass. Take the 10-minute boat ride (you may only need to show your pass when you get to the island) and you will be on the island.
JR Ferry to Miyajima is included with your JR Pass
View of the Torri Gate of the Itsukushima Shrine from the JR Ferry
Miyajima One-Day Itinerary
- Visit the Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site and see the floating Torii Gate
Entrance to the Itsukushima Shrine
- Visit the Daisho-in Temple nearby
Miyajima’s Daisho-in Temple
- Get to the top of Mount Misen (via ropeway or a 90-minute hike)
Top of Mount Misen
- See wild deer – they are all around!
Wild deer of Miyajima
- Eat and shop at the Omotesando Shopping Street
- Eat fresh oysters
Grilled oysters on Miyajima
-
- Try the famous Momiji Manju, maple-leaf shaped cakes with sweet filling
-
Miyajima’s famous Momiji Manju
- Sample street foods such as fish sticks
- Taste local beer at the Miyajima brewery
Miyajima brewery beer
-
- Shop for souvenirs
After Miyajima, take the JR Ferry back to Miyajimaguchi Station and take the train back to Hiroshima Station.
Hiroshima One-Day Itinerary
If you have a JR Pass, the sightseeing bus is included as part of the pass. This bus will get you to the main attractions of Hiroshima. If you do not have a JR Pass, there are plenty of transportation options outside the train station to get you to the attractions.
From the Hiroshima Station, find the sightseeing bus stop right outside the station.
Find this Hiroshima JR Station exit
Hiroshima Sightseeing Loop Bus is included with the JR Pass
Show your JR Pass to the bus driver when boarding and take the bus to go to the Atomic Bomb dome and the Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
Peace Memorial Park
Atomic Bomb Dome
The two are very close together so you can get off at one stop and walk to the other instead of waiting for the bus. Those are the two key sights to visit if you are pressed on time. There are other sites on the sightseeing routes if time allows.
For dinner try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at Nagataya, conveniently located nearby the Peace Memorial Park.
To return to Osaka, go back to Hiroshima Station and hop back onto the shinkansen to Shin-Osaka.
Congratulations on a long but very fun day!