Hiroshima and Miyajima in One Day: Is It Possible?
Updated: Sep 28
Yes! You can visit Hiroshima and Miyajima in one day.
Many first-time visitors choose to see both. Miyajima offers beautiful scenery, temples, shrines, and traditional streets, while Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park tells an important part of the city’s history. However, you need enough time and a little planning.
How Much Time Do You Need for Hiroshima and Miyajima in One Day?
We recommend around 8 hours to visit both places without rushing too much.
On Miyajima, most first-time visitors want to see Itsukushima Shrine and the famous torii gate, walk through the traditional streets, and spend some time exploring the island.
In Hiroshima, the main places are the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park, including the Peace Memorial Museum.
Some visitors and tours cover both areas in five or six hours, but this can feel rushed and usually means seeing fewer places on Miyajima.
The island is much more than its famous shrine and torii gate. It also has beautiful and spiritual places to discover, including a wonderful temple filled with unique statues that often surprises our guests.
For many travelers, this may be their only visit to Miyajima. If you have time, we recommend looking beyond the main sights and discovering more of this special island.
Miyajima First or Hiroshima First?
If you are staying overnight in Hiroshima, either order can work. On our tours, however, we usually visit Miyajima first unless our guests have a special request.
There is one situation where we strongly recommend Miyajima first.
If You Need to Leave Hiroshima Later That Day
If you need to catch a Shinkansen or a flight later that day, visiting Miyajima in the morning is the safer choice.
Trains between Hiroshima and Miyajima can occasionally be delayed. If this happens late in the day, you may have less flexibility and risk missing your departure.
By visiting Miyajima first and spending the afternoon at Peace Memorial Park in central Hiroshima, it is much easier to adjust your schedule. This small detail can make a big difference when planning your day.
What About the Tide at Miyajima?
The tide changes the view of Itsukushima Shrine and the torii gate.
On a clear day, we find high tide especially beautiful. The shrine and torii appearing to float on the water is one of Miyajima’s most iconic views. On a misty day, the scenery can also feel wonderfully mysterious.
Low tide is special in a different way, giving you the rare experience of walking right up to—and even beneath—the torii gate.
If your schedule allows, staying overnight on Miyajima is a wonderful option. The island has many lovely hotels, and an overnight stay gives you the chance to experience both high and low tide, as well as Miyajima’s beautiful evening scenery.
How Do You Travel Between Hiroshima and Miyajima?
There are several ways to travel between the two areas. The best option depends on where you are staying, your budget, and your schedule.
Prices and travel times vary considerably. For a detailed comparison of fares, travel times, and transportation options, see our guide:
Planning Your Day
If you are planning your own day in Hiroshima and Miyajima, we hope the tips above help you create a schedule that works for you.
If you prefer to leave the planning to a local, MOMIJIMARU JAPAN offers an **8-hour private Hiroshima and Miyajima tour** with a local guide born in Hiroshima. We adjust the route to your interests, travel plans, and the conditions of the day, and help arrange transportation when needed.
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