Port information & tips for Miyajima (Itsukushima)
Miyajima, the sacred island in Hiroshima Bay, is considered one of Japan's most spiritual places and welcomes cruise passengers with a timeless, magical atmosphere. The island impresses with its dense forests and offers an authentic Japanese experience thanks to the free-roaming deer and traditional architecture. World-famous sights such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Itsukushima Shrine with its iconic red Torii gate and the magnificent Daisho-in Temple are within direct reach. Cruise ships use the centrally located Miyajima Pier (Miyajima-sanbashi), from which the picturesque streets of the island town, local specialty markets, and the base station of the cable car to Mount Misen are easily accessible on foot in just a few minutes.
Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
Miyajima, also known as Itsukushima, is a picturesque island in the Seto Inland Sea and is considered one of Japan's most beautiful landscapes. Although large cruise ships primarily dock at the nearby Hiroshima Port (Ujina Port), you can reach the island itself via the Miyajimaguchi ferry port on the mainland. From there, the island and its famous sights are easily accessible by ferry.
Airplane
For guests from the DACH region, traveling by plane is the most common choice, with Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) being the nearest international airport. It is located approximately 72 kilometers from the Miyajimaguchi ferry terminal. A direct bus connection takes you to the Miyajimaguchi ferry terminal in about an hour, with costs around 4,000 Yen. Some buses even offer free luggage storage or transfers to partner hotels, which significantly eases the onward journey. Due to the long flight time from Europe, a pre-cruise overnight stay in Hiroshima or Miyajimaguchi is recommended to start your cruise experience relaxed.
Train
The Japanese railway offers a comfortable and efficient journey to the Miyajimaguchi ferry terminal. From Hiroshima Station, you can reach Miyajimaguchi Station directly via the JR Sanyo Line in about 25 to 30 minutes. This route is conveniently included in the Japan Rail Pass. From Miyajimaguchi Station, it is just a few minutes' walk to the ferry pier, where both the JR Miyajima Ferry and the Matsudai Ferry cross to Miyajima Island. The scenic crossing takes only about 10 minutes, and with a Japan Rail Pass, you can use the JR ferry free of charge. A visitor tax of 100 Yen applies for the ferry crossing, which is often included in the ticket price or paid separately.
Car
If you arrive by car, the Sanyo Expressway leads to the Hatsukaichi IC exit, from where you can reach the Miyajimaguchi ferry terminal in about 8 minutes via National Route 2. Several paid parking options are available directly at the ferry terminal, including the modern Mitsui Repark Miyajima-guchi Passenger Terminal Parking Lot, which is only a three-minute walk from the ferry pier and offers both short-term and long-term parking. It is important to note that there are no parking facilities for cars on Miyajima itself; your vehicle remains on the mainland in Miyajimaguchi. From there, you can comfortably take the ferry for the short crossing to the island.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and consider that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
