Miyajima & Itsukushima Shrine: Private Half-Day Tour Guide

Summary

Half-day Miyajima walk with shrine views, local snacks & gentle deer

You’ll wander Miyajima Island’s lively streets with a local guide, taste warm momiji manju cakes straight from street stalls, meet friendly deer along your walk, and stand quietly at Itsukushima Shrine as the tide shifts around its floating gate. This half-day tour lets you choose your pace—and maybe leaves you wanting just one more hour here.

What’s the experience like?

Li was waiting near the Miyajimaguchi ferry ticket office, waving a little paper sign with my name — I almost missed it because I got distracted by a group of schoolkids trying to feed crackers to one of the island’s deer (the deer looked bored, honestly). Li grinned and asked if I wanted to pick our route or just follow her lead. We decided on a mix — she said that’s how most people do it. The ferry ride across was quick but I kept sneaking glances at the water; there was this weird calm before you even see the torii gate. It’s not like anywhere else I’ve been.

The first thing that hit me on Miyajima was the smell: a mix of salty sea air and something sweet from the snack stalls. We wandered through narrow lanes lined with shops selling maple leaf cakes — momiji manju, Li told me, and then made me say it out loud (I definitely butchered it). She laughed and handed me one anyway. Warm, soft, red bean inside. There were people everywhere but somehow it didn’t feel crowded — maybe because everyone seemed happy to be there. The deer strolled right up to us like they owned the place.

We reached Itsukushima Shrine just as the tide started coming in. The famous torii gate really does look like it’s floating when the water rises — Li said locals still get goosebumps seeing it. I stood there for a while listening to distant bells from Daishō-in temple up on Mount Misen, and honestly, I didn’t want to rush that moment. Afterward we climbed up toward Tenshinkaku café for a view over Toyokuni Shrine and the five-story pagoda — my legs complained a bit but the view was worth it. There’s something about watching sunlight shimmer off the Seto Inland Sea with a cup of tea in your hands that makes you forget you’re technically on a “half-day tour.”

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Miyajima Island and Shrine

• Meet at Miyajimaguchi Ferry Terminal
• Take ferry to Miyajima Island
• Visit Daishō-in Temple complex
• Walk through souvenir shops and snack stalls
• Explore Itsukushima Shrine and torii gate
• Enjoy view from Tenshinkaku cafe
• Return ferry to Hiroshima

Top questions

How long is the Miyajima private tour?

The private tour lasts four hours total, including travel time between Hiroshima and Miyajima.

Is transportation included in the tour price?

No, ferry and streetcar passes are not included; expect 900 yen for adults or 450 yen for children for a 24-hour pass.

Where does the tour start?

You can meet your guide at Miyajimaguchi Passenger Terminal Ticket Office or arrange pickup on foot within Hiroshima city or cruise port areas.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Are snacks or meals included?

No meals are included but there are many snack stalls along Miyajima’s main street where you can buy food.

Can children join this walking tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome.

What sights are usually visited during this half-day trip?

You’ll typically see Itsukushima Shrine, Daishō-in Temple, shopping streets with snack stalls, and scenic viewpoints like Tenshinkaku café.

Will we see wild deer on Miyajima Island?

Yes, wild deer roam freely around Miyajima Island and often interact with visitors.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your licensed English-speaking guide either at your hotel in Hiroshima or at Miyajimaguchi ferry terminal on foot—no vehicle pickup—plus personalized walking routes based on your interests. All guiding is private; public transport options nearby make getting around easy. Meals and ferry tickets aren’t included so bring some yen for snacks or souvenirs along the way.