Private Miyajima Rickshaw Tour: Itsukushima Shrine

A rickshaw ride through Miyajima's traditional streets to Japan's most famous floating shrine

A private rickshaw tour of Miyajima Island with a local guide, lasting 30 minutes to 2 hours at your chosen pace. You ride through the island's quiet traditional streets and visit the Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its red torii gate set in the sea. The tour is fully customizable: you pick the length, departure time and return point.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each2 stops

1. Itsukushima Shrine20m
2. Miyajima Islandpassing by

Explore Miyajima Island by rickshaw

• Ride rickshaw on Miyajima Island
• Visit Itsukushima Shrine interior
• See iconic red torii gate
• Stroll traditional island streets
• Visit Momiji Valley park

The experience

The rickshaw is your transport through Miyajima Island, also called the Island of Gods. Your local guide pulls you through the island's traditional streets while you take in the landscape at a pace no bus or car can match. The route centers on the Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its red torii gate rising from the water, though during low tide you can walk out to it on foot. Depending on which tour length you book (30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, or 2 hours), you may visit inside the shrine itself on the longer options, or simply pass through the surrounding area on a shorter ride.

What makes this tour yours to shape: you choose when you depart, how long you stay, and where the rickshaw drops you off at the end. The guide speaks Japanese and can accommodate requests for other languages subject to availability. Ask at the departure point. A maximum of two adults fit in one rickshaw, though children under 5 can ride on an adult's lap. If you're traveling with someone and prefer more space, you can book separate rickshaws. The tour operates rain or shine, and the rickshaw is wheelchair and stroller friendly.

Momiji Valley, at the base of the mountain, appears on some routes: its name means "red autumn leaves," and in fall it draws visitors for the foliage. The island's narrow lanes and quiet atmosphere are what set this experience apart from the usual tour-bus route. A rickshaw moves slowly enough that you notice the details of the place.

What’s included

• Local guide throughout the tour.
• rickshaw ride customized to your chosen duration and route.

Options for this experience

5 options

Miyajima 30 minUp to 4 per booking · Guide in Japanese · 10:00, 10:30, 11:00 and 11:30

Miyajima 45 minUp to 4 per booking · Guide in Japanese · 10:00, 10:30, 11:00 and 11:30

Miyajima 60 minUp to 4 per booking · Guide in Japanese · 10:00, 10:30, 11:00 and 11:30

See 2 more options

Miyajima 90 minUp to 5 per booking · Guide in Japanese · 10:00, 10:30, 11:00 and 11:30

Miyajima 120 minUp to 4 per booking · Guide in Japanese · 10:00, 10:30, 11:00 and 11:30

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 30m–2h, runs every day, 4 start times, from JP¥ 6,000 per person, with a live guide in Japanese, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 10:30, 11:00 and 11:30Other times ›

Book up to18h before

AgesAdult (6 and older) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideJapaneseOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.1 with pickup ›

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ebisuya

Is this one for you?You set the pace and the clock on this one: pick 30 minutes for a quick taste of the shrine and the island streets, or go 2 hours to explore Momiji Valley and walk inside the shrine itself. The rickshaw moves slowly enough that you see the traditional details a faster tour misses, and you're not following a group schedule: only your own timing.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 6): free.

Can I visit inside the Itsukushima Shrine on this tour?

Yes, but only on the longer tour options. The 90-minute and 2-hour tours include time to walk inside the shrine. The shorter 30-, 45-, and 60-minute rides pass through the surrounding area and may include views of the torii gate from outside.

What is the red torii gate and when can I see it?

The iconic red torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine stands in the sea and is the most photographed part of the shrine. During high tide it appears to float. During low tide you can walk out to it on foot. The gate is currently undergoing renovation and repairs, with work expected to continue until June 30th, 2021.

How many people can ride in one rickshaw?

A maximum of two adults fit in one rickshaw, which is 29.1 inches (74 centimeters) wide. Up to two children under age 5 can ride on the adults' laps without taking a seat. If you're traveling as a pair and prefer more comfort, you can book individual rickshaws for each person.

Can I choose what time the tour starts and where it ends?

Yes. You pick your preferred departure time and return point when you book. The selected time is confirmed by email within 24 hours of booking. If you want to finish somewhere other than the rickshaw stand, an additional drop-off fee may apply, payable on the day of the tour.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide speaks Japanese. A multi-lingual driver may be available subject to availability. Ask for a driver who speaks your language at the departure point when you arrive.