Where to stay in Hiroshima and Miyajima
Most visitors do Hiroshima and Miyajima in a day. Staying overnight on the island, though, is one of the quiet highlights of western Japan.
Quick answer
- Easiest base: Hiroshima Station, for the shinkansen and the train to Miyajima
- Best for food and evenings: the Hondori and Peace Park area, near okonomiyaki restaurants
- Most memorable: one night in a ryokan on Miyajima, after the day visitors leave
- How long: one night in Hiroshima plus one on Miyajima is ideal. A single night in the city also works
Hiroshima is a relaxed, friendly city with a powerful history. Miyajima, a short train and ferry ride away, has the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. They are close enough to do as one trip, so the real choice is how to split your nights between the city and the island. See our Hiroshima and Miyajima guide for the sights.
Hiroshima Station area
The most practical base. The shinkansen stops here, and trams and local trains run from the station, including the line to Miyajimaguchi for the ferry.
- Good for: one or two nights, early or late shinkansen, families with luggage
- Transport: the tram runs to the Peace Memorial Park in about 20 minutes. Trains to Miyajimaguchi take about 30 minutes
- Watch out for: the immediate streets are more business than charm. You are a tram ride from the best restaurants
Hondori, Kamiyacho and Peace Park
The heart of the city. It has shopping arcades, the tram hub at Kamiyacho and restaurants serving Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a layered pancake with noodles. The Peace Memorial Park is a short walk away.
- Good for: food, evening walks and being near the Peace Memorial Museum
- Watch out for: a longer ride to the station for the shinkansen. Check the walk and tram options
Staying on Miyajima
Day visitors leave by late afternoon. If you stay, the island feels very different: quiet, with deer wandering the lanes, the torii lit in the evening and no tour groups.
- Good for: couples, special occasions and travellers who want slow time and good photos without the crowds
- What you get: mostly small ryokan with a kaiseki dinner and breakfast, often with sea views, plus a few hotels
- Watch out for: the island has few late restaurants and fewer hotel rooms, so book far ahead. Many ryokan serve dinner at a fixed time, so arrive by late afternoon
- Tide matters. At high tide the torii appears to float, and at low tide you can walk to its base. Check the tide table to time your visit
Hiroshima city or Miyajima?
| Hiroshima city | Miyajima | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Convenience, food, nightlife | Atmosphere, quiet evenings, photos |
| Rooms | Many hotels at most prices | Fewer, mostly ryokan, usually pricier |
| Transport | Shinkansen at the station | Ferry from Miyajimaguchi, about 10 minutes |
| Luggage | Easy | Carry a small bag, send the rest ahead |
Getting to Miyajima
- Train and ferry: take the JR Sanyo line from Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi, then a ferry for about 10 minutes. JR also runs a ferry that is covered by the JR Pass.
- Visitor tax: a small Miyajima visitor tax of 100 yen is added to the ferry fare.
- Late ferries: ferries run into the evening, but check the last sailing before you plan dinner on the mainland.
- Luggage: leave your big bags in a station locker or send them ahead with luggage forwarding.
Suggested plans
- Two nights: night one in Hiroshima for the Peace Memorial Park and okonomiyaki, night two in a Miyajima ryokan.
- One night: stay in Hiroshima, visit the Peace Memorial Park in the morning, Miyajima in the afternoon, and return by evening.
- Where it fits: Hiroshima is 1 hour 25 minutes from Osaka and 1 hour 45 minutes from Kyoto by shinkansen. See our itinerary maker.
Opening hours, prices and transport details change. Check the official sources before you travel: Visit Hiroshima, the official travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
How many nights do I need in Hiroshima and Miyajima?
Two nights is ideal: one in Hiroshima and one on Miyajima. One night in Hiroshima also works if you visit Miyajima as a day trip.
Is it worth staying overnight on Miyajima?
Yes, if you want quiet evenings, the lit torii and a ryokan stay. If you are short of time or on a budget, Hiroshima is the easier base.
Can I visit Miyajima as a day trip from Hiroshima?
Yes. It takes about 45 minutes door to door by train and ferry, so many visitors combine the Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima in one day.
When is the best time to see the floating torii?
At high tide, when the gate looks like it floats. Check the tide table, as the water level changes through the day.
Can I do Hiroshima as a day trip from Osaka?
Yes. The shinkansen takes about 1 hour 25 minutes each way, but you will have a long day. Staying a night gives you time for both the city and Miyajima.
Part of our guide hubs: Where to Stay in Japan.
We checked this guide against official tourism sources and the places themselves. Last updated 12 November 2026. Basis: researched from official sources. Written and edited by Delfin, with AI-assisted research (how we work). Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm before you book. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
