Miyajima was described by Japanese scholar Hayashi Gaho (1616-1680) as one of Japan’s three most beautiful vistas. And he is absolutely right about that. The island, better known as Itsukushima, is beautifully situated in a bay near Hiroshima and has a history dating back more than 1,300 years. It was the monk Kobo Daishi (774-835) who settled here and had a number of temples founded. Miyajima is therefore known as ‘Temple Island’.
Are you planning a visit to Itsukushima? In this travel guide, I will take you to the island’s best sights, discover the best accommodation and learn more about the special culture and history of this destination in Japan. A history-rich visit to Miyajima starts here…
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Practical information
Best Time to Travel? The best time to visit this beautiful island is between May and October. Then the temperature is pleasant to warm. June and July do see the most rain on average. It averages 25 to 30 degrees in the summer months, and between 5 to 10 degrees in winter.
How many days? From Hiroshima, you can easily take a day trip to Itsukushima. The first boat leaves around 7am, with the last leaving around 9pm. Do you like peace and quiet and want to avoid the big city? Then this destination is ideal for spending the night there.