🏯 Itsukushima Shrine Great Torii (Miyajima, Hiroshima) Review When I visited Itsukushima Shrine, the tide was low, and the water around the famous red Torii gate had receded. Even though it wasn’t surrounded by the sea at that moment, seeing this World Heritage Site up close was still a deeply moving experience. Standing before such a historically and spiritually significant place filled me with admiration and peace. Many visitors from around the world were there, all captivated by the shrine’s atmosphere and beauty. I also took a boat tour around the area, which offered a lovely view of the island and the Torii gate from the water. The nearby resort area was a wonderful place to relax — the air was fresh, the environment was clean, and the food was organic and delicious. The staff were very kind and welcoming, making the stay even more enjoyable. Overall, visiting the Itsukushima Shrine and its Great Torii was an unforgettable experience. Even during low tide, the site’s spiritual energy and natural beauty left a lasting impression. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Hiroshima who wishes to connect with Japan’s culture, history, and nature in a peaceful setting.

Miyajima Island - what a fantastic place. We went there with our private tour guide which we took for a whole day in Hiroshima. You can get from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island by train ( JR ) and a ferry from the Harbor or if you are in a hurry you can get also a taxi to the Harbor , a little bit more pricey but more convenient. The trip with the ferry is quite a short one , maybe 10 - 12 min. By the way we paid also for the ferry with our Suica Card. So it was very convenient. Once we arrived to the Island a lot of deers welcomed us. Very nice creatures and they are considered sacred and are protected and they’re believed to be messengers of the Shinto Gods. We saw the main sites on the Island and it took us almost a half a day. Itsukushima Shrine is a wonderful one and also Daisho-in worth definitely a visit. We went just under the iconic giant Torii to take some lovely pictures. By the way the giant Toriiin the sea on Miyajima Island is called Otorii of Itsukushima , and this is the famous floating Torii which is in the water when high tides are in. We visited in the morning and it was a low tide , so we could walk underneath ant to take pictures with it also from the other side. We highly recommend to go early in the morning , low tide and less crowded. The Torii’s legs are not buried in the sand and he’s standing there by his own huge weight. Bottom line Miyajima Island is a very nice place to visit , beautiful landscape , many small shops on the narrow streets , great street food & restaurants. A highly recommended place for a half day trip from Hiroshima. Just bring comfortable walking shoes and hit the road.

Visiting Itsukushima Jinja Temple in Hiroshima was an unforgettable experience! As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple is absolutely stunning — especially the iconic “floating” torii gate over the water. The atmosphere is peaceful yet full of life. I loved meeting and gently petting the friendly deer that roam the island — such a unique experience! I also tried the pull-bicycle (rickshaw) service, and the driver was incredibly nice, helpful, and knowledgeable. He explained the history of the temple and made the whole visit even more special. A must-see spot in Japan for its beauty, culture, and amazing hospitality!

Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima is one of the most beautiful and spiritual places in Japan. The floating torii gate rising from the sea is absolutely breathtaking, especially during high tide when it seems to float on the water. Walking through the shrine’s wooden corridors with the sound of the waves underneath feels peaceful and sacred. I visited around sunset, and the golden light on the gate was unforgettable. A truly iconic and magical spot that captures the essence of Japan’s beauty.

Go early, it’s worth it. We were pretty much the first group off ferry and there were about 50 people here in early November . Plenty of time to take all pics and stroll through building. Never rushed. On way out a couple of hours later and it was packed and would have definitely impacted experience.

4 Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima, Hiroshima) - Tourist in Japan Itsukushima Shrine was founded in 593 CE by Saeki no Kuramoto, rebuilt in 1168 by Taira no Kiyomori, and became a famous site for its floating torii gate. The shrine is dedicated to the goddesses of the sea, and its overwater construction was intended to avoid disturbing the sacred ground of the island itself. Over time, it was patronized by various clans and shoguns and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Amazing site to visit and lots of local snacks food to enjoy.

Absolutely beautiful. Not only does the torii glate "float", but this pavilion also seems to float! Come by for a history lesson and beautiful scenes. Very busy and a bit of a wait while you walk around, but it's a must-see.

Iconic shrine on the beach on Miyajima island. About 45 mins on the JR train from Hiroshima station. Can use your JR pass on the ferry to the island as well. There is 100 yen tax to pay prior to boarding the ferry. The red Tori gate appears to be floating in the water at high tide. There are free roaming deer in the vicinity. Beautiful scenery. Loads of restaurants, shops and cafes dotted around.

Very crowded, but great shrine obviously. There are two ways to get here, we took the 10 minute boat to get to the island, and took the 45 minute ride to the Peace memorial. Note that the boats to the peace memorial are all indoors.

Our first time seeing a floating temple like this one ! Spent almost the entire day in this area! Fantastic view and wait for the high tide! Even met a lady from Washington! The deers were so cute and they love people! I’m so glad we had visited a spot like this!

This has To be one of our highlights from our 3weeks in Japan. It rained most of the day - which added To the atmosphere!! But then the sun came out!! A great place to be.

Unbelievably beautiful place. Plan to spend the entire day here. Wonderful shops and a ton of different food. Skip Nara and come here! The deer are way more friendly and less aggressive.

u better come early, if you want to get to the gate closer, because after 9am sea ​​water will flood its iconic gate ☺️, also the ferry before 11am is cheaper than after 11am

Such an iconic site and focal point of Miyajima! It was certainly impressive in real life and the shrine itself was very unique in comparison to others we saw during our trip, given it's positioning on the water. We stayed at a Ryokan on the island and woke up at around 6:30-7am so that we could experience the shrine and Tori gate without masses of tourists, which was 100% worth it! We got some great photos and only saw about 5-10 other people there at that time in the morning ⛩️

Beautiful Buddhist temple, 100% worth the stairs! It is built on the mountain where you can have a great view of the town and sea. It's so great to walk around the garden, next to a clear beautiful stream. The 500 rakans with red beanies are interesting to look at. There's a temple stamp that you can collect as well. You can spend 1 to 2 hours here.

This temple was really awesome. It has a little of everything and in a beautiful setting. There are a lot of stairs though so be prepared for that. One of the temples blows a bunch of mist out of the bottom that makes for a very cool picture. I wasn't expecting it so I didn't get a very good shot. There is also an underground path in one of the temples that is completely dark and you have to navigate with your hands on walls. I think it is supposed to represent rebirth or something.

Spectacular. Must go early, be first off ferry and enjoy floating itsukushima shrine with no one around. Then walk here and again you will likely be alone. In early November this was beautiful. A bit of a hike but there was something amazing around every corner. Truly tucked into the mountain side. Took very few photos as I couldn’t stop taking it all in. No way for me to recreate this experience with a picture.

Beautiful temple with many well kept statues. You should hit the bell (it’s a way to get rid of bad desires in Buddhism according to the guide who went with me) and also go through the dark tunnel (it’s ok, the floor is even, there’s no risk of tripping, and the corridor is rather short). There are some steps but totally doable.

An absolutely beautiful shrine on Miayajima / Itsukushima Island. Would recommend going early to avoid crowds that begin around 9 am. Be sure to wear socks as you need to remove your shoes to enter one of the buildings on site.

One of the best temples we visited yet! So unique due to its location up at the base of Mt. Misen. We loved all the red hat Rakan, the beautiful Henjokutsu Cave and how everything seemed to blend beautifully into nature.

We visited in mid-November and the trees were just starting to turn red. We can see that deep autumn would show a red/orange vista. We got to see the divine statutes dressed in red beanies. Make sure not to miss the Henjo Cave too.

It was ok but not easy to find each shop, I would recommend to add more directions and signs especially for foreigners

Depending on what you what and how much you want to spend, The Outleocan be good. It gets very busy for parking late morning, early afternoon especially on Sundays. The food court area is big with some good priced delicious food. The large mountain restaurant is my favourite with a stack of fried chicken and rice. Not tried so many of the restaurants. Big game Center, and bowling and virtual reality areas. Quite expensive. Not tried the trampoline and ice skating but also looked reasonably expensive. Good number of stores, the sports shops in particular Reebok and Nike have decent bargains on trainers. There are a variety of designer shops but not shopped at them. GAP is big, and there's enough to keep you busy all day.

Such a good mall! Great shopping, Has designer bags for the women and then the food court is 10/10. Definitely recommend if your in Hiroshima!

THE OUTLETS HIROSHIMA, or ジ アウトレット広島, stands as a shopper's paradise in the heart of Hiroshima. This expansive retail haven features a diverse array of both local and international brands, offering a rewarding shopping experience for fashion enthusiasts and bargain hunters alike. The outlet's modern architecture and open-air design create a welcoming atmosphere, enhancing the overall shopping pleasure. From high-end fashion to casual wear, electronics to home goods, the selection caters to various tastes. Numerous dining options ensure visitors can refuel during their shopping spree. With its convenient location and a plethora of choices, THE OUTLETS HIROSHIMA emerges as a must-visit destination for those seeking a delightful blend of retail therapy and leisure.

Very large but very expansive. I’m not sure why they built it out on the middle of nowhere either. They do have a tram on display.

Wow, this is completely different. The first floor is a humongous food court, I'am not sure, but I think are around 100 different restaurants, cafes, even McDonald's including a supermarket. Second floor is retail stores, big names on bags, Michael Kolls, Under Armor clothing, and many more. Parking is free and has the choice of open or covered.

This place is perfect for families who want to spend quality time together. They have areas where kids can play for free and has events every weekend.

🕊️ Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome Review Visiting the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome was a deeply moving experience. It stands as a powerful reminder of the tragic events that took place in Hiroshima and serves as undeniable proof of the devastating impact of nuclear weapons. The museum exhibits and photographs vividly portray the horror, suffering, and human cost of the atomic bombing. They leave a lasting impression and convey an important message about peace and the value of life. This site teaches a painful but essential lesson for all of humanity. It is a place everyone should visit at least once — to remember the past and to reflect on the importance of preventing such tragedies in the future

Seeing the Atomic Bomb Dome in person was a surreal and sobering experience. Once the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, it now stands as a preserved ruin - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the few buildings that survived near the bomb’s hypocenter. Walking around the site, there are signs and displays that tell its story, each one deepening the sense of history and loss. Nearby, the remnants of a fountain still filled with rubble serve as another haunting reminder of what happened here. Yet, even amid the ruins, spring blossoms lined the path. It is also easily visible across the river from Peace Memorial Park, a stark reminder of the dark history here.

This place is so renowned I believe I don’t have to explain more. A must visit if you’re here in Hiroshima. In fact, it might even be worth it to plan your entire Japan trip around this. I feel that everyone deserves to learn from the past and do not take peace for granted Visited on 27 January 2023, Monday.

A place that stirs such mixed emotions. A day to reflect , The Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) was the only structure left standing in the area where the first atomic bomb exploded on 6 August 1945. Through the efforts of many people, including those of the city of Hiroshima, it has been preserved in the same state as immediately after the bombing. Not only is it a stark and powerful symbol of the most destructive force ever created by humankind; it also expresses the hope for world peace and the ultimate elimination of all nuclear weapons. We can only hope that humanity never allows something like this to happen again.

Historical place, and also a nice park. Located in the central of Hiroshima, so you can visit here by riding a streetcar. The Atomic Bomb Dome itself has a very significant outlook, so you won't miss it. 😉

Emotional place to visit. Very beautiful park spaces around the surviving Prefectural Building. Thankful for the informative plaques and survivor stories.

Couldn’t hold my tears while I was there.. it was a huge tragedy for our planet. Everyone deserves to live in a piece🙏 it’s good to visit this place as it allows you to remind yourself how it’s important to live here and now, to have peaceful life.

I went here for lunch on a whim and had one of the best meals during my three stay in Japan. The food, the ambiance, and the service were all 10/10. I had to wait about 30 minutes to be seated but the wait was worth it. The Okonomiyaki was exceptional: the cabbage, noodles, and egg were all cooked perfectly. Definitely worth trying and definitely worth waiting for, especially if you can sit at the counter to watch the cooks! A huge thank you to the staff who provided such an amazing experience. I hope to be back again :)

This Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki place is well worth the wait! We went on a Saturday evening for dinner and queued for over 45 minutes. It is a very popular place for both locals and tourists. We tried two different types of okonomiyaki, one original with raw egg on top and one with prawns and cheese. Both were very delicious, our favourite okonomiyaki in town. You are provided with different okonomiyaki sauces, mayo and lemon type tabasco sauce too, so can customise your dish to your taste.The atmosphere is lively, and you can see your meal being made by the chefs. All of this for very reasonable prices too. I'd recommend and visit again if I have the chance.

Super yummy! It was so fun to try a new type of cuisine. We got to sit near the grill and watch them make it. It was about a 20 minute wait but totally worth it. Everyone loved it. Really close to the atomic bomb dome.

Delicious okonomiyaki! We were able to see all process of making. The place seemed to be extremely popular both among tourist and local people. There are lots of different choices of okonomiyaki including vegetarian ones.

Worth the wait in line! The three of us ordered while in line so once we were seated, it wasn't long before our order began to be served to the hot griddle at our table. One Original, with Garlic and egg yolk (with soba noodles), one plain (with Udon noodles) and one Deluxe (with soba). All were sooo good! The Garlic was my favorite, (who makes garlic chips like this?!) but I wish I had ordered the Udon noodle with it. The Udon noodles adds more substance and bite. We tried all the sauces and used them liberally as we worked our way through the massive servings. Highly recommended!!

A great place to experience Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki with noodles—distinctly different from the Kansai version in a refreshing way. The shop is quite small, so there was a bit of a line and roughly a 20-minute wait, but it felt well worth it once we sat down. Plus, its location is convenient and close to several major Hiroshima attractions. I especially enjoyed both vegan and vegetarian options.

Queued for about an hour, but well worth the wait!! Such tasty okonomiyaki - lots of different flavours. We had 2 okonomiyaki and 2 large beers for about 5300 yen - £27. Very tasty and very full!

This specialty sweet store serves the most delectable local confectionary. The maple leaf shaped delight is so addictive you'd want to go back for more. 200 yen each so give it a try. You'd be glad you did. Do note that you'll have to pay for this pleasure through a vending machine and not at the counter so look for the vending machine inside the store first.

definitely try the fried maple thing!! theres different fillings you can pick: we picked the red bean and the custard. The outside is crispy, and the inside is soft. Custard wasn't overly sweet, so it was perfect. Short queue, but it went quickly. A small seating area inside the shop.

Bought some for souvenir. Tried many shops and this is the best for me. Great cake wrap, the content not too sweet. Love the unbaked cheese the most. Taste fresh and good. Will come back!

This is the highlight of Miyajima Island. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. There are many flavors to choose from. My only regret is not ordering more….

Was way better than I expected - especially the fried version of momiji (the vanilla flavored one I tried) - lightly battered & fluffy, whereas the ‘normal one’ was tasty as well (lemon curd)! Could eat more, and more - like a sport, decided to stop at only 2!

I am not a fan of the fried momiji manju, but the cream of the lemon cream manju was deicious, and I couldn't find lemon momiji manju anywhere else

Awesome deep fried momiji manju with different fillings! It’s crispy on the outside and fluffy with whatever filling you like inside. My only gripe with the delicious snack is that it wasnt hot when it was given to me (though they were continuously making them). To buy them, you purchase the amount you want from the machine and then give the ticket to the person after the machines. Here you tell the server what flavor(s) you’d like. Then enjoy!

We went there for a weekday lunch, having made a reservation in person the day before. To our surprise, only two tables were occupied when we arrived, which seemed odd given the high quality of the place. Perhaps the prices put some people off, or maybe there are just fewer diners these days. 🤔 That said, the food, the presentation, and the service were all top-notch. ✌😍 If you're passing through Hiroshima, this is definitely a spot worth checking out.👍

Oyster boat Kanawa is located in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park area' s buffer zone near the World Heritage; Atomic Bomb Dome. Also, there is a memorial statue," Mother of Mobilized Students" nearby. Every year on August 6th, we offer free resting area for the people who attend the peace memorial ceremony and the peace memorial park. We have many guests from all over the world who visit the Cenotaphs, Peace Memorial Museum and the Peace Memorial Park. We hope our guests feel peace when they taste our delicious Hiroshima oysters too. We pray for eternal peace through this culture of eating oysters and Washoku which is UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage. Garuka began in the early Edo period when oyster farmers transported Hiroshima oysters by boat to Osaka, moored them on the riverbank, and worked directly there. Later, the workers began offering tastings and preparing dishes to sell, giving rise to the "kakibune" oyster restaurants, where oysters were served on board. By the late Edo period, there were reportedly hundreds of oyster boats, stretching from Wakayama in the north to Shimonoseki in the west. These "oyster boats" became an ideal promotional tool for Hiroshima oysters and played a key role in spreading the name of Hiroshima oysters nationwide. The only remaining oyster boat in Hiroshima, the "Kasane Kanawa," has been moored on the Motoyasu River and has been operating since 1963 with the goal of spreading the deliciousness of Hiroshima oysters not only throughout Japan but around the world. Today, it is a place where people from both within and outside Hiroshima can experience Hiroshima's oyster culture and peace.

This restaurant is located right by the river. Having lunch here at noon, the sunlight was bright and the view from the window seats was beautiful. Even though I didn’t have a reservation that day, I was lucky to get a great table with a nice view. The restaurant specializes in oyster dishes, and the staff were very professional, making the whole dining experience enjoyable. Every dish was delicious and the oysters were very fresh. The lunch set was generous and satisfying. Highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Hiroshima who wants to enjoy a relaxing meal by the river.

Delicious omotenashi course. Oysters were great, sake was great and all of the dishes had a light, distinct flavor. There is also a great view of Hiroshima park. I highly recommend using their website to make a reservation.

This restaurant is a little hidden gem on the river opposite Hiroshima peace park. The food is fresh and full of flavour. Our meal was presented to us beautifully by staff that went out of their way to make our meal memorable. Although English is not spoken by staff, it did not stop them from communicating the menu to us. Well worth the expense if you would like a special night out during your visit to Hiroshima. We rate this restaurant in our top 5 best Japanese dining experiences.

Kazu is a great server. He speaks good English and was very entertaining. We appreciate his knowledge of the menu.

We were looking for a nice lunch spot near the Hiroshima memorials. We spotted this barge from the nearby bridge and decided to check it out. We thought it was closed, but upon further inspection, we found it open (the entrance is a bit uninviting - see photo). Like other reviews here, we were slightly put off by the warning that we each had to order a dish, especially as we were literally the only customers at lunch that day.... which also worried us a bit... who is brave enough to eat oysters at a low-turnover place? But Hiroshima is famous for oysters and produces about 2/3 of the oysters in Japan, so we decided to go for it. It is a good thing we did. The raw oysters were delicious (especially with a glass of champagne), and we also had them several other ways... hot pot, tempura, and baked in an apple (sounds strange but tasty). The service was friendly and almost overly attentive (I knocked one star off for the weird front desk greeting). The views out the windows were great, but the empty dining room and not overly fancy furnishings despite the fancy prices on the menu knocked a couple of points off the 'atmosphere' grade. Overall this is a good spot to check out if you are looking for oysters. We would like to return at night, when I presume they are busier.

Great food, the owners speak a little bit of English, and are not afraid to speak it. Not expensive, but they only accept cash. They were very kind. The seating was comfortable, and they gave us what we ordered very quickly. The portions of food were big. I see it as a perfect stop on the way up. Highly recommend.

We ate 4 full meals in Miyajima and visited 6 other food/ snack stands. Momiji-so is the best food experience we had. The menu was pretty extensive, offering honest, wholesome good local food without burning a big hole in your pocket. Miyajima is very touristy, so one won't really expect a whole of value for food options. Momji-so is a standout. Must tries include the oyster (kaki) rice, oden. But I am sure there are other worthwhile dishes beyond what we had.

Loved my meal here. I had the eel rice bowl. Came with all the usual trimmings. The food was nice and the owner was lovely. There is some indoor seating he showed me too and I had a nice relaxing meal.

Great place after hiking up to Misen Observatory and taking the ropeway down. The tofu udon, Oden, and curry rice with oysters was so tasty. Sorry no photos of the oyster curry rice. Host was welcoming and friendly. Highly recommended.

We stayed for a night, and our only regret is not staying for longer. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted with refreshing tea and a local sweet (maple). Our room was stunning, surrounded by a picturesque setting. The only sounds to be heard were a trickling water feature, frogs and birds. It felt like rural, authentic Japan! The food (dinner and breakfast) were given the highest attention to detail in terms of presentation and taste. Everything was delicious. The owners were so helpful, friendly and made us feel at home. We would definitely come back, and will so!

Delicious food (with veggie and vegan options!) in a really lovely spot on the way down from Mount Misen. The owner is very lovely. Beautiful quiet place, would really recommend - bring cash

This place has stuck in my head since I ate here 2 decades ago when on student exchange. I returned today with my family. The udon is the best udon I have ever had. Kitsune udon, oyster udon, tempura udon. Excellent value and so delicious. The couple running momiji-so are so friendly. The service is excellent. The atmosphere so peaceful. It's an essential stop on your way down from Mt Misen.