Miyajima

The island of Miyajima, which lies just off the coast of Hiroshima, is a great place to bring a family of any age. Besides being home to one of our favourite family-friendly ryokan inns, the Yamaichi Bekkan, it is also home of a resident population of friendly deer, who are completely unfazed by the crowds who flock to admire their beautiful home. If you find time to head to the top of Mount Misen, you might also meet some of Miyajima's very own population of macaque monkeys

“Miyajima is simply magical; my favourite place in all of Japan. Day-trip here if time is short, but for the real experience stay for a night or two and let the island enchant you”

Harry Sargant, Marketing & Agents Manager

At high tide, with the sun setting, the red gates of Itsukushima are justly considered to be one of the most beautiful sights in Japan. The handful of streets around the shrine form the island's only real settlement and sacred deer roam freely around the shrine area, giving Miyajima a wonderfully relaxed, rural atmosphere, a real breath of fresh air if you have been tramping between the sights in the big cities.

The laid back feel of the island is enhanced in the evenings when the day trippers head back to the mainland, the town shuts for the night and you head back to your Japanese ryokan. Once you've had your traditional Japanese dinner, you can stroll down to the shoreline wearing your Yukata (cotton kimono) and Geta (wooden sandals) to view the illuminated torii gate and stone lanterns ? particularly atmospheric after dark.

Since ancient times, Miyajima island has been revered and worshiped. The island's virgin forests are among the finest of the Inland Sea. The forested hills rise sharply from behind the famous shrine to form the central peak of the island, Mt Misen. The peak can be reached by hiking trail (or cable-car!) and offers spectacular panoramic views over the island and across the Inland Sea. On your way up the mountain you may also spot some of Miyajima's wild monkey population and keep an eye out for the elusive Japanese Tanuki, a unique encounter that adds a magical touch to Miyajima's natural wonders.

Miyajima island also has a couple of attractive temples, some small beaches in summer and a lovely ramshackle old shopping street. However the magic of Miyajima is not be found by dashing around the island, ticking off sights. Find somewhere near the shrine to take the weight off your feet, relax, watch the boats come in, the tide go out and the sun sink slowly in the sky. Time passes slowly on Miyajima, but enjoy it; you won't want to leave!

Recommended Accommodation in Miyajima

The following are our favourites from among the western-style hotels and Japanese-style inns of Miyajima.

Experiences in Miyajima

Miyajima offers a wealth of exciting experiences that will help you get beneath the surface of Japan's fascinating culture. See below for a few of our favourites

Weather in Miyajima

The Climate Guide for Miyajima, Japan is perfect for planning your holiday. Monthly weather averages give the best indication of what the weather is usually like for every month of the year including figures for temperature, rainfall and sunshine.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Max Daytime Temperature (°C)	7	8	11	17	21	24	28	29	26	21	15	10
Min Night-time Temperature (°C)	0	0	3	8	12	17	21	22	18	12	7	2
Hours of Sunshine (Daily)	4	4	5	6	6	5	6	7	5	5	5	4
Hours of Daylight (Daily)	10	11	12	13	14	14	14	13	12	11	10	10
Heat and Humidity Discomfort	None	None	None	None	None	None	Moderate	High	Low	None	None	None
Days with some Rainfall	20	19	18	15	14	17	18	15	16	13	14	17
Monthly Rainfall (mm)	56	72	125	156	164	279	256	148	186	98	71	43
UV Index (Maximum)	3	4	6	8	9	10	11	10	8	6	4	3

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