Visiting Picturesque Miyajima Island

Miyajima Island has long been a draw for tourists and locals alike for its serenity, nature, and shrines. Visitors are consistent in voting Miyajima Island one of the top scenic spots in Japan. A quick look on a map and you’ll find that Miyajima’s actual name is Itsukushima. In Japanese Miyajima means Shrine Island, and the nickname has stuck. With easy access by boat, Miyajima Island makes for a perfect day trip when visiting nearby Hiroshima.

Sunset on Miyajima Island

Traveling to Miyajima Island

You’ll find Miyajima Island in Hiroshima Bay. Travelers visiting Hiroshima can add an extra day in the region to visit Miyajima Island. It is easy to reach Miyajima Island from Hiroshima. The trip is less than an hour and makes for a perfect day trip. Visitors will reach Miyajima Island from Hiroshima by train and boat.

To reach Miyajima Island most visitors in Hiroshima will board the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station. The JR Line is the fastest way to reach Miyajimaguchi Station. The popular Japan Rail Pass that many tourists use to travel around Japan covers the JR Sanyo Line. Those that did not buy a Japan Rail Pass have two options to reach Miyajimaguchi Station. The fastest route is to buy a round trip ticket for the aforementioned JR Sanyo Line. The cheaper, and slower, alternative is to take the Number 2 Tram Line from central Hiroshima bound for Miyajimaguchi.

Upon reaching Miyajimaguchi Station follow the signs to the Miyajimaguchi/Miyajima Ferry Port. This short walk leads you to the boats sailing to Miyajima Island. At the Port, Japan Rail Pass holders may use the entrance marked JR and board the next available boat bound for Miyajima Island. Those without a Japan Rail Pass will need to buy tickets at the nearby kiosk for the next available sailing.

Travelers without a Japan Rail Pass can reach Miyajima Island without boarding a train. Two other docks, at Hiroshima Peace Park and Hiroshima Port, offer direct boat rides between Hiroshima and Miyajima Island.

Street with shops on Miyajima Island

Deer outside a storefront on Miyajima Island

World’s largest wooden rice scooper

Arriving at Miyajima Island

Regardless of which boat you take to reach Miyajima Island you will disembark at Miyajima Pier. From the Pier turn right and walk along the path next to the waterfront. As you walk along the path, and throughout Miyajima Island, you may come upon deer roaming free. These deer appear tame and comfortable around humans, as long you do not bother them. Visitors enjoy taking photos with the deer, but be sure to treat the animals with care. Remember, the deer are wildlife. Approach the deer with caution, stay at a safe distance, and do not touch or feed the deer. The deer will eat paper tourists are holding in their hands. Be mindful if you are holding maps or brochures near the deer.

To the left of the waterfront pathway you will find local owned businesses on the streets of Omotesando and Machiya. Miyajima artisans are fond of using wood to create everything from trays to containers. You can even find pieces of woodwork with etchings of various Miyajima sights. Rice scoopers are one popular item the wood makers craft. As you walk among the stores keep an eye out for a display featuring the largest rice scooper in the world.

Itsukushima Shinto Shrine

Five-Storied Pagoda

Itsukushima Shinto Shrine

At the end of the streets with stores and restaurants you will come upon Itsukushima Shinto Shrine. The Shrine’s buildings, along with the nearby Five-Storied Pagoda and O-Torii, have the honorable designation of being a UNESCO World Cultural Site. Most visitors are familiar with Miyajima Island because of the O-Torii, or Grand Torii Gate. The O-Torii is first visible from the boat one takes to reach Miyajima Island.

O-Torii Gate during high tide

O-Torii Gate during low tide

Viewing the O-Torii is a different experience depending on whether you visit during low tide or during high tide. Upon disembarking from the boat that brought you to Miyajima Island visit the nearby Information Booth for a posted sign with times for low and high tide. Pre-planners can find tide times posted online if you need to know the times before your visit. High tide is the perfect time for photos as the O-Torii sits surrounded by water. Low tide offers visitors the chance to see the O-Torii up close as you may walk up to the Gate. The ground is wet, muddy, and slippery, so wear proper shoes for the walk to the O-Torii during low tide.

Ropeway up Mt. Misen

Mt. Misen temple

Religious statues found on Mt. Misen

Mt. Misen (the Sacred Mountain) and Observatory

Included in the World Heritage designation is Mt. Misen, known as the Sacred Mountain. The landscape of the Island has drawn many spiritual beings to Miyajima. As you hike Mt. Misen, you will find large rocks and trees amidst temples and religious statues. To hike any part of Mt. Misen requires being in good physical health. It is possible to hike from the base of Mt. Misen to the top. Most visitors will ride the Miyajima Ropeway, which will allow you to bypass a large part of Mt. Misen. From the waterfront follow the signs to the Momijidani Station and use the Ropeway to reach either Kayatani or Shishiiwa Station.

View from Mt. Misen Observatory

Mt. Misen Observatory

Rocks on Mt. Misen

Even taking the Ropeway to the furthest point, Shishiiwa, still leaves hikers with a strenuous trail to the top most observation deck. The reward in reaching the observation deck is stunning views of Seto Inland Sea and the surrounding Islands.

Daishoin Temple grounds

One of Daishoin Temple’s Halls

Daishoin Sutra

Religious statues on the grounds of Daishoin Temple

Daishoin Temple

With its deep connection between nature and spirituality, Miyajima is home to many temples. One in particular, Daishoin Temple, is one of the grandest on Miyajima Island. The grounds for Daishoin Temple makes it one of the larger temples to explore on Miyajima Island. The easiest way to locate Daishoin is if you position yourself with the Miyajima Ropeway behind you, and the O-Torii Gate in front of you. At that point turn left to reach Daishoin. Take your time walking and admiring the serene grounds, various halls, and thousands of religious statues.

Miyajima Island

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Miyajima Pier: 34.302092, 132.322270

Omotesando Street: 34.299070, 132.321860

Machiya Street: 34.298441, 132.322490

Itsukushima Shinto Shrine: 34.296083, 132.319915

Five-Storied Pagoda : 34.297129, 132.320752

O-Torii Gate: 34.297253, 132.318134

Miyajima Ropeway: Momijidani Station: 34.293247, 132.326782

Mt. Misen Observatory: 34.279436, 132.319529

Daishoin Temple: 34.291864, 132.318628

	Miyajima Pier Visiting Picturesque Miyajima Island Miyajima, Japan
	Omotesando Street Visiting Picturesque Miyajima Island Miyajima, Japan
	Machiya Street Visiting Picturesque Miyajima Island Miyajima, Japan
	Itsukushima Shinto Shrine Visiting Picturesque Miyajima Island Itsukushima Island 広島県, Japan
	Five-Storied Pagoda Visiting Picturesque Miyajima Island Miyajima, Japan
	O-Torii Gate Visiting Picturesque Miyajima Island Miyajima, Japan
	Miyajima Ropeway: Momijidani Station Visiting Picturesque Miyajima Island Miyajima, Japan
	Mt. Misen Observatory Visiting Picturesque Miyajima Island Miyajima, Japan
	Daishoin Temple Visiting Picturesque Miyajima Island Miyajima, Japan

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Impressions and Sights of Osaka, Japan

Osaka is the city often overlooked by visitors to the country of Japan. The flashier Tokyo or the temples of Kyoto draw millions of tourists, yet those that stay away from Osaka are missing out. Walk around Osaka and you will find yourself in a beautifully understated city. Morning-to-night locals and tourists alike enjoy every corner of Osaka. As with any other top-notch city you will find plenty of shopping, great eats, wondrous sights, and an active nightlife.

With easy access from Kansai International Airport, Osaka is a great starting point for your trip. This is especially so if you are primarily focusing your trip on the Kansai region of Japan. If you have just arrived in Japan, Osaka is a great city to sync up into the rhythm of Japan and help you get over your jet lag. From Kansai International Airport take the Kansai Airport Express JR Haruka and you will reach Osaka within an hour.

Numbers of Days to Spend in Osaka

Although Osaka is not nearly as overwhelming in size and scope as Tokyo, you will still need at least three full days to capture the essence of the city. Two days are only enough if your focus is on sightseeing, as Osaka has fewer sights than Tokyo or Kyoto. If you enjoy eating and shopping, two days will go by in the blink of an eye. To truly experience Osaka you will be happy you added a third or even a fourth day in this relaxed and laid back big city. Osaka has multiple districts and you might miss a couple of districts if you are trying to cram everything of import into just two days.

Those that enjoy the nightlife will want to schedule their trip to Osaka to coincide with the weekends. Fridays and Saturdays are popular nights with people enjoying the city late into the evening and into the next morning. Partygoers will find plenty of bars and clubs in the city. Even late at night, popular restaurants have long lines of foodies and partygoers looking to fuel up on good food. Or if the evening air is warm enjoy walking the streets and the water-lined walkways of Dotonbori canal while soaking in the atmosphere that is Osaka.

Osaka Castle Park

Osaka Castle

Manhole cover with drawing of Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle Park

The top sight in Osaka is Osaka Castle Park. The grounds of the Park are free to visitors. From the grounds you can get great photos of the various buildings on the grounds, including the main Castle itself. Entry into the Castle will cost an admission fee. Osaka Castle Park is a great place to visit during the spring or fall time. At those times of the year the grounds come alive with cherry blossoms or the autumn colors of the turning of the tree leaves.

Umeda Sky Building

Umeda Sky Building escalator

View of Osaka from the top of the Umeda Sky Building

“Street” within Takimi Koji Alley underneath the Umeda Sky Building

Umeda Sky Building

Visit the Umeda Sky Building for amazing views of the city. This architectural astonishment, in the shape of an upside-down U, has a viewing platform on the very top floor. Ride an elevator, followed by a short escalator ride, to the 173rd floor and the Floating Garden Observatory. Take in views of the city by sitting inside on the various seating available or by heading outside to stand on the viewing platform. Whether inside or outside, you will be in for a treat, with stunning panoramic views of the city of Osaka.

After you’ve enjoyed the views of the city, ride the elevator to the bottom of the Umeda Sky Building. Under the Umeda Sky Building you will find Takimi Koji Alley. This floor is a recreation of an old Japanese town, with “streets” that house various restaurants and izakaya. Enjoy this peaceful section of Osaka as you stroll the “streets” and unwind while eating fantastically good food.

Dotonbori District

Dotonbori billboards, including the Glico Running Man

Dotonbori restaurant sign

Restaurant signs in the Dotonbori District

Dotonbori Walk

Dotonbori, or Dotombori, is one of the main districts of Osaka. This popular part of town runs along the Dotonbori canal, making this a picturesque part of the city to walk. Dotonbori is close to a section of the city known as Amerika-Mura. Here you will find a hip youthful vibe with stores selling new and used/vintage clothes. For neon lights, restaurants with big signs made to appear as food, and more shops visit the parts of Ebisu-bashi and Dotonbori Arcade. For even more stores you can stop by Shinsaibashi Station. If you need a break from the active buzz of the city, be sure to visit Hozen-ji Temple, a serene spot in the city.

Namba Yasaka shrine

Osaka Shrines

The shrines of Osaka are peaceful oases in the bustling city. If you visit only one shrine, be sure to visit Namba Yasaka. The grounds for this Shinto shrine are small but the massive lion head makes the trip worthwhile. Use the time at the shrine for peaceful contemplation before heading back into the city.

Osaka Sights

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Osaka Castle Park: 34.687315, 135.526201

Umeda Sky Building: 34.705384, 135.489614

Dotonbori: 34.668515, 135.502552

Ebisu-bashi: 34.669054, 135.501296

Shinsaibashi Station: 34.674413, 135.500310

Hozen-ji Temple: 34.667877, 135.502613

Namba Yasaka Shrine: 34.661625, 135.496691

	Osaka Castle Park Impressions and Sights of Osaka, Japan Osaka Castle Park, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Japan
	Umeda Sky Building Impressions and Sights of Osaka, Japan Umeda Sky Building, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Japan
	Dotonbori Impressions and Sights of Osaka, Japan Dotonbori, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Japan
	Ebisu-bashi Impressions and Sights of Osaka, Japan Ebisubashi, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Japan
	Shinsaibashi Station Impressions and Sights of Osaka, Japan Shinsaibashi Station, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Japan
	Hozen-ji Temple Impressions and Sights of Osaka, Japan Hōzen-ji Temple, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Japan
	Namba Yasaka Shrine Impressions and Sights of Osaka, Japan Nanbayasaka Shrine, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Japan

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Cheung Chau: A Hong Kong Island

Cheung Chau

Cheung Chau is part of Hong Kong’s Island Districts. Located less than an hour away from Hong Kong Island, this island allows visitors a chance to glimpse a different side of Hong Kong. Here in Cheung Chau is a bustling fishing village. The harbor is full of fisherman working on their boats. At the waterfront vendors sell fish at markets while restaurants serve up fresh seafood dishes. Besides seafood tourists will enjoy Cheung Chau’s narrow streets with their shops, bakeries, and food stalls. Cheung Chau may translate from Cantonese into “Long Island” yet the island itself is small enough to entice visitors for a few hours. This makes Cheung Chau a perfect island for those tourists on a time crunch but still wanting to explore one of Hong Kong’s outlying islands.

Central Ferry Pier 5 – Hong Kong Island

Cheung Chau Ferry Pier

The Ferry to Cheung Chau

Ferries to Cheung Chau leave from Hong Kong Island’s Central Ferry Pier 5. Departures are daily and either on the ordinary or fast service ferry. Ordinary service will get you to the island in an hour while fast service will get you there in half an hour. Ticket prices vary depending on which ferry you board and if you travel Mondays to Saturdays or Sundays and public holidays. The most expensive fare is the adult fare on the fast ferry on Sundays and public holidays at $37.20 HKD ($4.80 USD). Ferries that leave from Hong Kong Island’s Central Ferry Pier 5 sail direct to Cheung Chau Ferry Pier.

Boats in Cheung Chau’s harbor

Fisherman heading to his boat

Bicycles along Cheung Chau’s waterfront

San Hing Praya Street

Dried Seafood - Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, China

Dried Seafood for sale

Egg custard from a food vendor

Arrival in Cheung Chau

The moment you disembark the ferry on Cheung Chau the famous golden arches of McDonald’s will greet you. This fast-food restaurant is on the main road called San Hing Praya Street. If possible resist this American temptation and look back towards the water where you will see an overabundance of boats and fisherman. There aren’t many docks along the waterfront and fisherman make their way back to land on floating platforms attached to shore by ropes.

Cheung Chau is an active fishing village and if you are a fan of seafood you will want to save your appetite for dining options other than McDonald’s. Along San Hing Praya you’ll notice rows of bicycles belonging to the hard-working people of Cheung Chau. Cars are not allowed on the island so locals use bicycles or small-motorized carts to travel around the island. Continue your introduction to Cheung Chau by exploring San Hing Praya Street. Here you will find shops with souvenirs and food stalls where you can buy dried seafood or desserts such as mochi or egg custard. At the end of San Hing Praya Street is Pak She Praya Road. This road is full of restaurants selling seafood and this section of town is a great place to eat a meal at if you are hungry.

Pak Tai Temple

An altar inside the Pak Tai Temple

Cheung Chau Temple

From the Cheung Chau Ferry Pier turn left on San Hing Praya Street. Turn right past the playground at Pak She Third Lane. This street will take you to one of the main temples on the island, Pak Tai Temple. Walk Pak She Third Lane until you reach Pak Tai Temple on the right-hand side. The temple is open to the public but remember, be respectful inside this holy place of worship. Dedicated to the Taoist God of the Sea the temple has four stone lions that great you as you ascend the steps to the shrine. Before entering the temple notice the ornate statues of dragons at the top of the temple. Throughout the temple you will see various figurines and murals such as that of a tiger and their cub.

Tung Wan Beach

Steamed buns sold by a street vendor

Tung Wan Beach

From Pak Tai Temple you will walk towards the direction you came, but this time on Pak She Street and San Hing Street. These streets include bakeries selling various steamed buns and food stalls selling different flavored fish balls. From the food stalls and stores take either Kwok Man Road or Tung Wan Road towards Tung Wan Beach. This beach is popular with tourists and locals alike on hot days. After you’ve enjoyed the sun, water, and sand continue exploring the various streets around Tung Wan Beach. Along these streets are stores used by locals such as apothecaries, grocery stores, and stores selling household goods. As you walk among the streets notice the small altars dedicated to various deities.

A street in Cheung Chau

An altar in the streets of Cheung Chau

Tai Hing Tai Road

Make your way through the various streets, heading past the Cheung Chau Ferry Pier and on to Tai Hing Tai Road. On Tai Hing Tai Road is Cheung Chau Market. Inside are various vendors selling meats, seafood, and fruits to locals. Around the market are hawker style food stalls and restaurants. Pick any of the restaurants to eat at and enjoy fresh seafood dishes such as salt and pepper crab or seafood combination fried rice.

Cheung Chau Market

Salt and pepper crab

Seafood combination fried rice

After your delicious seafood meal continue to explore the various streets before heading back to Cheung Chau Ferry Pier. Here at the pier you will catch your boat ride back to Hong Kong Island.

Cheung Chau

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Cheung Chau Ferry Pier: 22.208517, 114.028364

San Hing Praya Street: 22.209453, 114.028527

Pak Tai Temple: 22.212387, 114.027883

Tung Wan Beach: 22.210419, 114.029939

Tai Hing Tai Road: 22.205559, 114.026941

Cheung Chau Market: 22.206856, 114.028119

	Cheung Chau Ferry Pier Cheung Chau: A Hong Kong Island Cheung Chau Ferry Pier, Hong Kong
	San Hing Praya Street Cheung Chau: A Hong Kong Island San Hing Praya Street, Hong Kong
	Pak Tai Temple Cheung Chau: A Hong Kong Island Pak Tai Temple, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong
	Tung Wan Beach Cheung Chau: A Hong Kong Island Tung Wan Beach, Hong Kong
	Tai Hing Tai Road Cheung Chau: A Hong Kong Island Tai Hing Tai Road, Hong Kong
	Cheung Chau Market Cheung Chau: A Hong Kong Island Cheung Chau Market, Hong Kong