What Is Japan’s Miyajima (Deer) Island?
A visit to Japan wouldn’t be the same without visiting Japan’s Miyajima (Deer) Island!
If you plan on going to Japan and you want to immerse yourself in an environment that is full of tame deer and Japanese culture, then Japan’s Miyajima (Deer) Island is just for you!
When I heard about Miyajima Island I knew I had to go… and I’m so glad I did.
Imagine being on an island, completely surrounded by hundreds of tame deer. They are everywhere! Sitting in garden beds, sleeping in the middle of the roads, splashing around in the water – you can literally cuddle, sit with and interact with these deer without them running away. I don’t really have to say much more because that’s amazing in itself. And if the deer don’t entertain you, then the island’s history, shrines and temples will. It sounds too good to be true right?
(Just hangout out with Bambi)
What is Japan’s Miyajima (Deer) Island?
Essentially as the title suggests, it’s an island full of deer.
Japan’s Miyajima Island is most renown for it’s abundance of tame deer, the floating Itsukushima Shrine and of course, the giant orange Torii Gate which sits in front of Itsukushima Shrine. This big, majestic Torii Gate is almost an icon for the island. Whilst in the ferry and arriving to the island it’s definitely this Torii Gate which sticks out. You can even see it from the mainland!
(The beautiful Torii Gate from inside Itsukushima Shrine which you MUST visit)
How to get to Miyajima Island?
It’s easy! If you have a Japan RailPass it won’t cost you anything either! The best way to get to the Miyahima Island is via ferry. You can catch the 10 minute ferry covered by the Japan RailPass (if you haven’t got a Japan RailPass yet, you can use my affiliate link HERE to purchase it. It won’t cost you more, and it’ll help support my blog 🙂 ) from Hiroshima Port (right next to Miyajimaguchi Station). In order to get to Hiroshima Port, you can catch a 25 minute train from Hiroshima station. It’s very easy to do!!
What to do on Miyajima (Deer) Island?
Besides playing with and hanging out with the deer on the island you can also check out Itsukushima Shrine. Just like the Torii gate, the shrine is built over the water!
TIP – If you plan on seeing the giant orange Torii Gate at the Itsukushima Shrine, which you should, try to get there in the evening as it is absolutely magical to watch during the sunset. The deep orange colours of the gate become illuminated as the final minutes of day-light come to an end.
(The Torii Gate at sunset)
If you’d like to stay on the island then that is definitely a possibility! There are a wide selection of hotels and Ryokans available. If you’d prefer to just go to Miyajima Island as a day trip, then that is fine also! The last ferry out of the island leaves well after sunset (around 9.30/10pm – maybe just double check upon arrival) so you’ll have plenty of time to explore the island, play with the deer, watch the sunset over the Torii Gate and get something to eat at one of the restaurants available.
As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions or want to get in contact with me about Japan or any of my other adventures! You can find me through here – Contact TravelledMatt
Happy Exploring!!