3 Hour Nanaura Tour around Miyajima with Lunch Box

Discover the 3-Hour Nanaura Tour around Miyajima with Lunch Box

When it comes to visiting Hiroshima and its surrounding islands, Miyajima often steals the spotlight. This 3-hour Nanaura Tour offers a refreshing way to experience the island’s spiritual and scenic highlights from the water, combining a boat cruise with cultural stops and a delicious lunch. While a bit pricey at $273.20 per person, it promises an intimate, authentic glimpse of Miyajima’s sacred sites and beautiful coastline.

What we particularly love about this experience are: the chance to see famous shrines from a unique sea perspective, the inclusion of a local-style lunch that’s both tasty and culturally significant, and the small group size of just 8 travelers which keeps it personal and flexible. A potential consideration is the need for early planning, especially if you’re prone to seasickness or have tight schedules, as the tour’s weather-dependent cancellations are possible.

This tour suits travelers looking for a relaxed, scenic, and culturally enriching experience that combines sightseeing with leisure. It’s perfect for those who enjoy boat rides, want to explore Miyajima beyond the usual tourist spots, and prefer a more intimate, guided perspective of the island’s sacred landscape.

Key Points

• Unique sea perspective: You’ll see Miyajima’s shrines and landscape from the water, offering a different view that few visitors experience.
• Cultural insight: The tour includes visits to multiple shrines, including Itsukushima-jinja, and links to traditional Japanese rituals like the Nanaura Pilgrimage.
• Authentic lunch: The included anago bento from a well-known local store provides a genuine taste of Miyajima cuisine.
• Small group experience: With a maximum of 8 travelers, the trip offers a relaxed, personalized atmosphere.
• Flexible start times: You can choose your preferred departure, making it easier to fit into your Hiroshima itinerary.
• Weather-dependent: The tour is subject to weather conditions, with potential cancellations or course adjustments.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and First Impressions

The adventure begins at Okushin Pier, just across from Miyahama Onsen, where the tour’s captain, Okushin-san, has been operating for generations. His local knowledge of the waters off Miyahama and the Seto Inland Sea adds a layer of authenticity—guests often mention how he shares stories about the fishing history and sea legends in this area, making the cruise more than just sightseeing.

When we read reviews, travelers appreciated the personal touch: “It felt like cruising with a friend who knows the sea well,” one person noted. The boat is small, cozy, and designed for maximum viewing, providing a relaxed environment for learning and gazing at the scenic coastline.

The Cruise Around Miyajima

The main part of the tour is a one-hour twenty-minute cruise around Miyajima, where you’ll pass the world-famous Itsukushima-jinja Shrine and its iconic floating torii gate. It’s an atmosphere that simply cannot be replicated on land, as you witness shrines tucked into inlets and the coastline dotted with seven other shrines—collectively known as the Nanaura Shrines.

One of the highlights from reviews is how the sea view reveals details often missed from land, like the way the shrine’s vermilion contrasts with the blue of the sea, or how the peaks of the island resemble a reclining figure of the Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. The boat’s proximity to the shoreline allows for incredible photo opportunities and a more intimate appreciation of Miyajima’s religious sites.

The Cultural Significance of the Shrines

The tour’s stops at the Nanaura Shrines aren’t just sightseeing—they’re an opportunity to connect with local spiritual practices. The tradition of the Nanaura Pilgrimage, a ritual performed for over 1,500 years, involves boats and shrines along the coast, symbolizing purification and reverence. Interestingly, even historic figures like Oda Nobunaga are said to have performed this ritual, adding a layer of historical depth.

Guests tend to enjoy contemplating this history while listening to the guide’s insights, which blend mythology, local customs, and the island’s natural beauty into a seamless narrative.

Lunch: A Taste of Miyajima

Midway through the cruise, the boat docks at Aonoriura-jinja Shrine for a 30-minute beachside lunch featuring a specialty anago bento from the popular store Anago Meshi Ueno. This conger eel dish is a local delicacy, and reviews praise its freshness and flavor. The presentation is simple but satisfying, and it offers a genuine taste of Miyajima’s culinary traditions.

Many travelers appreciate the chance to enjoy a local lunch in a tranquil seaside setting, which makes the experience more immersive. If requested, alternative landing spots can be arranged, giving some flexibility depending on weather or group preference.

Finishing the Journey

The cruise resumes, heading back to Okushin Pier after passing through the sacred sites once more. The final leg lasts about 55 minutes, during which you can reflect on the morning’s sights and enjoy the panoramic views of the island’s peaks and coastline.

Guests often mention how the combination of scenery, culture, and cuisine makes this a memorable trip. The tour ends back at the starting point, allowing easy continuation of your Hiroshima itinerary or relaxation at nearby onsen.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Transportation & Timing

The tour departs from Miyahama Onsen, a popular hot spring area just across the water from Miyajima. You’ll need to arrive at the pier a little before your scheduled start, and it’s recommended to wear comfortable, movement-friendly clothes. Since there are no restroom facilities along the route, it’s best to visit the bathroom beforehand.

Group Size & Personal Touch

With a maximum of 8 travelers, this experience feels intimate and friendly. It offers plenty of space for questions and interaction with the captain, which adds to the overall charm.

Weather & Cancellation

Because the sea conditions heavily influence the tour, weather cancellations are possible, especially during stormy seasons. You’ll be notified by 3 p.m. the day before if this occurs, and no cancellation fee applies, giving some peace of mind.

What to Bring

Bring a drink to stay hydrated, especially if visiting in summer. Dress in layers—long sleeves, hats, and sunglasses in summer; outerwear, hats, and scarves in winter—to stay comfortable against the sun, wind, or cold.

Price & Value

At $273.20 per person, this experience isn’t the cheapest, but it offers a combination of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and authentic cuisine that many travelers find worthwhile. The small group size, personalized service, and unique perspective from the water add to its value.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is best suited for culture and nature lovers, those wanting a relaxed yet engaging experience, and travelers who appreciate small-group tours. It’s ideal for anyone interested in Japanese shrines, local customs, and beautiful coastal scenery. If you’re prone to seasickness or on a tight schedule, plan accordingly, as weather can impact the trip.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children over 7 years old can participate, as long as they are comfortable on boats and in the outdoors.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 3 hours, including cruising, shrine visits, and lunch.

Can I choose the start time?
Yes, you can select your preferred start time when booking, giving flexibility to fit your plans.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included, so it’s smart to bring water or other beverages with you.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activity, layered according to the season, and sunscreen in summer.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour may be canceled if conditions are unsafe. You will be notified by 3 p.m. the day before, with no penalty.

Is there any restroom onboard?
No, there are no facilities along the route, so plan to go beforehand.

Can I request an alternative landing spot?
Yes, upon request, especially for the lunch stop at Aonoriura Shrine.

Is the trip suitable for people with mobility issues?
Given the boat and walking involved, it’s best suited for those able to move comfortably on uneven surfaces and steps.

Final Thoughts

The Nanaura Tour around Miyajima offers a refreshing, culturally engaging way to see the island’s sacred sites and stunning coastline from sea level. The small group size and inclusion of a local-style lunch elevate the experience beyond standard sightseeing. While weather-dependent, it’s an excellent choice for travelers seeking an authentic, relaxed, and scenic adventure that connects natural beauty, history, and local culture.

This tour is particularly suited for those who love gentle boat rides, are curious about Japanese shrine practices, and want a meaningful way to experience Miyajima’s spiritual side without the crowds. With its intimate setting and thoughtful itinerary, it’s a memorable addition to any Hiroshima visit.