30 Minutes One Way Cruise from Miyahama Onsen to Miyajima

Introduction

This 30-minute one-way cruise from Miyahama Onsen to Miyajima offers a charming glimpse of Hiroshima’s famed island through a quick but memorable sea journey. While it’s not a full-day tour, it’s an excellent way to add a maritime flavor to your Miyajima visit, combining cultural sights with a peaceful boat ride.

What we love about this experience is its simplicity—no long hours, just a quick scenic cruise that’s packed with photo-worthy moments. The boat’s close proximity to the iconic Itsukushima Shrine’s torii gate makes it a unique perspective you won’t get from land. Plus, it offers a rare chance to perform a traditional Japanese prayer from the water, adding a layer of cultural authenticity.

One thing to consider is that the tour’s short duration means it’s best paired with other activities on Miyajima. It’s not designed to be a full excursion but rather a sweet, scenic addition.

This experience suits travelers looking for a relaxed, authentic, and visually memorable way to see Miyajima without a hefty time commitment. It’s perfect for those who appreciate maritime views, cultural rituals, and a touch of Japan’s spiritual atmosphere.

<h3 id="section-0">Key Points

• Quick and Scenic: A 30-minute boat trip offering stunning views of Miyajima’s famous shrine gate.
• Cultural Touch: The opportunity to perform a traditional prayer from the water.
• Flexible Start Times: Choose your preferred departure for added convenience.
• Compact Tour: An ideal add-on to land-based sightseeing or a gentle introduction to Miyajima.
• Group-Friendly: Small group size ensures a cozy, personalized experience.
• Value-Driven: For $122.43, you get a memorable sea journey with authentic cultural moments.

What to Expect from the 30-Minute Cruise

This tour begins at Okushin Pier, where you’ll put on a life jacket and board the boat—an easy process that takes around 10 minutes. The short wait and boarding process make it accessible for most travelers, with most reviews highlighting how smoothly things run, even when coordinating with other sightseeing plans.

Once aboard, the vessel departs towards Miyajima, offering travelers views of the Seto Inland Sea, and ultimately, a close-up look at the imposing Itsukushima Shrine torii gate. This gate, standing about 16 meters high, is often the centerpiece of visitors’ photos, and from the water, it appears even more majestic.

For history enthusiasts, you’ll appreciate how the shrine was built over the sea to preserve the island’s sanctity, with ancient worshippers passing through the gate by boat—a ritual that’s recreated during this cruise. The guide (though not explicitly detailed in reviews) is likely to share insights about the shrine’s significance and the maritime traditions linked to it.

The highlight for many is the chance to perform a traditional Japanese prayer—two bows, two claps, and one bow from the water—an experience often described as “peaceful” and “spiritually touching,” especially in the quiet of the sea.

The cruise concludes 15 minutes later at Pier 3 on Miyajima, conveniently located next to the ferry terminal. From here, you’re free to explore the island’s famed sights, including Itsukushima Shrine, local shops, and the friendly deer that freely roam the area.

The Experience in Detail

Boarding and Departure

The tour departs from Okushin Pier, a straightforward starting point in Miyahama Onsen. The process is simple: arrive, put on your provided life jacket, and settle onboard. Most reviews mention how the crew manages the boarding smoothly, making it hassle-free even during busy times.

The Cruise: Close-Up Views & Cultural Rituals

As the boat sets off, you’ll immediately get a sense of the tranquility of the sea, with gentle waves and panoramic views of the surrounding islands. The vessel’s size and the small group limit enhance the feeling of intimacy and allow for better viewing angles of the shrine gate.

Travelers have noted that the view of the torii gate from the water is striking—it’s much larger and more imposing than from land, especially when the tide is high. This perspective is unique and offers plenty of great photo opportunities.

The guide, while not extensively detailed in reviews, is likely to share insights about the shrine’s history and its connection to maritime worship. The ability to perform the traditional prayer from the water adds a memorable spiritual dimension for many. Reviewers have described this moment as “serene” and “authentic,” making it a highlight of the trip.

Returning and Post-Cruise Activities

After about 15 minutes at sea, the boat docks at Pier 3, right next to the ferry terminal. From here, you can easily continue your exploration of Miyajima, visiting the shrine, strolling the shopping streets, or engaging with the island’s famous friendly deer.

Additional Practical Tips

• Timing: You can select your preferred start time when booking, which helps coordinate with your overall Miyajima itinerary.
• Weather Considerations: In summer, sun protection (long sleeves, hat, sunglasses) is recommended, while winter travelers should bundle up against wind.
• What to Bring: Drinks for hydration and ensuring your smartphone or camera is waterproof or well-protected will help capture the moments.
• Group Size: With a maximum of 8 travelers, expect a cozy, personable experience with ample opportunity for questions and photos.

Analyzing the Value

At a price of approximately $122.43 per person, this cruise offers a unique, culturally rich experience in a short timeframe. Compared to full-day tours, this is a budget-friendly way to add a memorable maritime element to your Miyajima visit, especially if you’re short on time but still crave authentic sights and sounds of the area.

The fact that the tour includes the cruise fee only means you’re paying primarily for the experience and the views. It’s a straightforward arrangement without hidden extras, and the small group setting ensures a more intimate encounter with the sea and the shrine.

From a practical standpoint, the tour’s timing flexibility and easy access make it a suitable choice for a variety of travelers—whether you’re on a tight schedule or want a gentle, scenic interlude in your day.

Who Will Love This Cruise?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want to see a famous Japan landmark from a different perspective without committing to a full-day tour. It’s ideal for those who appreciate cultural rituals, photo opportunities, and a peaceful sea atmosphere.

If you’re traveling with family, the short duration and manageable group size make it suitable for children over 7 years old, provided they wear life jackets. It’s also a good choice for solo travelers or couples seeking an authentic but relaxed activity.

However, keep in mind that it’s not a comprehensive sightseeing tour of Miyajima; rather, it’s a scenic, cultural add-on that enhances your overall experience of the island. For those wanting extensive land-based exploration, this cruise pairs well with other activities like visiting the shrine or wandering through the island’s shops and deer parks.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children over 7 years old can participate, provided they meet the age requirement and are comfortable wearing a life jacket.

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise duration is approximately 30 minutes, with about 15 minutes of actual time at sea.

Can I choose my departure time?
Yes, you select your preferred start time when making the reservation, offering flexibility to fit your schedule.

What does the tour include?
The tour fee covers the cruise itself, including the boat ride and a chance to perform a traditional prayer from the water.

Are there any extra costs?
Drinks are not included, so bring your own if needed. Other activities or land sightseeing are not included and are paid separately.

Is this a group tour?
Yes, with a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a small, more personal experience.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for the weather, sun protection in summer, and warm layers in winter are recommended.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, in case of bad weather or sea conditions, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled without penalty, with notification by 3 PM the day before.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Okushin Pier in Miyahama Onsen and ends at Pier 3 on Miyajima, near the ferry terminal.

Can I perform the prayer from the boat?
Yes, many travelers find this a spiritual highlight, performing the traditional bows and claps from the water.

In The Sum Up

This 30-minute cruise from Miyahama Onsen to Miyajima offers a quick but meaningful way to see one of Japan’s most iconic sights from a fresh perspective. The intimate group size, cultural rituals, and scenic views mean you’ll leave with lasting memories of your maritime encounter with the sacred island.

It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy short, relaxed experiences that blend sightseeing with cultural authenticity. Whether as part of a broader day exploring Miyajima or a peaceful standalone activity, this boat ride offers a charming taste of Japan’s spiritual and maritime traditions.

If you’re after a scenic, culturally immersive, and straightforward experience with a touch of Japan’s maritime history, this tour deserves a spot on your Miyajima itinerary.