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Day 14, Friday, October 9, Miyajima
Island after the crowds
Itsukushima, Daisho-in
Moderate-high, 9-12 km¥28,000-50,000 for two outside lodging
Checking forecast
22° / 14° typical
Exposed to wind off the water; the ropeway suspends in poor conditions.
06:17Sunrise
17:03Golden hour
17:37Sunset
Mild but exposed to rain and wind; tide and ropeway operations matter.
Mid-October is before the autumn colour. Kyoto's maples peak in late November, so expect green to first-turning leaves. Hakone runs a few weeks ahead of the cities because of elevation and is the one place you might catch early colour.
Official JMA forecastRun of day
Keep the sequence
Hiroshima → Miyajima
JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi, then JR ferry; confirm tide and service live.
Drop the overnight bags
Do not carry them through Daisho-in or up the ropeway. Ask the ryokan to hold both bags before check-in, or use ferry-terminal lockers if the property cannot.
Itsukushima Shrine
Use the official tide table to decide the best first/second pass.
Daisho-in
A quieter, rewarding temple above the main commercial street.
Ropeway if clear
Weather-led; do not force it in cloud or wind. Check the last descending service before you board, and allow about 30 minutes each way on foot if you continue to the Misen summit.
Island check-in + sunset
Recommended primary arrangement: one Hiroshima night, one Miyajima night for a quieter and more romantic evening.
Worth your time
Itsukushima Shrine at tide-aware timing, Daisho-in, Island after day visitors leave
Quiet extra: The evening waterfront is the reason to sleep on Miyajima.
Best photo: Waterfront torii during a useful tide phase and blue hour after day visitors leave.
Crowd note: Main street is busiest around midday; Daisho-in and evening are calmer.
Food rhythm
Breakfast: Hiroshima hotel.
Lunch: Anago-meshi; oyster option only from a reputable busy kitchen.
Coffee/dessert: Momiji-manju and tea.
Dinner: Miyajima ryokan meal or reserved island restaurant.
Late: Quiet waterfront walk; shops close early.
See food guide + live linksExact-enough transport, live signs win
Door to door sequence
- Hiroshima Station → Miyajimaguchi on JR Sanyo Line toward Iwakuni/Miyajimaguchi area; verify service.
- Walk to JR Miyajima Ferry; IC card generally useful, but confirm signage.
- Ropeway requires walking/shuttle and may suspend in weather.
Taxi fallback: Miyajima has limited vehicle use; ask the ryokan about pickup from the ferry terminal.
Return to hotel: No mainland crossing tonight: Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto is on the island, about 600 m from the centre. Confirm in advance whether they meet the ferry.
Rain plan
Shrine, museum/cafés, Daisho-in between showers and early ryokan.
We’re tired
Shrine + Daisho-in + ryokan; skip ropeway.
Romantic alternative
Sunset/blue-hour waterfront after the last large day groups.
Booking action
Reserve only what protects the day.
Miyajima ryokan is critical; ferry is normally straightforward. Verify tide table close to travel.
Etiquette + practical
Do not feed deer; secure paper/map items and respect shrine worship.
Ferry terminal has reliable facilities; island shop hours end earlier than cities.
Official destination photograph: Japan National Tourism Organization; cached locally for this private itinerary.