Just 25 minutes from Hiroshima by local train or almost an hour by tram on the coast lies Miyajima-guchi. You will find there a ferry port and a backpackers institution. The reason to get there is famous Itsukushima temple on the Miyajima island nearby. You can stay like me in the Backpackers Miyajima – they charge 2500 y per bed in the 4 beds dorm. In fact it is 24-beds dorm because little rooms are separated only by courtains… Coin for the 5-min shower and free tea/coffee are included. They are located just 100 m from the ferry.
For those who has the railpass JR ferry is free. (otherwise pay 340 yen). Already on the approach to the island you will see famous “floating” red tori gate – one of the best known monuments of Japan. It is immpressive! The secret is to come to the island in the high tide time. When I was coming back from the island in the evening tide was low and it was possible to walk to the tori… They charge 300 yen for the entrance if you want to go into the temple. But there are more temples and pagodas on the island and you can climb to the summit of Mt. Misen for the view of the picturesque Inland Sea dotted by the little islands. The view is nice… Miyajima is tourist-crowded but still definitely worth a visit!
