Miyajima Island and Hiroshima – A Day Trip Full of Reflection and Beauty

Leaving Osaka late in the evening to travel to Hiroshima on a night bus was a new experience—not just because of travelling overnight but because of the bus itself. Japanese night buses are surprisingly comfortable, offering thoughtful touches like curtains to separate you from your neighbours and regular stops for bathroom breaks. Honestly, I’d do it again. While the price difference between a night bus and the faster bullet train isn’t huge, the night bus allows you to arrive early, perfect for exploring a city as it wakes. Especially in winter, when daylight hours are limited, I highly recommend this option.

Arriving in Hiroshima at 5:15 a.m., I was surprised to see how lively the streets already were. Japanese people work long hours, and it’s normal to see them catching quick naps on trains or rushing to work even at such an early hour.

Around 6 a.m., we took a train followed by a ferry to Miyajima Island, home to the famous Itsukushima Shrine with its iconic floating torii gate. But Miyajima isn’t just about the gate—it offers a serene, spiritual experience. The island is a blend of hills, magical temples hidden in the forest, and wandering deer who greet you as soon as you step off the ferry. No wonder that in ancient times, God was thought to live on the island. It’s certainly beautiful enough – if I was Diety, I could see myself choosing to live there. 

One of my favourite places was Daisho-in Temple, an enchanting spot filled with various statues, prayer wheels, and scenic views. It’s one of the most prestigious Shingon temples in western Japan, and its quiet beauty stayed with me. Within the temple complex lies the “Henjokutsu Cave,” which houses 88 Buddhist icons connected to the Shikoku Pilgrimage. It’s believed that entering the cave and praying can bring blessings. At the highest point of the temple, there’s “Ichigandaishi,” where worshippers believe one of their dreams will come true.

Arriving early allowed us to explore in peace, without the usual crowds, and fully soak in the island’s serenity. The misty morning, the stillness of the forest, and the sight of deer grazing nearby—it was magical.

And, of course, there’s the food! Miyajima’s local delicacy is oysters, but my personal favourite was Momiji Manju. These delightful maple-leaf-shaped cakes, traditionally filled with red bean paste (though custard and chestnut fillings are also available), are a must-try. According to local legend, they were inspired by Hiroshima’s beautiful autumn maple leaves. Today, you’ll find them everywhere, from snack shops to temple stalls.

Hiroshima – A City of Tragedy and Resilience

Later that early afternoon, I left Miyajima and returned to Hiroshima while my friend stayed to explore the island’s mountains. After a quick ferry and train ride, I headed straight for lunch at a spot I’d marked as having the best okonomiyaki in the world. The line was not as long as I expected—just around 40 minutes —but in Japan, long lines are often a guarantee of incredible food. And let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint. That savoury pancake was worth every minute of the wait, and I wish I could go back for more.

After a satisfying lunch, I began exploring Hiroshima. It’s a beautiful city, and it’s almost surreal to think that it was destroyed less than 100 years ago in 1945 and then rebuilt in just six years. Without the memorials and museums, you might never guess the scale of the tragedy that occurred here.

Visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and its surrounding monuments was emotionally overwhelming. The museum was packed, and I didn’t see a single person leave without tears in their eyes—including myself. It’s a difficult experience, but I believe it’s important to confront these moments in history. They remind us of the cruelty humans are capable of and the urgent need to learn from the past to build a better future.

I chose not to stay overnight in Hiroshima. Perhaps I feared the ghosts of its history, or maybe I worried I’d dwell too much on the tragedy. But I’m glad I visited. The experience, while heavy, was deeply meaningful.

Hiroshima and Miyajima offered contrasting experiences: the spiritual calm of the island and the sombre reflection of the city. Both, however, left a profound impact on me. Japan has a way of teaching subtle yet powerful lessons, and this day trip reminded me of resilience, compassion, and the importance of striving to be better.

Day’s expenses: ~ 138.47 eur (plus hotel in Osaka)

36.92 Eur night bus Osaka - Hiroshima 

468 YEN (~2.95 Eur) breakfast

1540 YEN (~9.69 Eur)  return trip train and ferry Hiroshima - Miyajima island - Hiroshima

2000 YEN (~12.58 Eur) Cable car to a mountain, return trip 

1840 YEN (~11.58  Eur) Lunch

200 YEN (~1.26  Eur) Hiroshima’s Memorial Museum

500 YEN ( ~3.15 Eur) Momiji Manju passteries 

1538 YEN ( ~9.68 Eur) dinner

50.66 Eur - Train Hiroshima to Osaka