Complete Guide to Miyajima Hotels & Ryokans | All 23 Accommodations

Miyajima, home to the World Heritage-listed Itsukushima Shrine, offers a diverse range of accommodation options. Staying overnight on the island provides a special experience—enjoying the serene tranquility of late night and early morning hours when ferries aren’t running, and witnessing the enchanting sight of the illuminated Grand Torii Gate.

Miyajima features 23 accommodation options ranging from luxury ryokan to guesthouses, each welcoming visitors with their own unique charm and hospitality. This article provides detailed information on all accommodations to help you find the perfect place to stay that matches your travel style.

Special Stays at Luxury Ryokan

Iwaso

Founded in 1854 (Ansei 1), this is Miyajima’s most historic ryokan. Located at the foot of Momijidani Park, it has hosted imperial family members and many distinguished guests throughout its history. The property comprises the main building, new wing, and detached cottages, with the wooden main building designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property. The sukiya-style lobby features antique furnishings that create a retro-modern atmosphere. The ryokan is renowned for its kaiseki cuisine featuring Seto Inland Sea seafood and Momijidani Onsen hot springs. 38 rooms, capacity 150 guests.

Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto

A large-scale ryokan situated on Miyajima’s hilltop, just a 3-minute walk from Itsukushima Shrine. The property takes pride in its traditional sukiya-style Japanese rooms and kaiseki cuisine featuring fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea. Facilities include a Japanese garden dating from the inn’s founding, open-air baths, and foot baths. As the accommodation closest to the World Heritage site, it has a prestigious history of hosting royalty and dignitaries. Microbus shuttle available from the ferry pier (5 minutes). 53 rooms, capacity 287 guests.

Itsukushima Iroha

A luxury ryokan blending Japanese tradition with modern design. This 5-story Japanese-modern property opened in 2017 and boasts a rooftop open-air bath with panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and Itsukushima Shrine’s Grand Torii Gate. All rooms feature elegant spaces with tatami floors and Japanese furnishings, while the property includes a lounge and library. The delicate kaiseki cuisine showcasing Seto Inland Sea ingredients is also highly acclaimed. 15 rooms, capacity 50 guests.

Kinsuikan

A long-established ryokan with over 100 years of history, ideally located just a 5-minute walk from both Miyajima Pier and Itsukushima Shrine. Guests can enjoy the inn’s own natural hot spring “Shioyu” (salt spring). Following renovations in the Reiwa era, the property now features Japanese-modern suites and rooms with private open-air baths. Seaside rooms offer views of the Grand Torii Gate, and the inn includes a bar lounge and souvenir shop. Complimentary shuttle service and luggage storage before and after check-in are also available. 34 rooms, capacity 128 guests.

Comfortable Mid-Range Ryokan & Hotels

Hotel Miyarikyu

A long-established ryokan hotel just a 3-minute walk from Miyajima Pier, located along the approach to Itsukushima Shrine. The property features elegant sukiya-style Japanese rooms and kaiseki cuisine made with seasonal ingredients from the Seto Inland Sea. Conveniently located just 7 minutes on foot to Itsukushima Shrine, the hotel includes a large communal bath and banquet halls. Guests can enjoy the inn’s own natural hot spring “Shioyu” and a panoramic bath overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. 71 rooms, capacity 330 guests.

Miyajima Seaside Hotel

A Japanese-style hotel along a quiet sandy beach, known for its spectacular views. Located 5 minutes by car from Miyajima Pier (shuttle bus available). The beachfront location offers beautiful night views, and with tennis courts and a nearby park, it’s well-suited for group stays. All rooms overlook the Seto Inland Sea, creating a resort-like atmosphere. 30 rooms, capacity 120 guests.

Hotel Miyajima Villa

A Japanese-modern hotel in an excellent location just 1 minute walk from Miyajima Pier. Under the concept of “a home away from home on Miyajima for adults,” guests can enjoy a tatami-floored observation bath and locally-sourced Hiroshima and Miyajima cuisine. All rooms feature beds in Western-style layout, and the hotel includes an on-site bakery and bar lounge. Services such as luggage storage after checkout are also available. 42 rooms, capacity 116 guests.

Jukeiso

A historic ryokan established in 1926, perched on a hilltop overlooking Itsukushima Shrine and the Grand Torii Gate. The property boasts some of the finest views on the island, with evening views of the illuminated Itsukushima Shrine being particularly spectacular. The hilltop garden offers panoramic views of Itsukushima’s famous landmarks, and the view of the Grand Torii Gate from the observation open-air bath is exceptional. Free shuttle service from Miyajima Pier (approximately 5 minutes). 13 rooms, capacity 80 guests.

Hotel Kikunoya

A ryokan hotel situated on a hill, just a 5-minute walk to Itsukushima Shrine and close to the Momijidani Park Ropeway station. The seaside rooms are renowned for offering some of the best views on the island, and the property includes a foot bath. Facilities include a large bath with open-air section and private baths, with interior renovations completed in 2020. The kaiseki cuisine featuring Seto Inland Sea delicacies and the local breakfast including Hiroshima’s famous anago-meshi (conger eel rice) are highly praised. Main building 22 rooms + annex 8 rooms, total capacity 82 guests.

Miyajima Hotel Makoto

A Japanese-style hotel ideally located just a 5-minute walk from Miyajima Pier and 10 minutes to Itsukushima Shrine. All rooms are spacious 12.5-tatami Japanese rooms (accommodating up to 6 guests), and the hotel takes pride in its kaiseki cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients from the Seto Inland Sea. Luggage storage at the front desk and shuttle service during island sightseeing are available. With large communal baths and banquet halls, the hotel caters to everything from group tours to family trips. 50 rooms, capacity 300 guests.

Itsukushima Tomonmae Kikugawa

A sukiya-style ryokan nestled in the historic townscape near Itsukushima Shrine’s east gate. Following renovations in 2019, all rooms now feature Japanese-Western style accommodations with private bath and toilet. The space blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern comfort, and the creative European-inspired cuisine using fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea is highly acclaimed. Just a 3-minute walk from the pier (shuttle available), offering excellent accessibility. 8 rooms, capacity 21 guests.

Miyajima Shiki no Yado Watanabe

A small ryokan with just 3 rooms, located in a tranquil setting near Daisho-in Temple’s gate where you can hear the gentle sounds of a clear stream. Limited to only 3 groups per day, the inn is renowned for its kaiseki cuisine centered on Seto Inland Sea seafood, prepared personally by the proprietress. While maintaining a traditional Japanese atmosphere, the entire property features modern amenities and is entirely non-smoking. About 20 minutes on foot from Miyajima Pier, with shuttle service available upon advance request. 3 rooms, capacity 10 guests.

Cozy Small Inns & Minshuku

Yamaichi Bekkan

Just a one-minute walk from Miyajima Pier, this culinary ryokan is beloved for its heartfelt, home-style hospitality. The proprietress takes pride in preparing kaiseki cuisine and anago (conger eel) dishes, with options for small private dining parties. Despite having only 4 rooms, this intimate inn offers an impressive variety of cuisine, including vegan-friendly shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian fare). Guests return again and again for the unbeatable convenience of the pier-front location combined with warm, familial atmosphere. Capacity: 4 rooms, 10 guests.

Ryoso Kawaguchi

This charming 5-room inn sits along the residential street near the entrance to Momijidani Park. The traditional machiya-style building with its distinctive lattice doors offers views of the Five-Story Pagoda just steps away, creating a truly soothing atmosphere. Their motto “Okaeennasai” (Welcome home) perfectly captures the warm, family-style hospitality guests experience here. Each dish of kaiseki cuisine featuring fresh Seto Inland Sea seafood is prepared with care. Located 8 minutes on foot from Miyajima Pier, with shuttle service available under certain conditions. Capacity: 5 rooms, 20 guests.

Momijiso

The only accommodation located within Momijidani Park itself, this peaceful ryokan is embraced by nature’s changing seasons. Limited to just 3 groups per day, the inn sits beside Momijidani’s mountain stream, offering guests the full beauty of Miyajima’s natural landscape—fresh greenery in spring and brilliant foliage in autumn. The kitchen prepares fresh Seto Inland Sea seafood with heartfelt attention, tailoring dishes to suit guests of different ages. A 15-20 minute walk from Miyajima Pier, with shuttle service available upon request. Capacity: 3 rooms, 12 guests.

Tabisai no Oyado Mizuhaso

This Japanese-modern ryokan sits directly in front of Miyajima Public Aquarium (Miyajimarin). A cozy hideaway with just 5 rooms, limited to 5 groups per day. Two bathrooms feature contemporary goemon-buro (iron cauldron baths) available for private use. The kitchen’s reputation rests on carefully handcrafted dishes showcasing the best seasonal ingredients from the Seto Inland Sea. While tucked away in a quiet setting behind Itsukushima Shrine, both the shrine and Daisho-in Temple are just a 5-10 minute walk away. Capacity: 5 rooms, 13 guests.

Miyajima Hotel New Kotobuki

This 10-room boutique hotel sits along Machiya-dori, perfectly positioned midway between Miyajima Pier and Itsukushima Shrine. A clean, quiet B&B-style accommodation with breakfast-included plans as the standard. Rooms are primarily Japanese-style tatami, with some Western-style options available. Just 5 minutes on foot to Itsukushima Shrine and close to the shopping street and attractions, it offers an ideal base for exploring the island. Capacity: 10 rooms, 20 guests.

Sakuraya

A B&B-style inn just 3 minutes along the waterfront from Miyajima Pier, with views toward World Heritage-listed Itsukushima Shrine. All 22 rooms have been renovated while preserving their Japanese character. No dinner service is offered; the focus is on breakfast-included and room-only plans. Seaside rooms overlook the Seto Inland Sea. The entire building is non-smoking with free Wi-Fi throughout. Luggage storage service makes this a convenient base for sightseeing. Capacity: 22 rooms, 70 guests.

Budget-Friendly Guesthouses & Private Rentals

Miyajima Guesthouse Mikuniya

A welcoming guesthouse converted from a charming 100-year-old traditional house, popular with international travelers. Mornings bring fresh bread and cereal, while evenings feature their signature homemade curry. Accommodation ranges from dormitory-style rooms to private Japanese-style rooms, with a shared kitchen and lounge that encourage connections between travelers. Consistently ranked among TripAdvisor’s top-rated accommodations, reflecting exceptional guest satisfaction. About 10 minutes on foot from Miyajima Pier. Capacity: 8 rooms, 27 guests.

HEM’S HOTEL

Opened in 2019 under the theme “A new kind of extraordinary getaway,” this exclusive rental accommodates just one group per day. A stylish whole-house villa renovated from a Showa-era traditional home, guests have the entire two-story house to themselves. The ground floor operates as a café-bar, with daytime café hours as well. The kitchen and living space are yours to use freely, creating an experience that feels like actually living on Miyajima. About 10 minutes on foot from Miyajima Pier. Maximum capacity: 4 guests.

Mizuhaso Bettei Hamorebi

An exclusive one-group-per-day private villa produced by Mizuhaso. This luxury accommodation is a renovated traditional house over 80 years old, offering a 3LDK layout (living/dining room + bedroom + private outdoor bath) as your own exclusive retreat. The spacious living area with kitchen and your own private open-air bath ensure complete privacy. Support services including dining arrangements at the main Mizuhaso building and housekeeping are available. About 5 minutes by shuttle from Miyajima Pier. Capacity: 2-3 guests.

Kokumin Shukusha Miyajima Mori no Yado

Miyajima’s only national public lodge, nestled in a peaceful park in front of Omoto Shrine. Surrounded by Mount Misen’s UNESCO-protected primeval forest, guests can immerse themselves in nature through all four seasons. Quality facilities at affordable prices, with a large dining hall and meeting rooms accommodating everyone from families to student groups. While it’s a 25-minute walk from the pier, a complimentary shuttle runs between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Capacity: 30 rooms, 128 guests.

Accommodation Areas by Location & Access

Central Area Near Itsukushima Shrine

The area within walking distance of Itsukushima Shrine offers the most convenient location for sightseeing. Hotel Miyarikyu is just 3 minutes on foot from Miyajima Pier, fronting the shrine’s approach path. Kinsuikan sits equidistant at 5 minutes to both the pier and shrine, with rooms offering views of the O-torii gate proving especially popular. This area is perfect for early morning or evening shrine visits, with many accommodations offering views of the illuminated torii gate at night.

Momijidani & Mount Misen Area – Surrounded by Nature

The area near Momijidani Park and the Mount Misen trailhead features peaceful accommodations embraced by nature. Iwaso sits along the Momijidani stream where guests experience the changing seasons, while Momijiso is the only inn located within Momijidani Park itself. Miyajima Mori no Yado occupies a tranquil setting in Omoto Park at the foot of Mount Misen’s primeval forest. The nearby Miyajima Public Aquarium makes this area popular with families too.

Machiya-dori & Shopping Street Area

Accommodations can also be found near Machiya-dori and the shopping district, which flourished as Miyajima’s historic temple town. Yamaichi Bekkan is 1 minute from the pier, Sakuraya just 3 minutes—both offering exceptional convenience. Itsukushima Tomonmae Kikugawa occupies a spot within the historic townscape, letting guests experience authentic Miyajima culture. The convenient location near shops and restaurants makes this an ideal base for exploring the island.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I stay on Miyajima or near Miyajimaguchi on the mainland?

Staying on Miyajima itself offers the greatest advantage: experiencing Itsukushima Shrine during the peaceful early morning and evening hours. When ferries stop running, day-trippers are gone, leaving you to enjoy the mystical atmosphere in blissful solitude. On the other hand, the Miyajimaguchi area on the mainland offers plentiful parking, making it more convenient for those traveling by car. If sightseeing is your priority, staying on the island is recommended.

How do I get to Miyajima?

From JR Hiroshima Station, take the Sanyo Main Line to Miyajimaguchi Station (about 30 minutes), then a 10-minute ferry ride to the island. Two ferry companies—JR West Miyajima Ferry and Miyajima Matsudai Kisen—operate departures every 15 minutes at identical fares. Alternatively, the streetcar from Hiroshima Station takes about 75 minutes but costs less.

Are there accommodations that cater to international visitors?

Many accommodations welcome international guests. Miyajima Guesthouse Mikuniya is particularly popular with overseas travelers and offers multilingual support. Even high-end ryokans increasingly have English-speaking staff available and can accommodate dietary requirements including vegetarian meals.

Which accommodations are best for families with children?

Miyajima Mori no Yado has the Miyajima Public Aquarium right in front and sits in a peaceful park setting—popular with families. Hotel Miyajima Besso offers a Japanese-modern atmosphere with excellent bakery and restaurant facilities. Miyajima Hotel Makoto features spacious 12.5-tatami-mat rooms accommodating up to 6 guests, making it ideal for family trips.

Are there accommodations with hot spring baths?

Kinsuikan features “Miyajima Shioyu Onsen,” a natural hot spring from their own source containing seawater minerals. Iwaso offers “Momijidani Onsen” known for its radon-rich waters. Hotel Miyarikyu also has its own seawater hot spring source, with scenic baths overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. All these properties allow overnight guests to fully enjoy their hot spring facilities.

Which accommodations are recommended for solo travelers?

Miyajima Guesthouse Mikuniya offers everything from dormitory-style rooms to private Japanese rooms, with a communal lounge where fellow travelers can connect. Sakuraya operates B&B-style with room-only plans as standard, making solo stays easy and comfortable. The National Lodge Miyajima Mori no Yado also offers budget-friendly rates popular with solo travelers.

Summary

Miyajima offers 23 diverse accommodations ranging from luxury ryokans to casual guesthouses, each with its own distinctive character. Locations vary too—from the central area near Itsukushima Shrine, to the nature-rich Momijidani district, to the convenient shopping street neighborhood—each offering unique advantages.

By staying overnight, you can experience what day visitors miss: the serene stillness of Itsukushima Shrine at dawn, and the ethereal beauty of the great torii gate illuminated against the night sky. Understanding each property’s characteristics will help you choose the accommodation that best suits your travel style for a truly memorable Miyajima experience.