Miyajima Island Rickshaw Experience Cruise Shore Excursion

Overview

Step away from the city and onto the sacred grounds of Miyajima Island (Itsukushima), where history, spirituality, and nature converge. This 5-hour shore excursion is a refined way to experience one of Japan’s “Three Most Scenic Views.” While most visitors explore the island on foot, this tour offers a more intimate and traditional perspective by including a guided rickshaw journey through the island’s winding backstreets and historic districts.

Your day begins with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its “floating” vermilion torii gate. Following this spiritual immersion, you will board a traditional rickshaw for a tour through the preserved Machiya Street and the lush Momijidani Park. With an expert English-speaking guide to navigate the ferry crossing and provide local storytelling, you’ll discover hidden gems that larger tour groups often overlook.

Traveling in a private, air-conditioned vehicle from the port to the ferry terminal, you will enjoy a seamless transit to the island. Whether you are photographing the wild deer that roam the shrine or savoring a local maple-leaf-shaped cake in a renovated folk-house cafe, this tour captures the timeless essence of Miyajima. With our “Back-to-Ship Guarantee,” you can relax and enjoy the island’s peaceful atmosphere with complete confidence.

Highlights

• Itsukushima Shrine: Explore the 12th-century Shinto shrine and its iconic Great Torii Gate, which appears to float on the sea at high tide.
• Ebisuya Rickshaw Tour: Glide through the island in a traditional rickshaw, visiting spots like the Soribashi Bridge and the birthplace of Momiji-manju cakes.
• Momijidani Park: Wander through a picturesque valley at the foot of Mount Misen, home to hundreds of maple trees and friendly wild deer.
• Miyajima Machiya Street: Discover the island’s “old soul” along a nostalgic avenue lined with art galleries and cafes converted from 17th-century townhouses.

Cruise Information

This 5-hour tour is synchronized with the docking schedules of major cruise lines at the Port of Hiroshima (Ujina or Itsukaichi Pier). We manage the logistics of the private transfer and the ferry crossing to ensure you maximize your time on the island. Our team monitors port conditions in real-time, ensuring you are met at the arrival gate and returned to the pier at least one hour before your ship’s departure.

Complete Details

Your journey begins at the Hiroshima Port, where your licensed guide will meet you for a private transfer to the ferry terminal. A short, scenic ferry ride across the Seto Inland Sea brings you to Miyajima Island. Your first stop is Itsukushima Shrine. Depending on the tide, you can either admire the reflection of the vermilion corridors in the water or walk out across the sand to stand beneath the massive torii gate.

Next, you will meet your professional rickshaw pullers from Ebisuya Miyajima. This 30 to 60-minute ride takes you away from the crowds and into the quiet beauty of Momijidani Park and the historic Machiya Street. You will see the beautiful red bridges of the park and learn about the island’s architectural heritage. The final portion of the tour allows for a leisurely stroll through the Machiya district, where you can visit traditional cafes or shop for unique handicrafts. After a day of cultural enrichment, your guide will escort you back across the water and to the port in time for your cruise departure.

Booking with Jasumo

To join one of our Upcoming Shared Tours for 2026 or to request a private vehicle for your family, please contact us via our Contact Us Form. Our travel consultants will verify your ship’s docking schedule to ensure a seamless experience.

Jasumo also operates as a Destination Management Company (DMC), providing end-to-end support and reliable local coordination for individual travelers and travel agencies.

Complimentary 10GB eSIM with Every Jasumo Tour Booking

When you book your tour through Jasumo, we make your journey even smoother by providing a free 10GB eSIM. Stay connected across Miyajima from the moment you arrive—check the tide schedules, message your group, and share your photos of the “floating” gate instantly without worrying about finding Wi-Fi or buying a local SIM. It’s our way of ensuring a stress-free and fully connected travel experience.

FAQs

How do we get to Miyajima from the cruise port?

We provide a private vehicle to take you from the Hiroshima Port to the Miyajimaguchi ferry terminal (approx. 30-45 minutes). From there, it is a 10-minute ferry ride to the island. Our guide handles all the logistics and tickets for you.

Can the rickshaws accommodate children or seniors?

Yes, Ebisuya rickshaws are designed to be comfortable and safe for two adults. Children can often sit on an adult’s lap, and the pullers are very experienced in assisting seniors with getting in and out of the vehicle.

What is the best time to see the “floating” torii gate?

The gate “floats” during high tide, creating a magical reflection. During low tide, the water recedes entirely, allowing you to walk right up to the pillars. Your guide will check the local tide tables for your specific tour date to help you plan your photos.

Is there a lot of walking on this tour?

While the rickshaw provides a relaxing way to see the sights, there is still some walking involved at Itsukushima Shrine and the ferry terminals. The paths are generally flat and well-paved, making the tour suitable for most fitness levels.

Does the “Back-to-Ship Guarantee” cover ferry delays?

Yes. Ferries run very frequently (every 10-15 minutes), and we build a significant time buffer into our 5-hour itinerary to account for any transit variations. We guarantee you will be back at the pier at least one hour before departure.

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