Miyajima is one of the top day trip destinations in Japan. More recently, Miyajima is also transforming into a popular overnight destination. From late afternoon, while most day trippers head back to the mainland, Miyajima transforms into a peaceful, tranquil island. You can stroll through the streets and visit popular sites without the daytime crowds, allowing for a more intimate experience of the island’s beauty, overlooked and unseen by the day trippers.

We feel the best way to experience an overnight trip to Miyajima is to stay in one of the island’s many ryokans, some of which have been operating for several hundred years. A ryokan is one of the best ways to enjoy traditional Japanese hospitality and experience kaiseki meals. Combined with the peaceful atmosphere of Miyajima after the day trippers have departed, an overnight stay can turn a busy sightseeing destination into so much more.

Best Ryokans on Miyajima

Best Overall

Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto

Located just moments from Itsukushima Shrine, the hotel blends elegant Japanese design with spacious comfort, sea-view rooms, and tranquil public baths overlooking nature. Impeccable service, beautifully prepared kaiseki cuisine, and an atmosphere of quiet exclusivity make it a standout choice. Availability is limited, especially during peak season, so be sure to reserve early to secure your ideal room and dates. The hotel is also regarded as one of the oldest on Miyajima, with a history of over 400 years; however, the current building was built in the 1970's.

The Hotel Miyajima Grand Arimoto is one of our favourite hotels on Miyajima, and we highly recommend it.

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Best Traditional Japanese Ryokan

Iwaso Ryokan

The Iwaso Ryokan on Miyajima is a timeless, historic retreat nestled within Momijidani Park, about a 10-minute walk from the Itsukushima Shrine. Established in 1854, this distinguished ryokan offers serene tatami rooms, seasonal kaiseki dining, and a tranquil onsen surrounded by forested hills. Iwaso blends heritage, nature, and refined hospitality. The Iwaso Rokyan offers a rare opportunity to experience such a historic traditional Japan. Reserve early to secure your stay. The Iwaso Ryokan is also one of the oldest hotels on Miyajima, and while it has been updated in some regards, it is still operating out of the same facility since the 1854's.Check availability (Booking.com) Check availability (Agoda)

Modern Ryokan

Kinsuikan

Discover understated elegance at Kinsuikan, a long-established ryokan just moments from Itsukushima Shrine. Offering refined Japanese-style rooms, attentive hospitality, and beautifully crafted seasonal cuisine, Kinsuikan delivers an authentic yet comfortable island stay. Select rooms feature private open-air baths for added exclusivity. With limited availability in peak seasons, reserve early to secure your preferred dates on Miyajima.

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Miyajima Hotels FAQs

Is it worth it staying overnight on Miyajima?

Absolutely, staying overnight on Miyajima is worth it. As the sun begins to set, the island takes on a calm, relaxing atmosphere as many day tourists board the ferry back to the mainland. You can enjoy quieter streets, enjoy the local cuisine, and see the famous Itsukushima shrine at both high and low tide, as your overnight stay will certainly provide enough time for the tides to change.

How much are hotels on Miyajima?

Hotels on Miyajima can be a little pricer than on the mainland. While options like Sakuraya do offer some very reasonable rates for a stay, we would highly recommend that if you want to have a traditional ryokan experience on your trip to Japan, you spend a little extra and have the experience on Miyajima.

Are there many restaurants on Miyajima?

There are plenty of street food stalls that open when the island is busy, when the tourists are on the island, but there are fewer options for restaurants on the island than one would expect. Luckily, many hotels on Miyajima have their own on-site restaurants for their guests to eat at.

Can you walk around Miyajima at night?

Yes. Miyajima is safe and very quiet at night. Most shops close by early evening, but the streets remain open and peaceful. The shrine and torii gate are beautifully illuminated, and the atmosphere is calm and almost magical compared to daytime.

How do you get to Miyajima if you’re staying overnight?

From Hiroshima Station, take the train to Miyajimaguchi, then board the ferry across to the island. Ferries run regularly throughout the day and evening, but if you’re staying overnight, check the last departure time in case you plan to return to the mainland.