The 10 Best Ryokans in Miyajima

Looking for a ryokan stay in Miyajima? You’re in the right place.

Just under an hour from Hiroshima, Miyajima is a serene escape, perfect for a traditional ryokan experience. It’s famous for the UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine and its torii gate, which appears to float on water during high tide, and is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season. 

Miyajima is small, yet each area has a different feel. Some spots are ideal for first-time visitors, while others offer a quieter stay near temples, scenic paths, or areas where the island’s famous deer roam freely. To help you choose what is right for you, we’ve highlighted the best areas to stay in Miyajima and ryokans for every budget and style. Let’s explore this sacred island!

Where to Find the Best Ryokans in Miyajima 

With more than 1,400 years of history, Miyajima is both a fascinating destination for spiritual retreats and one of the best places to enjoy a ryokan stay. 

If you’re new to ryokans, they’re classic Japanese inns that put comfort above everything else. Rooms are simple, with tatami flooring and futon bedding, while outdoor spaces come with zen gardens and onsen baths. What’s even better is the feast that’s often part of the package, and it’s not just a few dishes, but sometimes up to 18 tasty courses. We’re still not sure how everyone manages to stay so fit here!

The island is fairly small, so ryokans aren’t very far apart. To make things easier, we’ve divided the areas into two sections: near the ferry terminal and near Itsukushima Shrine, depending on whether you prefer convenience or a quieter stay in nature.

• Near ferry terminal – Best for convenience – This area is the heart of Miyajima, placing main sights, shopping, dining, and transport right at your fingertips. ITSUKUSHIMA IROHA offers a sleek and comfortable stay, with views of the famous freestanding gate.

• Near Itsukushima Shrine – Best for a traditional stay – We think that this spot is perfect for those who come to enjoy the tranquility of Miyajima. Located on a hillside, Jukeiso combines scenery and traditional charm within reach of every must-see. 

The Best Ryokans in Miyajima

Near ferry terminal  

BEST FOR CONVENIENCE

Pros 

• Immediate access to shopping, dining, sightseeing, and the ferry
• Easy to get around on foot 

Cons 

• Can be very crowded, especially during the day
• It’s more expensive than other areas

Staying near the ferry terminal provides easy access to Miyajima from Hiroshima – ideal if you’re on a time crunch. This is where the ferry drops you off, and you couldn’t ask for a more convenient base, especially for a short stay. You’re right by Omotesando Street, the island’s heart and soul, with food and shopping around every corner, though it’s not the best choice if you’re hoping for quiet mornings.

As you wander past the restaurants and street stalls, the smell of grilled seafood fills the air and makes you feel hungry, even if you’re not. One thing you shouldn’t miss is yakigaki – fresh oysters grilled right in front of you. We also felt tempted by the maple-leaf-shaped cookies sold all over the island, which make a great snack between temple visits.

This part of Miyajima feels busier and less historic than other corners of the island, but the upside is that it’s relatively flat, which makes exploring easier, and everything is within easy reach, including the famous Itsukushima Shrine. Most ryokans here are more modern than traditional, so if that’s not an issue, this is a great area to stay.

ITSUKUSHIMA IROHA – $$$

ITSUKUSHIMA IROHA is a luxury inn just a short walk from the ferry terminal and the floating torii gate. We love how it blends traditional Japanese touches with modern Nordic furniture, creating a space that feels elegant yet comfortable. We think it’s ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone celebrating a special occasion.

Rooms are simple but cozy, and some suites even have cave-like baths with hot tubs, which is a perfect way to unwind after a day exploring the island. The food here is both Japanese and Western-style, but the seasonal kaiseki meals and the sake pairings really elevate the experience. Expect to pay around 66,200 JPY ($420 USD) per night.

Miyajima Hotel Makoto – $$ 

Miyajima Hotel Makoto sits on a hill, but don’t worry – it’s less strenuous than it sounds, plus they offer transfers if you don’t feel like walking. Despite being slightly elevated, it’s a quick walk from where the ferries dock, making it an easy base for getting around the island.

Rooms here are traditional, with tatami floors and futons if you want to sleep the Japanese way. The views over the water, especially at sunset, are a real highlight of the stay. Japanese hospitality here is second to none, with staff consistently praised for their excellent service. It wouldn’t be a proper ryokan without an onsen, and here you can choose between public or private ones.

Dinner is traditional and delicious, with generous portions – if you’ve left any room after sampling the food stalls along the main strip. Prices usually start around 31,500 JPY ($200 USD) per night.

Miyajima Seaside Hotel – $$  

If you’re looking for a mid-range ryokan on Miyajima, Miyajima Seaside Hotel is hard to beat. It’s close enough to the main village to wander there anytime, but far enough to feel peaceful. Just steps from the shore, with a small stretch of sand, it’s perfect for a quiet morning stroll or an evening walk to work off your dinner.

The place isn’t flashy, but what really makes it memorable is the staff, who go out of their way to make you feel at home. For anyone wanting a real taste of Japanese hospitality without breaking the bank, this ryokan is a solid choice. Prices usually start around 35,000 JPY ($225 USD) per night.

Yamaichi Bekkan – $$ 

Yamaichi Bekkan is one of the smallest ryokans on Miyajima, with just four rooms, making it the coziest and most personal place to stay. The rooms are modest but bright and comfortable, and if you peek out the window, you might even spot deer wandering by.

This family-run ryokan has a traditional feel, and the hosts make you feel welcome from the minute you walk in. Food is authentic Hiroshima cuisine, and they even cater to Muslim travelers with halal wagyu and a small prayer room. Even better, it’s only a 1-minute walk from the ferry terminal, perfect if you want a low-key place to stay without sacrificing convenience.

Nightly rates go for around 34,000 JPY($215 USD), which makes it one of the most affordable spots on the island, with excellent reviews too!

Sakuraya – $ 

Sakuraya is a great budget-friendly place, offering a relaxed Japanese feel with a few modern touches. Located right next to the main ferry dock, it’s also a convenient spot for transport and sightseeing.

Rooms come with either views over the Seto Inland Sea or toward Mt. Misen – whichever you choose, you are guaranteed a peaceful sleep. And if you wake up early, you’ll catch Miyajima at its calmest before the crowds arrive. Bathrooms are shared to keep the rates down, but don’t worry – they’re kept very clean! 

There’s also a small indoor public bath if you need a bit of downtime, and bicycles to rent if you want to discover more of the island. Prices typically start from around 14,000 JPY ($90 USD) per night.

Near Itsukushima Shrine 

BEST FOR A TRADITIONAL STAY

Pros 

• A more relaxing stay, removed from the hustle 
• Short walking distance to attractions  
• Traditional and more affordable ryokan options than those near the ferry terminal

Cons 

• Limited food choice after dark  

The Itsukushima Shrine area isn’t far from the ferry terminal, but once you’re here, it feels like a different world. We stayed here, and we’d do it again in a heartbeat to be just steps from the shrine. Most ryokans are more traditional and high-end than those near the ferry, and surrounded by nature, they give this place a truly authentic feel.

The Itsukushima Shrine steals the spotlight here, with its torii gate, an unforgettable sight, especially at high tide when it looks like it’s floating in the water. The shrine itself is built over the sea on stilts, and when the tide is low, you can even walk beneath it. We particularly loved wandering around sunset when the island felt ours entirely once the day-trippers had gone.

Omotesando Street is about a 10-minute walk, so heading out for dinner or checking the souvenir stalls never felt like a hassle. You’re also close to the Miyajima Ropeway, which makes for a fun ride up toward the summit of Mt. Misen. This area is perfect for adventurers, but also anyone who wants to experience the serene side of this sacred island.

Iwaso – $$$

Iwaso is a historic ryokan tucked into the peaceful Momijidani Valley, offering a stay that feels deeply connected to Miyajima’s natural beauty and centuries-old traditions. Dating back over 170 years, this property sits at the base of Mt. Misen, surrounded by forest, streams, and seasonal colors that change dramatically throughout the year.

Rooms feature classic tatami flooring and futon bedding, with options ranging from modern comforts in the newer annex to more traditional stays in the charming historic buildings. After spending the day exploring Itsukushima Shrine, just a quick 3-minute walk away, you can come back to unwind in the indoor and outdoor hot spring baths or settle in for a beautifully prepared kaiseki dinner featuring fresh, local ingredients.

Rates typically start around 90,000 JPY ($600 USD) per night with meals included, and with the ferry just a short walk away (plus a free shuttle), it’s an easy yet memorable retreat.

Jukeiso – $$$ 

Jukeiso is a real upscale retreat, but with a traditional feel. Staying here comes with views that are anything but ordinary. From our room, we could watch the sun rise over the sea and the floating Torii gate – sitting by the window with a cup of tea became our favorite ritual.

The rooms here are spacious and bright, with tatami floors and futon beds, for a genuine ryokan experience. Walking the grounds, we felt at peace, as the only sound we could hear was the birds in the trees. Dinner was a highlight, with fresh local seafood served in traditional Japanese style. 

Overall, we think this spot near the Itsukushima Shrine is perfect for romantic getaways or anyone seeking comfort with a touch of luxury. Prices start around 55,000 JPY ($350 USD) per night.

Miyajima Morinoyado – $$ 

Miyajima Morinoyado is a retro-style ryokan nestled in the forest of Omoto Park, and a peaceful escape from the noise near the ferry terminal. It’s close to the Miyajima Aquarium and Itsukushima Shrine, and if you head there early in the morning or later in the evening, you can snap photos with almost no one around!

Staying here lets you fully experience Japanese culture, from traditional tatami floors to meals with fresh sashimi and other local dishes, but mainly seafood, so if that’s not your thing, nearby restaurants have you covered.

There’s also a large on-site bath, if you like a relaxing soak at the end of a long day. Expect to pay around 30,000 JPY ($195 USD) per night.

Miyajima Shiro – $$

With only three tatami rooms, Miyajima Shiro offers a quiet, authentic stay without blowing your budget. Cozy shared spaces make it easy to stretch your legs after exploring, and there’s a small kitchen with everything you need to whip up a quick breakfast. The rooms are spacious and pet-friendly, making it a flexible choice for families or couples on a weekend retreat.

In the early morning, when the island is at its calmest, you can even hear deer chirping in the streets. While it feels far from the crowds, the ryokan is just steps from attractions like Momijidani Park and Daisho-in Temple. Prices start at 38,000 JPY ($240 USD) per night, depending on the season and room type. 

Kikunoya – $$ 

Kikunoya combines style with a homely feel, and you can choose from both Western and Japanese-style rooms. They’re simple but comfortable, and a great choice if you prefer a quiet location and traditional Japanese hospitality over luxury touches. Best of all, the onsen is open until 11 pm, so you can prepare for a good night’s sleep.

Breakfast is strictly Japanese, so if smoked eel isn’t your thing in the morning, you can easily grab something from the food stalls along the main strip. But for fans of authentic cuisine, the variety and presentation are a real treat. We also love the location – about a 15-minute walk from the Miyajima Sanbashi Ferry (free shuttle available) and just a short stroll to Itsukushima Shrine.

Prices usually start around 22,000 JPY ($125 USD) per night, making this the most affordable ryokan on the island.

Top Activities to do in Miyajima

Now that you’ve found your perfect ryokan stay in Miyajima, it’s time to plan your itinerary! To make things easier, we’ve narrowed down the best things to do in Miyajima to make the most of your stay!

• Visit Itsukushima Shrine – We couldn’t get enough of this remarkable site and were lucky to see it during high tide, when the torii gate looked as if it were floating. For uninterrupted photo sessions, we recommend wandering the grounds in the evening, once the day-trippers have left.

• Take the ropeway up Mt. Misen – The view from the summit is breathtaking, and the easiest way to get there is by cable car, or ‘ropeway,’ which costs 1,840 JPY ($12 USD) round trip. Be ready for a short walk at the top to reach the best lookout points.

• Stroll Omotesando Street – A walk down this bustling street is a must, whether you want to buy a souvenir or try local fare from the food stalls. Don’t miss taking a photo of the O-shakushi, the world’s biggest wooden rice spoon, nearly eight meters (26 feet) long.

• See Miyajima’s deer – Similar to Nara, around 500 deer roam freely on the island, completely unafraid of people. They make great selfies, but never feed them, as human food can be harmful to them.

Thanks for reading!

Staying in a Miyajima ryokan is one of the best ways to experience the island beyond a quick day trip. From the convenience of the ferry terminal to the peaceful, scenic setting near Itsukushima Shrine, each area offers a completely different feel, so it really comes down to the kind of stay you’re after. Just be sure to book early, as Miyajima’s top ryokans tend to fill up quickly, especially during cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons.

And if you’re still planning your trip, don’t miss our other Japan guides here. From detailed itineraries to where-to-stay breakdowns and can’t-miss experiences, we’ve put together everything you need to make the most of your time in Japan, plus a few of our favorite reads below to get you started.

The 10 Best Ryokans in Hiroshima

How to Spend TWO DAYS in Hiroshima: 2-Day Itinerary

How to Spend TWO WEEKS in Japan: 14-Day Itinerary

The 15 Best Ryokans in Beppu