A Journey of Serenity – Two Days on the Sacred Island of Miyajima Surrounded by a Millennium of Prayer

Hiroshima
A Journey of Serenity – Two Days on the Sacred Island of Miyajima Surrounded by a Millennium of Prayer
282,150
  • Duration: 2 Day(s) (approx.)

  • Location:Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima

    Product code:EN-HSM-4089-40895

【OUTLINE】

Your journey begins on Miyajima, one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views and a sacred island with over 1,200 years of history. You will be given a rare opportunity to be personally guided by the 78th head priest of Daishoin Temple, the island’s oldest and most prestigious temple.

Through solemn prayers, a profound Buddhist sermon, and a quiet moment of meditation, you will discover a deeper connection with yourself. For your overnight stay, choose between a traditional temple lodging or a distinguished hotel—either a historic inn or a luxury property awarded 2 Michelin Keys. Enjoy exquisite shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) or refined local cuisine while spending a tranquil evening embraced by silence and healing.

On the following day, refresh your mind and body with a trek up Mt. Misen, a sacred mountain shrouded in ancient faith and primeval forest.

The journey concludes with a private cruise around the Seto Inland Sea, visiting the “Seven Shrines” deeply tied to the origins of Itsukushima Shrine.

This two-day experience offers a rare chance to immerse yourself in nature, faith, and history—an extraordinary retreat found only on Miyajima.


【HIGHLIGHTS】 

  • Exclusive experience guided by the head priest of Daishoin (including access to a normally hidden Buddha statue, prayers, and a Buddhist sermon)
  • Mt. Misen trekking and Seven Shrines pilgrimage, blending nature and spirituality
  • Visits to sacred sites usually closed to the public, with multilingual cultural guidance


【PRICES】

1 guest: ¥282,150
2 guests: ¥350,900 (¥175,450 per person)
3 guests: ¥419,650 (¥139,883 per person)
4 guests: ¥488,400 (¥122,100 per person)


【SCHEDULE】

◆Day 1

[12:00] Meet at JR Miyajimaguchi Station
[12:10] Free time (visit Itsukushima Shrine, explore the Five-Storied Pagoda and Senjokaku Hall)
[14:00] Gather at Daishoin Temple’s Niomon Gate
    Lecture by Head Priest Yoshida Daiyu on the history of Daishoin and the Gumonji Ritual
[15:00] Buddhist sermon and prayer ritual
[16:00] Meditation session
[17:00] Viewing of a hidden Buddha statue (not normally open to the public)
[18:00] Taxi transfer to accommodation (temple lodging or hotel)
[18:30] Dinner – shojin ryori or hotel dining
[20:00] Overnight stay at temple lodging or selected hotel (“Japanese Garden Ryokan sekitei” or “IWASO”), free time


◆Day 2

[06:30] Optional morning meditation (temple lodging guests only)
[07:30] Breakfast at temple lodging or hotel
[08:30] Taxi transfer to Mt. Misen trailhead
[09:00] Begin hike up Mt. Misen
[10:30] Visit Sankisama Shrine
[11:30] Rest with light refreshments
[12:30] Depart Miyajima Pier
[13:00] Nanaura (Seven Shrines) Cruise
[14:00] Disband at Miyajima Pier


【DETAILS】

① Lecture by Head Priest Yoshida Daiyu

Daishoin Temple, founded by Kobo Daishi (Kukai), is the head temple of Shingon Buddhism in Miyajima, with over 1,200 years of history. Known as a sacred site of the “Gumonji Ritual,” the temple is believed to bestow wisdom and clarity. This esoteric practice involves chanting the same sutra over 10,000 times amidst the fire of goma rituals and the sound of mantras, sharpening memory, intuition, and understanding.


② Buddhist Sermon, Prayers & Meditation

Through sermon, ritual prayers, and meditation, guests will gain insight into Japanese Buddhism and the spirituality of Miyajima. Prayers are offered for purification, protection, and fulfillment of wishes, while meditation fosters inner calm, silence, and harmony with nature.


③ Nanaura (Seven Shrines)  Cruise

Sail to seven sacred shrines including Mitoko Shrine, said to be the original site of Itsukushima’s deity. Experience the deep ties between sea, nature, and Shinto belief that shaped the history of Itsukushima Shrine.


【ACCOMMODATIONS】

① Japanese Garden Ryokan Sekitei (3-5-27 Miyahama Onsen, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima 739-0454)
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Perched in Miyahama Onsen with views of the Seto Inland Sea, Sekitei is a refined hideaway where traditional sukiya-style architecture harmonizes with a landscaped Japanese strolling garden. Guests can unwind in tranquil detached rooms overlooking the garden, savoring moments of peace and privacy. The inn is renowned for its kaiseki cuisine prepared with seasonal ingredients and fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea—particularly local specialties such as oysters and conger eel. An open-air bath with views of the changing seasons adds to its appeal.


② IWASO (345-1 Minami-machi, Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima 739-0522)
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Founded in 1854, Iwaso is a distinguished ryokan located just a 3-minute walk from the UNESCO World Heritage Itsukushima Shrine, nestled in the picturesque Momijidani Valley. Loved by the Imperial Family and cultural figures alike, its historic wooden buildings and open-air baths surrounded by nature captivate every guest. Choose from traditional detached rooms and main wing accommodations featuring classic wooden architecture, or enjoy modern comfort in the newer wing. Seasonal kaiseki cuisine highlights local flavors, with oysters and conger eel being signature delights of Miyajima.


③ Daishoin Temple Lodging (210 Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima 739-0588)
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This special shukubo (temple lodging) allows you to stay within Daishoin Temple, founded by the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai). Guests can take part in practices such as sutra copying, zazen meditation, or a symbolic walk through the Pitch-Black Corridor—experiences rarely encountered in daily life. As one of Miyajima’s spiritual centers alongside Itsukushima Shrine, Daishoin also offers opportunities for prayers of protection, good fortune, and spiritual renewal.


【THINGS TO NOTE】

  • Duration:2 days / 1 night
  • Minimum number of participants:1 person (max. 4 people)
  • Meeting point:JR Miyajimaguchi Station
    1-3-23, Miyajimaguchi, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima 739-0411 [MAP]
  • Access:
    ◆From Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station
    〇By train
    ・Take the JR Sanyo Main Line from Hiroshima Station to Miyajimaguchi Station (approx. 28 minutes).

    ◆Getting to Hiroshima Station
    〇From Tokyo
    By air: About 1 hour 30 minutes from Haneda Airport to Hiroshima Airport, then approx. 50 minutes by limousine bus to Hiroshima Station.
    By train: About 3 hours 50 minutes by Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Hiroshima Station.
    〇From Osaka
    By train: About 1 hour 25 minutes by Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Hiroshima Station.

  • Tour conductor for 24 hours:No
  • Accompanying National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter or Local Licensed Guide Interpreter:Yes
  • Language support:Japanese, English
  • Meals (included in a tour fee):Yes(Breakfast:1, Lunch:1, Dinner:1)
  • Included:
    ・Experience fee
    ・Prayers and admission fees
    ・Cruise charter fee (for the Seven Shrines Cruise on Day 2)
    ・Guide fee
    ・Accommodation fee (Temple lodging or hotel at the same rate)
    ・Meals (Day 1: Breakfast × Lunch × Dinner 〇 / Day 2: Breakfast 〇 Lunch 〇 Dinner ×)
    ・Transportation expenses
     Day 1 taxi transfer (Daishoin Temple → Temple lodging or hotel)
     Day 2 taxi transfer (Temple lodging or hotel → Mt. Misen)
  • Excluded:
    ・Transportation to the meeting point (JR Miyajimaguchi Station)
    ・Ferry fare from the meeting point (JR Miyajimaguchi Station) to Miyajima
    ・Round-trip ferry fare between Miyajima and Miyajimaguchi for those staying at Sekitei
    ・Ferry fare from the disbandment point (Miyajima Pier) to Miyajimaguchi
  • Items to bring:Drink
  • Clothes:Comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for hiking
  • Participation requirements:Over 6 years old
  • Free Wi-Fi:Yes
  • Toilet:Yes (Western-style) 


【TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL】

Before booking the tour, please review and save the Terms and Conditions of Travel.

Check [TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL](Japanese)


【TOUR PLANNER AND CONDUCTOR】

Regional Branding Institute Co., Ltd.
Aqua Terrace UⅡ Bldg., 8F, 2-20-3 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 111-0034
Travel Agency registered with a Tokyo Governor 2-7547
A regular member of All Nippon Travel Agents Association


【CANCELLATION POLICY】

20 to 8 days before the departure date of the tour 20%
7 to 2 days before the departure date of the tour 30%
The day before the departure date of the tour 40%
On the day of the departure date of the tour 50%
After the tour departed, No show 100%