Sailing to Miyajima Itsukushima: A Practical Cruising Guide

Sailing to Miyajima Itsukushima.   Miyajima, formally known as Itsukushima, sits on the western side of Hiroshima Bay and is one of the most recognizable islands in Japan. For cruising yachts, it offers a rare combination of straightforward approaches, sheltered waters, and a visually striking coastline dominated by forested slopes and the famous torii gate rising from the shallows. While berthing options are limited and the island is not a provisioning hub, Miyajima is a memorable waypoint for yachts transiting between Hiroshima, Kure, Etajima, and the wider Seto Inland Sea.

The island lies close to major ferry routes, and navigation requires awareness of frequent high‑speed vessels, but the waters around Miyajima are generally calm. The approaches are well‑charted, and the island’s position makes it a convenient stop for boats seeking a short break, a scenic anchorage, or a waypoint during a longer passage through Hiroshima Bay

Sailing to Miyajima Itsukushima -Navigation

Approaching Miyajima involves navigating the sheltered waters of Hiroshima Bay, an area with moderate commercial traffic, ferries, and occasional naval vessels. AIS should be used for tracking vessel movements and indicating where and who you are. Radar helps in haze or reduced visibility. Navigation marks are clear, and charts are accurate. Are yours up to date?

From the north, yachts arriving from Hiroshima follow wide, deep channels with minimal swell. From the east, yachts approaching from Kure or Etajima transit narrow but sheltered passages. From the west, yachts coming from Matsuyama or the Iyo‑Nada region enter through broader approaches before turning into the bay.

The island’s northern and eastern sides offer the most practical approaches for visiting yachts. The iconic torii gate is located on the northeastern shoreline, and while it is a major visual landmark, yachts must maintain a respectful distance and avoid obstructing ferry routes or tourist vessels.

Sailing to Miyajima Itsukushima -Berthing and Anchorage

Miyajima has limited berthing options, and most visiting yachts rely on anchoring in settled conditions.

Anchorage Areas

• Northeastern Anchorage: Offers good holding in mud and sand, with protection from prevailing winds.
• Eastern Bays: Sheltered in calm weather, suitable for short daytime stops.

These anchorages are scenic and quiet outside peak tourist hours, but boats should remain aware of ferry wakes and maintain predictable movements.

Harbor Access

Miyajima’s main ferry terminal area is busy and not suitable for yacht berthing. Small craft may occasionally find space in minor harbor areas with local permission, but this is not guaranteed.  For secure berthing, yachts typically use marinas in Hiroshima, Kure and Etajima.  These ports are within a short sail and offer reliable facilities.

Sailing to Miyajima Itsukushima - Entry Protocols

Miyajima is not a designated international entry port. Yachts arriving from overseas must complete immigration, customs, and quarantine procedures at a recognized port of entry before visiting the island.

For yachts already cruising within Japan, Miyajima functions as a domestic waypoint. Foreign‑flagged vessels using the Naikosen system can move between ports without repeating full customs clearance. Harbor offices in nearby Hiroshima or Kure can assist with local procedures if needed.

Waste‑disposal rules are strict throughout Hiroshima Bay, and boats should follow local sorting requirements.

Sailing to Miyajima Itsukushima -Local Weather

Miyajima benefits from the sheltered conditions of Hiroshima Bay. Seasonal patterns are predictable:

• Spring: Mild temperatures, light to moderate winds, and occasional fog.
• Summer: Warm, humid, and generally light winds. Afternoon sea breezes are common.
• Autumn: Clear skies, moderate winds, and comfortable temperatures.
• Winter: Northerly winds can be strong during frontal passages.

Visibility can be reduced by haze in summer. Radar is useful when navigating near ferry routes.

Sailing to Miyajima Itsukushima - Provisioning

Supermarkets: (Miyajima & Nearby). Miyajima Island. Miyajima has no full‑size supermarkets. Only small convenience‑style shops selling snacks, drinks, packaged foods, and basic supplies. Not suitable for full provisioning.  Youme Mart Hatsukaichi is the closest full supermarket on the mainland. Strong produce, meat, seafood, bakery items, dry goods, and household supplies. Best option for boats provisioning near Miyajima.  Aeon Hatsukaichi is a large, full‑service supermarket with excellent produce, seafood, bakery items, frozen foods, alcohol, and household goods. Ideal for full provisioning before returning to Miyajima.  Fresta Hatsukaichi is a mid‑size supermarket with good fresh produce, meat, seafood, and prepared foods. Convenient for topping up fresh items.

Traditional Markets:  Miyajima Omotesandō Shopping Street is very tourist‑oriented street with small food vendors, local snacks, pickles, sweets, and specialty items. Limited fresh produce but useful for local flavors and small‑quantity items. Miyajima Machiya Street is a traditional street with small specialty shops selling pickles, tofu, sweets, and regional foods. Not a full provisioning source but good for local ingredients.  Hatsukaichi Local Shopping Streets (Mainland) have small greengrocers, fruit vendors, and daily‑use food shops. Useful for topping up fresh produce before returning to the island.

Farmers Markets:  JA Farmers Market Hatsukaichi is the closest farmers market to Miyajima. Offers Hiroshima‑grown vegetables, citrus, herbs, mushrooms, and seasonal specialties. Excellent quality and good pricing.  Local Weekend Markets (Hatsukaichi & Hiroshima) have occasional pop‑up markets offering fresh produce, baked goods, and regional specialties. Useful when timing aligns.

Fish Markets: Miyajima Island.  No dedicated fish market. Some shops sell local oysters and seafood products, but not raw fish in retail quantities. Hatsukaichi Fish Shops are small fishmongers near the mainland ferry terminal selling fresh fish, shellfish, and seasonal local catch. Best nearby option for everyday seafood.  Hiroshima City Central Fish Market (Retail Area) has a larger seafood market accessible by road or train. High‑quality fish, shellfish, and seasonal specialties. Ideal for premium seafood provisioning.

Sailing to Miyajima Itsukushima - Diesel Fuel Supply. 

Fuel is not available on Miyajima. Yachts should plan to refuel at Hiroshima Kannon Marina, Kure Marina. Etajima harbor has limited availability. Jerry‑can transport is possible from mainland service stations, but marina refueling is more reliable.

Sailing to Miyajima Itsukushima - Fresh Water Supply 

Potable water is not reliably available for yachts on Miyajima. Boats should top up tanks in Hiroshima, Kure, or Etajima before visiting the island.

Sailing to Miyajima Itsukushima - Repair and Service Availability

Miyajima offers no yacht repair or service facilities. Nearby options include Kure: Strong mechanical and electrical services. Hiroshima: Good chandlery access and repair options. Imabari: Major shipbuilding center with extensive facilities (further away).

Mechanical and Electrical Repairs Resource

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Sailing to Miyajima Itsukushima - Cultural

Miyajima is a culturally significant island, and boats should follow local expectations:

• Maintain respectful distances from the torii gate and shrine areas
• Avoid obstructing ferry routes
• Keep noise low, especially near residential zones
• Follow strict waste‑sorting rules
• Use polite greetings and show patience during interactions
• Seek permission before photographing people or private property

Sailing to Miyajima Itsukushima - Local Cuisine

These foods are widely available near the waterfront and in the island’s central village.  Miyajima is known for several regional food traditions:

• Momiji Manju: Maple‑leaf‑shaped sweets
• Fresh Oysters: A major specialty of Hiroshima Bay
• Anago (Conger Eel): Served grilled or in rice bowls
• Seto Inland Sea Fish Varieties: Including sea bream and sardines

Sailing to Miyajima Itsukushima - Summary

Miyajima is a memorable and practical waypoint for yachts sailing through Hiroshima Bay and the western Seto Inland Sea. While berthing and provisioning options are limited, the island’s sheltered waters, straightforward navigation, and striking scenery make it a rewarding stop during coastal passages. Nearby ports provide fuel, water, and repair facilities, allowing boats to enjoy Miyajima as part of a well‑planned cruising itinerary. Sailing to Miyajima Itsukushima is an interesting diversion.