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Hatsukaichi
Your 4-day travel guide
Spring for blossoms, Autumn for foliage
Hatsukaichi•4D•Couple
Hatsukaichi, Japan
Duration:4 Days
Activities:12
Best for:Couple
Torii Gates, Oysters, and Island Serenity
Hatsukaichi feels like a place where the spiritual and the delicious peacefully coexist. You'll hear the gentle lapping of the Seto Inland Sea against the docks where fishermen unload the day's catch, and the air carries a faint, pleasant brine mixed with the scent of cedar from Itsukushima Shrine. This small city offers a surprisingly rich experience for couples: the iconic floating torii gate that seems to walk on water at high tide, some of Japan's most celebrated oysters served fresh from local farms, and the quiet charm of Miyajima Island where deer wander freely through ancient streets. Forget the rush of Tokyo, here you'll find yourselves slowing down to match the rhythm of the tides, discovering that the most memorable moments often come from a shared bowl of steaming anago meshi or watching the sunset paint the torii gate in golden light.
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1
Miyajima Island Immersion
Day 1 of your journey
Start your adventure with a short, scenic 10-minute ferry ride from the mainland Miyajimaguchi Pier to Miyajima (Itsukushima) Island. The view of the iconic torii gate from the water is the classic first impression. Ferries run frequently, about every 15 minutes. It's a peaceful journey that sets the tone for the day, offering great photo opportunities as you approach the island's famous landmark. The ride itself is part of the cultural experience, transitioning from the modern mainland to the sacred island.
Miyajima Ferry from Miyajimaguchi Pier
Why Visit
This is the essential and only public access to Miyajima Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site considered one of Japan's three most scenic views. The ferry provides the perfect, gradual introduction to the island's spiritual significance and natural beauty. For couples, it's a romantic beginning, standing together on deck with the sea breeze, watching the famous torii gate grow larger on the horizon.
Take the ferry from the JR Miyajimaguchi Station side for the most direct route if you have a JR Pass. For the best photos of the torii gate from the water, stand on the right side of the ferry when departing from Miyajimaguchi. Address: Miyajimaguchi, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0411.
2
Mainland Culture and Cuisine
Day 2 of your journey
3
Free Day & Local Exploration
Day 3 of your journey
4
Day Trip to Nearby Hiroshima City
Day 4 of your journey
Before You Go
Essential Travel Tips
Getting There: Hatsukaichi is easily reached from Hiroshima City by train (JR Sanyo Line to JR Hatsukaichi Station or JR Miyajimaguchi Station for the ferry). The trip takes about 30 minutes.
Getting Around: The main areas are walkable. Use local buses or taxis for temples like Senko-ji. The ferry to Miyajima is essential and frequent.
Money: Japan is largely a cash society, though credit cards are accepted at major hotels and some restaurants. Have yen on hand for small shops, street food, and temple entrance fees.
Language: Basic English is understood at major tourist spots like Miyajima. Learning a few phrases like 'arigatou gozaimasu' (thank you) is appreciated. Pointing and smiling works well.
Etiquette: Remove your shoes when entering temple buildings or traditional restaurants (look for slippers or a shoe rack). Be respectful and quiet in sacred spaces.
Tides: Check the tide schedule for Miyajima. The experience of Itsukushima Shrine and the torii gate is completely different at high tide (floating) vs. low tide (walkable).
Oysters: Miyajima's oyster season typically runs from October to March, though they are available year-round. They are considered best in the colder months.
Accommodation: Consider staying on Miyajima Island for one night for a magical, crowd-free evening and morning experience, or stay on the Hatsukaichi mainland for easier access to trains and more dining options.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit
The best times to visit Hatsukaichi are spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November). Spring offers mild weather and the possibility of cherry blossoms, especially on Miyajima Island in early April. Autumn provides comfortable temperatures, lower humidity, and stunning fall foliage, with the maple trees on Miyajima and around Senko-ji Temple turning brilliant reds and oranges in November. Summer (June to September) can be hot and humid, and is the rainy season in June/July, but it's also festival season. Winter (December to February) is cold but clear, and it's the peak season for the famous oysters.
Local Insights & Tips
Hatsukaichi and Miyajima operate on 'island time,' a slower, more respectful pace. Miyajima is considered a sacred island in Shinto belief, so there are traditional customs: it was historically forbidden to give birth or die on the island to maintain purity (though this is no longer practiced), and you'll notice the deer are protected as divine messengers. The local economy revolves around the sea (oysters, conger eel) and tourism. People are generally reserved but polite and helpful to visitors. When dining, it's customary to say 'itadakimasu' before eating and 'gochisousama deshita' after. Public trash cans are rare; carry a small bag for your rubbish until you return to your hotel.