Small Group Tour in Miyajima from Miyahama Onsen

If you’re visiting Hiroshima and craving a unique way to explore Miyajima, this small-group sea tour offers a refreshing perspective. Spanning approximately four hours, it combines a scenic cruise, an authentic café experience in Etajima, and views of some of Japan’s most iconic sights—all from the comfort of a well-equipped vessel and a friendly group of fellow travelers. The entire experience is designed to blend natural beauty, local culture, and a touch of adventure, making it ideal for those who love active, authentic outings.

One of the things we really appreciate about this tour is its combination of sea travel and cultural stops, especially the chance to enjoy fresh drinks and desserts at a stunning edible garden café. However, it’s important to note that this experience involves some physical activity—boarding rubber boats and possibly getting wet—so it might not suit everyone. Still, if you’re after an authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventure with knowledgeable guides, this trip is likely to hit the spot.

For travelers who enjoy scenic views, small-group intimacy, and a taste of local island life, this tour offers good value and a memorable day out. It’s especially suitable for those comfortable with minor physical exertion and eager to explore Miyajima from a different angle.

Key Points

• Authentic Sea Experience: Cruise along Miyajima’s coast, enjoying stunning views and historical sites from the water.
• Visit Etajima’s Edible Garden Café: Relax at a charming, herb-filled café with panoramic sea vistas, and pick fresh herbs to garnish desserts.
• Historical and Scenic Highlights: Cruising around Miyajima offers insights into its shrines and the famous Itsukushima Shrine Torii.
• Small Group Intimacy: With a maximum of 8 travelers, you’ll benefit from personalized attention and engaging guides.
• Active Elements: Rubber boat disembarkation and potential getting wet make it a hands-on adventure.
• Value for Price: The tour includes cruise fees, safety equipment, and expert guidance, making it a well-rounded experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Miyajima Sea Tour

Starting Point and Safety First

The journey begins at Okushin Pier in Miyahama Onsen at 1:30 p.m., making it a convenient afternoon activity. The tour is led by Captain Tsukamoto Masahiko, who’s not just a skilled sailor but also a certified safety instructor, adding peace of mind. The boat, the “T’s II,” is registered with the Japan Coast Guard, and it received a new engine in 2024—meaning reliability and safety are top priorities.

Guests are welcomed aboard a highly safe vessel, and safety gear like life jackets are included in the price. The small group size ensures you aren’t just another face in the crowd, and the personal attention from the captain and guide make for a comfortable experience.

Cruising Around Miyajima

The first leg lasts about an hour, during which you’ll cruise along Miyajima’s coast, viewing iconic sights from the water. We appreciate how the captain’s expertise transforms this cruise into an educational experience, pointing out shrines, inlets, and the famous Nanaura Shrines—a collection of seven shrines along Miyajima’s perimeter. This route follows the traditional Nanaura meguri (Seven Shrine Pilgrimage), a historic practice dating back centuries, offering a sense of connection to Japan’s cultural past.

Guests mention the “stunning views” and the “informative commentary” from the guides, making it more than just a boat ride. This segment offers a gentle introduction to Miyajima’s complex shoreline, giving context to what you will later see from land.

Café Time at Etajima Potager & Restaurant Bricolage17

Disembarking from the cruiser involves a rubber boat transfer to the cape in Etajima, which is where the experience becomes particularly charming. The Bricolage17 café, situated on a cape surrounded by a French-inspired edible garden, is a highlight. Guests can enjoy their favorite drinks and desserts while taking in panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and Miyajima.

What makes this stop special is the garden-to-table vibe—guests can pick fresh herbs, like mint, to garnish their desserts, adding an interactive element. The garden features fruit trees, vegetables, herbs, and flowers, making it a true kitchen garden setting. Reviewers often mention the stunning scenery and the relaxed atmosphere, perfect for unwinding and soaking in the natural beauty.

You’ll have about two hours here, giving plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, explore the garden, and savor some delicious treats. Be aware that you will need to order at least one menu item per person, and payment is handled individually at the café.

Cruising and Visiting Itsukushima Shrine Torii

After café time, the boat resumes its journey, cruising around Miyajima’s backside. Here, you’ll see the famous Itsukushima Shrine Torii Gate, often photographed floating at high tide, but also admired from the water when the tide is lower. The route takes in the seven Nanaura Shrines, tying into the traditional pilgrimage route, celebrated in local song and history.

The cruise here lasts about 55 minutes, offering excellent views of some of Japan’s most celebrated coastal scenery. Travelers often comment on how “the views from the water are much more striking than from land,” and the guides’ insights help deepen the appreciation of the sights.

End of Tour

The experience wraps up at Okushin Pier around 5:30 p.m., leaving you with a well-rounded taste of Miyajima’s maritime charm. The tour includes all cruise fees, safety gear, and the rubber boat transfer, making it a seamless experience.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $603.79 per person, this tour might seem on the higher side compared to typical day cruises. However, considering the all-included cruise fees, safety equipment, guided commentary, and the unique café stop, it offers good value for those seeking an intimate, authentic experience. The small group size ensures personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere, which many travelers find enhances their enjoyment.

It’s also particularly appealing to those who appreciate scenic cruising combined with cultural insights. The fact that you get to explore Miyajima’s coast and visit a charming edible garden café makes this a memorable, well-rounded outing—not just a boat ride.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Dress comfortably and be prepared to get a little wet when disembarking at Etajima using the rubber boat.
• Wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet and avoid heels for safety reasons.
• Bring a towel for drying your feet and a jacket if you’re visiting during cooler months.
• You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks on board, so consider packing snacks or beverages.
• The tour might be canceled or modified due to weather, especially wind and sea conditions, so stay flexible.
• The maximum group size of 8 helps keep the experience intimate and engaging.

Final Thoughts

This small-group sea tour around Miyajima offers a rare chance to see the island’s coastline from the water, combined with a charming visit to a garden café on Etajima. The knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and interactive elements like herb-picking make it a memorable experience, especially for those interested in combining scenery with culture.

While it isn’t a budget option, the overall value lies in the personalized approach, safety measures, and the authentic feel of the journey. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy active, scenic outings and are comfortable with minor adventure elements like rubber boat transfers.

If you’re after a relaxed, insightful, and picturesque way to explore Miyajima and its surroundings, this tour could be just what you’re looking for.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but keep in mind that rubber boat transfers and getting wet might be less comfortable for very young children. Always check with the tour provider if you have specific concerns.

What should I bring?
A towel for drying your feet, comfortable clothes that are easy to move in, and a waterproof layer if visiting in cooler months. Bringing your own snacks or drinks is also fine.

Can I bring my own food and beverages?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks aboard. However, at the café stop, you need to order at least one item per person, with payment made individually.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If weather conditions prevent safe landing at Etajima, the rubber boat transfer may be canceled, and you might need to disembark at the nearest port at your own expense.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts about 4 hours, including cruising, café time, and sightseeing.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
Yes, the maximum group size is 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

What safety measures are in place?
Captain Tsukamoto is a certified safety instructor, and all guests wear life jackets. The vessel is registered with the Japan Coast Guard and equipped with a new engine from 2023.

Are there any special considerations for the tide or sea conditions?
Yes, the route and landing options may change based on tide levels and sea conditions, which are beyond the control of the tour operator.

This sea adventure around Miyajima offers a captivating blend of scenery, culture, and hands-on experiences. If you’re ready for a thoughtful, scenic journey that’s well-organized and full of local character, it’s worth considering.