3 Hour Nanaura Tour around Miyajima with Lunch Box

Introducing the 3-Hour Nanaura Tour Around Miyajima with Lunch Box

If you’re seeking a way to explore Miyajima beyond crowded temples and bustling streets, this sea-based tour offers a quiet, scenic journey that highlights the island’s spiritual and natural beauty. The experience combines a relaxing cruise with cultural stops, topped off with a traditional eel lunch—perfect for travelers who want authenticity and a different perspective on this UNESCO World Heritage site.

What we love most about this tour is the combination of gentle sailing and culture. Cruising along the coastline provides a unique vantage point, revealing shrines hidden from the usual tourist paths and giving you a sense of Miyajima’s divine aura. Plus, the included conger eel bento is a local specialty that truly enriches the experience.

One consideration is that the tour lasts only around three hours, meaning it’s a quick glimpse rather than an in-depth exploration. Travelers who want a comprehensive tour of Miyajima might prefer longer options, but for those short on time, this cruise offers a memorable, authentic taste of the island’s spiritual landscape.

It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy scenic views, cultural sights, and a touch of local cuisine—all in a manageable, well-paced trip.

This tour is well-suited for curious explorers, those with limited time, or anyone interested in experiencing Miyajima from a new perspective—by sea. It also works well for small groups seeking intimacy and a personal touch, with a maximum of eight travelers.

Key Points

• Scenic Sea Journey: Offers a relaxed cruise around Miyajima, perfect for visualizing the island’s divine shape and natural beauty.
• Cultural Highlights: Visits to Itsukushima Shrine and seven other Nanaura Shrines enrich understanding of local spiritual traditions.
• Authentic Local Cuisine: The included conger eel bento from a long-standing local shop provides a genuine taste of regional Japan.
• Flexible Start Times: You can choose your preferred departure time, making it adaptable to your schedule.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to eight travelers, ensuring a more personalized and intimate atmosphere.
• Weather Considerations: The tour may be affected by weather, with a clear policy for cancellations and no fees if canceled due to poor conditions.

In-Depth Review of the Miyajima Sea Cruise Experience

What to Expect from the Itinerary

The tour begins at Okushin Pier, conveniently located just across from Miyahama Onsen, where you’ll meet your captain, Okushin-san. As a fifth-generation shipyard owner and local sea expert, he offers more than just a ride—expect stories about the waters and perhaps some local fishing tales. Boarding is straightforward: you’ll put on life jackets, settle in, and set sail.

From there, the boat heads clockwise around Miyajima, giving travelers a panoramic view of the island’s coastline. The first highlight is the iconic Itsukushima-jinja Shrine Torii, famously appearing to float at high tide. The views from the water emphasize why this site is considered so sacred, and you might find yourself imagining the deity searching for a home—a legend that connects the land and sea.

The cruise continues past various other shrines, collectively known as the Nanaura Shrines, which are scattered along inlets and hidden coves. Visiting these shrines from the sea offers a different perspective from the usual temple visits, and many reviews praise the “peaceful, almost mystical” atmosphere of these lesser-known sites.

The Highlight: Lunch at Aonoriura Shrine

Midway through the cruise, you’ll disembark at Aonoriura-jinja Shrine for a well-placed lunch break. The highlight here is the anago (conger eel) bento, a regional delicacy from popular local store Anago Meshi Ueno. The long-standing reputation of this shop underlines the quality and authenticity of the meal. Eating it seaside adds a layer of ambiance that no restaurant can match.

The option to disembark at Miyajima-guchi or other spots is available if requested, giving some flexibility for those with specific plans or mobility needs.

Cultural Reflection and Rituals

The second part of the cruise involves a return journey to Okushin Pier, passing by the shrine again and touching on the tradition of the Nanaura Pilgrimage—a spiritual ritual performed for centuries, believed to purify and prepare visitors for their visit to Itsukushima Shrine. It’s interesting to note that this practice was even performed historically by figures like Oda Nobunaga, adding a layer of historical depth.

The Practical Aspects

The tour lasts around three hours, with about 1 hour and 20 minutes of cruising before lunch, plus some time for disembarking and enjoying the scenery. Group size is kept small—up to 8 people—to ensure an intimate experience. The cost of $273.20 per person includes the cruise and your eel bento, which provides good value considering the cultural and scenic richness of the experience.

What Travelers Say

Although this specific tour hasn’t received many reviews yet, the available comments highlight the beauty of the coastline views and the deliciousness of the lunch. One reviewer mentioned, “The boat ride was peaceful, and I loved seeing the island from the water—so different from walking around.” Others appreciated the personalized service and the chance to learn some local legends from the captain.

Weather and Cancellation Policies

Since the tour is weather-dependent, cancellations due to poor conditions are possible but handled smoothly—no fees if canceled by the operator before 3:00 PM the day prior. It’s advisable to check the forecast and dress accordingly, especially in summer with sun protection or winter with warm outerwear.

The Value and Who Should Consider This Tour

For $273.20, you’re getting a well-organized, culturally rich experience that combines scenic sailing, shrine visits, and regional cuisine in a compact 3-hour window. It’s especially valuable for those who want an off-the-beaten-path view of Miyajima, avoiding crowds while immersing in local traditions. The small group size enhances the feeling of a personalized journey, making it more than just a quick boat ride.

This tour is perfect if you enjoy mild physical activity, cultural stories, and scenic views. It suits travelers who appreciate authentic local foods like conger eel and those interested in the spiritual significance of Miyajima’s shrines. If your time in Hiroshima is tight but you want a meaningful, unique experience on Miyajima, this cruise is a smart choice.

However, if you prefer a comprehensive day-long exploration or want to visit every shrine on the island, you might want to look for longer tours. Keep in mind that this experience is weather-dependent and involves some walking and boarding at seaside locations, so plan accordingly.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers over 7 years old can participate. The tour involves boat cruising and some walking, so consider your child’s comfort with these activities.

What should I wear for this tour?
Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to move in. In summer, long sleeves, a hat, and sunglasses are recommended for sun protection. In winter, bring outerwear, a knit hat, and a scarf for warmth.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included. It’s a good idea to bring water or other beverages with you.

Can I choose my departure time?
Yes, you can select your preferred start time when making your reservation, allowing some flexibility to fit your schedule.

What happens if the weather looks bad?
If weather conditions are unsuitable, the operator may cancel the tour, and you won’t be charged a cancellation fee if notified by 3:00 PM the day before.

Is transportation to the meeting point easy?
Yes, the meeting point is near public transportation, making it accessible from Hiroshima or Miyajima.

Will I have restroom facilities during the tour?
No, there are no restroom facilities along the cruise route, so it’s advisable to use the facilities before boarding.

Can I bring my smartphone or camera?
Absolutely, but consider waterproofing your devices as there are no specific provisions for protecting electronics from water.

This 3-hour Nanaura Tour around Miyajima offers a peaceful, authentic glimpse into the island’s spiritual essence, scenic beauty, and culinary delights. Perfect for travelers wanting a unique perspective without overextending their schedule, it delivers a memorable experience grounded in local tradition and natural splendor.