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- Miyajima (Itsukushima) — Itsukushima Shrine & Floating Torii
The torii standing in the tidal flats is instantly recognizable — at high tide it looks like it’s floating, at low tide you can walk right up to it. The island mixes sacred cedar forests, roaming tame deer, and short coastal walks with big-picture views of the Inland Sea. - Mount Misen (Miyajima) — primeval forest and summit views (personal favorite)
Several trails climb through old-growth trees to rock-strewn viewpoints that open over hundreds of islands. It’s peaceful, the air is good, you’ll often see macaques and get one of the best panoramas of the Seto Inland Sea — perfect for a morning hike and a picnic. - Naoshima & Teshima — art islands hugging the coast
These islands fuse minimalist contemporary art with beaches
- Miyajima (Itsukushima) — Itsukushima Shrine & Floating Torii
The torii standing in the tidal flats is instantly recognizable — at high tide it looks like it’s floating, at low tide you can walk right up to it. The island mixes sacred cedar forests, roaming tame deer, and short coastal walks with big-picture views of the Inland Sea. - Mount Misen (Miyajima) — primeval forest and summit views (personal favorite)
Several trails climb through old-growth trees to rock-strewn viewpoints that open over hundreds of islands. It’s peaceful, the air is good, you’ll often see macaques and get one of the best panoramas of the Seto Inland Sea — perfect for a morning hike and a picnic. - Naoshima & Teshima — art islands hugging the coast
These islands fuse minimalist contemporary art with beaches and rugged shoreline — museums and installations are literally integrated into the landscape. If you like quiet seaside walks interrupted by surprising art pieces, this is a unique way to experience the park. - Shodoshima — Kankakei Gorge and olive terraces
The gorge’s steep, sculpted cliffs are great for a ropeway ride and ridge hikes; the island’s olive groves give it a Mediterranean feel you won’t expect in Japan. Good short treks, cliffside viewpoints, and quieter coastal scenery make it a satisfying day out. - Okunoshima (Rabbit Island)
A small island famous for hundreds of friendly rabbits that roam the shoreline — easy, flat walking and small beaches make it a relaxed visit. There’s also a small museum about the island’s wartime history if you want context beyond the cute wildlife. - Shimanami Kaido — island-hopping cycle route
This car-and-bike link between Honshu and Shikoku stitches together bridges and small islands with dedicated cycling lanes and lookout points. Even if you don’t ride the whole route, short hops between islands give spectacular sea-and-bridge vistas and tidy seaside trails. - Tomonoura — historic harbor and sunset headlands
A compact fishing town with stone lanes, a classic harbor, and dramatic headlands that light up at sunset. It feels like stepping into an old postcard — great for short coastal walks, photography, and watching fishing boats come and go.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.