One stop many SJMC Japan students were looking forward to was Miyajima Island.
Miyajima, officially called Itsukushima, is a sacred island in the Seto Inland Sea, globally renowned for its floating red torii gate and Itsukushima Shrine. The island is celebrated as one of Japan’s top three scenic views and attracts millions of visitors who come to experience its spiritual history and the nearly 500 free-roaming deer.
Miyajima has plenty to see and do. With over 1,400 years of history, it is something you don’t want to miss in Japan.
On Miyajima Island, there were a lot of things for students to do. You could go shopping on Omotesandō Street, ride the cable cars, hike up Mount Misen, walk and sightsee, visit temples and shrines or go to the aquarium.
For SJMC students, they did a little bit of everything.
Some students decided to hike Mount Misen with our wonderful tour guide, Akutsu Michio-san. Along the way, students learned about the island’s history and visited Daisho-in Temple, the island’s oldest temple, known for its hundreds of Buddha statues.
They also learned about Reikado Hall, a sacred Buddhist site on Mount Misen that housed an “eternal flame” believed to have burned for more than 1,200 years. The flame is especially significant because it was used to light the Flame of Peace at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Although the wooden structure housing the flame was destroyed by a fire in May 2026, the flame was successfully preserved, and efforts are currently underway to rebuild the historic hall.
While exploring Daisho-in Temple, students also got to walk through kaidan meguri, which is located in the basement of the Kannon Hall at Daisho-in Temple. Kaidan meguri, also known as “womb pilgrimage,” is a traditional Japanese Buddhist ritual that invites visitors to walk through a completely darkened passage beneath the temple’s main hall. Inside the kaidan meguri, there are illuminated representations of Buddha that light up the left side of the pathway, guiding visitors through the darkness. The tunnel symbolizes enlightenment, rebirth, and the life cycle.
Electronic media junior Eric Gonzalez thought that the tunnel was “pretty crazy,” as he said he couldn’t see even a foot in front of him
On the other hand, digital media innovation junior Berkelee Bryan thought the tunnel to be a little scary at first.
“But I really liked it,” Bryan said. “It was fun.”
Nearby, students had the opportunity to ring a traditional temple bell known as a bonsho. Ringing the bell is believed to dispel negative energy and bring good luck.
By the time students had finished exploring the first half of the mountain, it was time to eat. Michio-san led some students to a restaurant with a beautiful view. There, students tried Mitsuya Cider, a classic Japanese carbonated drink, and udon noodles with beef. They also learned that Emperor Hirohito once visited the restaurant.
Students were also given the opportunity to ride cable cars to the top of Mount Misen, where they could see a beautiful view of Miyajima Island and the surrounding area.
Another popular stop for students was the Miyajima Public Aquarium. Unlike many aquariums, it highlights the marine life and culture of the Seto Inland Sea through interactive exhibits focused on local habitats. Visitors can see animals such as penguins, otters, and jellyfish
Journalism and digital media innovation senior Taylor Carrasco had a memorable time at the Miyajima Public Aquarium.
“As soon as we got there, I knew I wanted to add the aquarium to my list of things to do because I love aquariums, and I especially love otters and penguins,” Carrasco said. “It wasn’t incredibly huge, but it was worth it. It was only $8. It was definitely one of my favorite memories from this trip.”
To end the trip, SJMC students explored Omotesandō Street. Where they shopped for souvenirs such as magnets, postcards, and amulets believed to bring good luck or promote traffic safety.
The day trip to Miyajima Island allowed SJMC Japan students to experience the island’s history, culture, and natural beauty while creating memories that will last long after they leave Japan.
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