Miyajima Kayak

FAQ

Booking / Payment

Q. How do I book a tour?

A. First, please inquire us about the vacancies, and we will let you know if the tour is available. We will send you a confirmation email when the booking is finalized. ※If you book us from another website, follow the booking process of that site.

Q.How do I pay for the tour?

A. Please pay in advance through the above reservation site. For groups of 8 or more, please contact us using the form below.

About Participating

Q. Can I attend alone?

A. Yes of course! There are many backpackers and travelers who come to Miyajima.

Q. Can we attend as a group?

A. Yes, but please contact us a week prior to the tour date if your group is more than 8 persons. We will arrange the plan according to the number and requests.

Q. Do I have to be able to swim?

A. No, you will most likely not fall into the water when kayaking, but we have personal flotation devices to help you float in case. Our guides will help you when in trouble.

Q. Is there an age limit?

A. Kayaking may not be recommended to those over the age of 70, but health and physical status will differ by each person so please contact us when booking.

Q. Can kids participate as well?

A. Children are able to swim similar to adults around the age of 10, but younger children may also participate when accompanied by an adult.

What to Wear / Bring

Q. Can I wear glasses/contacts during the tour?

A. Yes, as long as they do not fall into the water. If you do need glasses, we recommend putting a neckband on them.

Q. How should I dress?

A. Synthetic, water-resistant shirt and pants are recommended. Comfortable clothes you would wear for jogging will be enough. In the summer, bring a hat for the sun, and in autumn~winter bring a jacket/windbreaker.

Reference

What to wear

Q. What do I do with the valuables (wallet, phone, keys, etc.)

A. We can hold on to your belongings at our storage. If you want to take them with you, we have a waterproof bag for rent.

Q. When do I change clothes?

A. Please change before the tour and come to the meeting point dressed for the tour.

If you want to take a shower after the tour, we can take you to a bath facility (separate charge).

Pick up / Bring

Q. Where do we meet?

A. It will differ by each tour. We will contact you after booking.

Reference

Access

Q. Do you have pickup/drop-off service?

No, we only provide the transportation from the meeting point to the tour.

About the tour

Q. Are there toilets?

A.There are public restrooms on Miyajima Island along the beach.

Q. Will I go into the water and get wet?

A. Kayaks are very stable and you will most likely not fall into the water (only your legs and bottom will get wet). However, we recommend bringing an extra change of clothes just in case.

Q. Is there insurance?

A. If you are a Japanese citizen, you will be covered by our insurance (insurance fee included in the tour fee). Insurance Company: Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company / Death and Permanent Disability: ¥10 million per person / hospitalization: ¥5,000 per day / outpatient: ¥2,000 per day

Q. Will I get motion sickness?

A. Although it is not frequent, about one in twenty people have gotten motion sickness. If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking medicine beforehand, getting enough sleep, and avoiding alcohol on the day before the tour.

Cancellaion

Q. There is rain forecast. WIll the tour be canceled?

A. Our guides will decide based on the weather and water condition, regardless of the rain. If the tour is canceled, we will contact you on the day before. Please read the details below.

Tour Policies

◯ Going
  • cloudy weather
  • light rain shower
  • low temperature
  • hot weather
✕Canceled
  • The weather warning has been announced/may be announced
  • The wave height is over 1.5 meters
  • There is strong wind (over 6m/s at the site)
  • There is thunder and lightning
  • There is heavy rain

▼If the tour is canceled

We will call you on the day or the day before the tour. The day before (around 7 pm) : we will call you only when the tour is canceled. ※we will not contact you if the tour is on schedule. On the day (morning): we may call you if there is cancellation/change to the tour due to a change in weather.

Q. Is there a cancellation fee?

▼When requested by the customer

The cancellation fee applies to the tour fee as follows (serious delay will be considered as a no-show):

3-7 days before the tour 30%
2 days before the tour 50%
1 day before the tour 70%
On the day or no-show 100%

▼When decided by the guide or for external factors

There will be no cancellation fee charged for the reasons mentioned below:
・When you are unable to arrive due to flight delay/cancellation
・Cancellation of the ferry
・When decided by the guide

About Miyajima

Q: Why is Miyajima Island a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

A: Miyajima Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural and natural value. Itsukushima Shrine, with its iconic floating torii gate, is a masterpiece of Japanese architecture. The island itself is considered sacred in Shinto tradition, and the shrine’s harmonious integration into the natural surroundings exemplifies the Japanese reverence for nature.

Q: How do I get to Miyajima Island?

A: The easiest way to get to Miyajima Island is by ferry from Hiroshima. The ferry ride takes about 10 minutes and costs ¥200 (approximately $1.50) per person. You can also take a direct boat from Hiroshima Peace Park or Hiroshima Port, which takes about 45 minutes and costs around ¥2,200 (approximately $16.50) per person.

Q: What is the best time to visit Miyajima Island?

A: Miyajima Island is a great place to visit year-round, but the best time to go is during the spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. The summers can be hot and humid, while the winters can be cold and snowy.

Q: What is the climate like on Miyajima Island?

A: Miyajima Island has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. The summers are hot and humid, with average temperatures in the mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 30 degrees Celsius). The winters are mild, with average temperatures in the mid-40s Fahrenheit (around 7 degrees Celsius). The spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons, with mild temperatures and comfortable humidity levels.

Q: What are the geographical features of Miyajima Island?

A: Miyajima Island is a small, mountainous island located in the Seto Inland Sea, just off the coast of Hiroshima, Japan. The island is roughly rectangular in shape, with a length of 10.5 km (6.5 miles), a width of 3.5 km (2.2 miles), and an area of 30.2 square kilometers (11.7 square miles).

The island is dominated by Mount Misen, which rises to an elevation of 535 meters (1,755 feet). The mountain is covered in dense forest and is home to several hiking trails. The rest of the island is made up of hills and valleys, with a small coastal plain on the eastern side.

Q: What is there to do on Miyajima Island?

A: There are many things to see and do on Miyajima Island. In addition to visiting Itsukushima Shrine, you can also take a ride on the Miyajima Ropeway to the top of Mount Misen, explore the Daisho-in Temple, or visit the Miyajima Aquarium. There are also several hiking trails on the island, and you can even go deer spotting.

Q: What is the food like on Miyajima Island?

A: Miyajima Island is known for its fresh seafood, and there are many restaurants serving up delicious oysters, clams, and other seafood dishes. You can also find traditional Japanese dishes like okonomiyaki and yakitori, as well as international cuisine.

Q: What are some good souvenirs to buy on Miyajima Island?

A: There are many unique souvenirs to buy on Miyajima Island, including momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes), omikuji (fortune slips), and Miyajima sake. You can also find traditional Japanese crafts like pottery and lacquerware.

Q: What are some tips for visiting Miyajima Island?

 A: Here are a few tips for visiting Miyajima Island:

・Be respectful of the shrines and temples.
・Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
・Be aware of the deer and don’t feed them.
・Bring comfortable shoes for walking.
・Allow plenty of time to explore the island.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery and unique culture of Miyajima Island!