Q. How do I book a Miyajima kayak tour?
You can book through our online booking system. Please choose your preferred tour, date, time, and number of guests. Once your payment is completed, you will receive a confirmation email with the meeting point and important tour details.
Q.How far in advance should I book?
Q.How and when do I pay?
Please pay by credit card through our online booking system. Your booking is confirmed once the payment has been completed and you receive a confirmation email. For custom or group tours, we may send a separate payment link or invoice.
Q.When is my booking confirmed?
Your booking is confirmed when your payment has been completed and you receive a confirmation email from us or from the booking system. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please check your spam folder first, then contact us.
Q. Can I join as a solo traveler?
Yes, solo travelers are welcome. However, our regular booking is generally based on a minimum of two guests per reservation. If you join alone, the price may be slightly higher depending on the tour date, availability, and whether other guests have already booked the same time slot. Please contact us if you are traveling solo, and we will suggest the best available option.
Q. Can I change my booking after it is confirmed?
Date or time changes may be possible depending on availability. Please contact us as early as possible if you need to change your booking. Changes requested close to the tour date may not always be possible, especially during peak season.
Q. What is your cancellation policy?
If you cancel your booking for personal reasons, the following cancellation fees may apply. A serious delay may be treated as a no-show.
| Timing of cancellation | Cancellation fee |
|---|---|
| 3–7 days before the tour | 30% |
| 2 days before the tour | 50% |
| 1 day before the tour | 70% |
| On the day of the tour or no-show | 100% |
If possible, we may also offer rescheduling instead of cancellation.
Q. What happens if the tour is canceled by the guide due to weather or sea conditions?
If we cancel the tour because the weather or sea conditions are unsafe, you can usually choose either a refund or rescheduling, depending on availability. Safety is always our priority, and the final decision will be made by the guide.
Q. Is it private?
Our regular tours are usually shared with other guests. If you would like a private tour, we may be able to arrange it for an additional fee depending on the date, time, course, and group size. Please contact us with your preferred date and number of guests.
Q. Will I be grouped with other guests?
For regular tours, you may be grouped with other guests. We keep our tours small so that the guide can support everyone safely. If you prefer not to join other guests, please ask us about a private tour.
Q. How many people are usually in one tour?
The number of guests varies depending on the season. July and August are usually the busiest months, followed by April and May, and then October.
Even during the busy summer season, our regular tours are usually limited to around 10 guests per tour. If the group is larger than that, we may divide the group with additional guides or suggest a private/custom tour for safety and comfort.
Q. Can groups of 8 or more book a private or custom tour?
Yes. Groups of 8 or more should contact us in advance. We may be able to arrange a private or custom tour depending on the date, tide, sea conditions, guide availability, and group size.
Q. Can beginners join?
Yes. First-time kayakers can join our guided tours. Before departure, the guide will explain the basic paddling technique and safety rules. If you are nervous or have no paddling experience, please let us know when booking so we can suggest the most suitable course and conditions.
Q. Do I need to be able to swim?
You do not need to be a strong swimmer. All guests wear a personal flotation device during the tour. Capsizing is rare on our guided tours, but you must be comfortable wearing a life jacket and following the guide’s safety instructions.
Q. Is this suitable for children?
Children aged 5 and over can usually join the tour with a parent or guardian. The tour price is the same as for adults. For children under 5, participation may be possible only in special cases, such as a private tour with calm conditions. Please contact us in advance.
Q. Is this suitable for older guests?
Healthy older guests can usually join, depending on their fitness and mobility. As a general guide, guests up to around 70 years old can participate if they are comfortable sitting low in a kayak and getting in and out with limited assistance. Guests over 70, or anyone with mobility concerns, should contact us before booking.
Q. Is there an age, weight, or fitness requirement?
As a general guideline, our tours are suitable for guests aged 5 to 70. Guests should be in good health and able to get in and out of a kayak without special assistance.
The recommended maximum body weight is around 250 lbs. This may vary depending on kayak availability, sea conditions, and the type of tour.
If you are outside these guidelines, or if you have any concerns about age, weight, fitness, or mobility, please contact us before booking. We will do our best to suggest the safest and most suitable option.
Q. Can pregnant guests join the tour?
For safety reasons, we generally do not recommend kayaking tours for pregnant guests. Even in calm conditions, there is a small risk of falling, sudden movement, or changing sea conditions. Please contact us in advance if you have any specific concerns.
Q. What should I wear?
Please wear quick-drying clothes that can get wet. Your lower body may get wet, so avoid jeans, cotton trousers, or anything heavy when wet. In cooler months, we recommend a waterproof or windproof outer layer and rain pants. Sandals or marine shoes are best for your feet.
Q. What should I bring?
Please bring drinking water, sun protection, a towel, sandals or marine shoes, and a change of clothes. Sunglasses are also recommended if you are sensitive to sunlight. Rental marine shoes and towels may be available, but bringing your own is best when possible.
Q. Will I get wet?
Yes, you should expect your lower body to get wet. Your upper body may also get splashed depending on paddling and weather conditions. Please bring a change of clothes and avoid jeans or heavy cotton trousers. In colder months, rain pants or waterproof layers are recommended.
Q. Can I bring my phone or camera on the kayak?
You may bring your phone or camera, but please understand that it is at your own risk. We recommend using a waterproof case or dry bag. The guide may also take photos during the tour, so you do not need to bring your own device unless you want to.
Q. What should I do with valuables, luggage, or personal belongings?
Small bags, such as daypacks, can usually be kept at our clubhouse or in our vehicle during the tour. However, please leave large luggage, such as suitcases, at your hotel or in a coin locker at Miyajima Ferry Terminal.
If you need to bring something with you on the kayak, we can lend you a dry bag. Please note that space on the kayak is limited, so we recommend bringing only what you really need during the tour.
Q. Where can I change clothes before or after the tour?
Please arrive wearing clothes suitable for kayaking if possible. If you need to change before or after the tour, you can usually use our clubhouse or the facilities explained by the guide on the day. We recommend bringing a towel and a simple change of clothes.
Q. Are showers available after the tour?
Yes. After the tour, you can rinse off with water at our clubhouse free of charge if you wish.
Hot showers may also be available for an additional fee of 500 yen per person. Please note that the number of showers is limited, so there may be a short wait depending on the group size and schedule.
Reference
Q. Where is the meeting point?
The meeting point depends on the tour. For the World Heritage Torii Course, please go to Nagahama Beach, about a 5-minute walk from Miyajima Ferry Terminal. For other courses, we usually meet near the rotary in front of Miyajima Ferry Terminal. The exact meeting point will be written in your booking confirmation email.
Q. Are there toilets near the meeting point or beach?
Toilet availability depends on the meeting point and course. There are toilets near Miyajima Ferry Terminal, but facilities may be limited near the beach. We strongly recommend using the restroom before coming to the meeting point.
Q. What should I do if I am running late?
Please contact us as soon as possible. The tour may not be able to wait if other guests are joining or if the tide schedule is important. If you arrive too late, you may not be able to join the tour and cancellation fees may apply.
Q. How long is the tour?
The total tour time depends on the course and conditions. As a general guide, the World Heritage Torii Course takes about 1.5–2 hours, the Hidden Miyajima Exploration Course takes about 2.5–3 hours, and Guide’s Best Choice takes about 4–5 hours.
The total time includes preparation, safety briefing, changing clothes, restroom time, and the kayaking experience itself. If guests are ready smoothly and changing/restroom time is short, we can spend more time on the water. We appreciate your cooperation in arriving prepared so that everyone can enjoy as much kayaking time as possible.
Q. Which tour should I choose?
If you mainly want to see the Great Torii Gate from the sea, the World Heritage Torii Course is the best choice. If you want a quieter route and a more natural side of Miyajima, the Hidden Miyajima Exploration Course may be better. If you want the guide to choose the best route based on tide, weather, and conditions, Guide’s Best Choice is recommended.
Q. Is the tour available in English?
Yes. English-speaking guides are available, and many of our guests are international travelers. Please request an English-speaking guide when booking.
Q. Do you take photos during the tour?
Yes. The guide will usually take photos during the tour so you can focus on paddling and enjoying the scenery. If you have a specific photo request, please let us know. Please understand that this is a free additional service, not a professional photography service. Photos are usually shared after the tour by Google Photos or a share link.
Q. Can we kayak near or under the Great Torii Gate?
You can usually kayak near the Great Torii Gate on the World Heritage Torii Course. It may also be possible to pass under the gate when the tide is high enough and the sea conditions are calm.
However, this cannot be guaranteed. The guide will make the final decision based on tide, wind, waves, boat traffic, and guest safety. Even when we cannot pass directly under the gate, we can usually enjoy beautiful views of the Torii from the sea.
For more details about tide levels and the best timing for the Torii Gate, please check our Tide Chart page.
TIDE CHART
https://miyajima-kayak.jp/itsukushima-torii-tide-guide/
Q. Does the route depend on the tide?
Yes. The route may change depending on the tide. Around Miyajima, the difference between high tide and low tide can be about 3 meters. At low tide, some areas may become too shallow to paddle, so the guide may choose a different route to provide the safest and best experience.
For more details about tide levels and tour timing, please check our Tide Chart page.
Q. What happens in rain or wind?
The tour may still go ahead in light rain or mild wind. However, we will cancel or reschedule the tour if the weather or sea conditions make it unsafe. Safety is always the guide’s final decision.
| Usually okay | May be canceled |
|---|---|
| Cloudy weather | Weather warnings |
| Light rain | Strong wind over 6 m/s at the site |
| Low temperature | Waves over 1.5 meters |
| Hot weather | Thunder or lightning |
| Heavy rain |
If the tour is canceled, we will contact you, usually by the day before or on the morning of the tour if conditions change suddenly. If you do not hear from us, the tour is usually scheduled to go ahead as planned.
This section is for general travel information about Miyajima.
Q. Why is Miyajima Island a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Miyajima is known for Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic Great Torii Gate, which appear to float on the sea at high tide. The shrine, the sea, and the surrounding mountains form a unique cultural landscape. The island has long been considered sacred in Shinto tradition, and its architecture is deeply connected with the natural environment.
Q. How do I get to Miyajima Island?
The most common route is to take a ferry from Miyajima-guchi to Miyajima Island. The ferry ride takes about 10 minutes. You can reach Miyajima-guchi by train, tram, or car from Hiroshima city.
There are also direct boat services from areas such as Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park or Hiroshima Port, depending on the season and schedule. Please check the latest ferry and boat schedules before your visit.
Q. What is the best time to visit Miyajima Island?
Miyajima is beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn are especially popular because the weather is mild and comfortable. Summer is lively but hot and humid, while winter is quieter and cooler.
For a more peaceful visit, early morning or late afternoon is often better than the busiest daytime hours.
Q. What is the climate like on Miyajima Island?
Miyajima has four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are relatively mild but can feel cold near the sea. Spring and autumn are generally the most comfortable seasons for walking, hiking, and outdoor activities.
For kayaking and outdoor activities, please wear clothes suitable for the season and check the weather forecast before your tour.
Q. What are the geographical features of Miyajima Island?
Miyajima is a mountainous island in the Seto Inland Sea. Mount Misen rises to 535 meters and is covered with forest, walking trails, and historic sites. The island also has quiet beaches, coastal paths, and scenic views of the sea.
This combination of mountains, forest, coastline, and cultural heritage is one of Miyajima’s main attractions.
Q. What else can I do on Miyajima besides kayaking?
In addition to kayaking, you can visit Itsukushima Shrine, walk around the Great Torii Gate area, hike or take the ropeway up Mount Misen, visit Daisho-in Temple, explore quiet coastal areas, or enjoy local food and shopping in the town area.
If you have time before or after the kayak tour, we recommend combining the sea view from the kayak with a walk through the shrine area or a short hike.
Q. What food is Miyajima known for?
Miyajima is known for oysters, anago-meshi grilled conger eel rice, momiji manju maple-leaf-shaped cakes, and other local foods. There are also casual restaurants, cafes, and snack shops around the main shopping street.
Please note that some restaurants may close earlier than expected, and many small shops may have irregular closing days.
Q. What are good souvenirs to buy on Miyajima?
Popular souvenirs include momiji manju, local sweets, Japanese sake, wooden rice paddles, crafts, and small items related to deer, maple leaves, or Itsukushima Shrine.
If you want something easy to carry, individually wrapped sweets are usually a good choice.
Q. What should I know before visiting Miyajima?
Please be respectful when visiting shrines and temples. Wear comfortable shoes because you will likely walk a lot. Do not feed the deer, and be careful with paper maps, tickets, and food, as deer may try to take them.
Miyajima can be crowded during weekends, holidays, and peak seasons. Some restaurants and shops may close on certain weekdays, especially outside the busiest season, so it is a good idea to plan meals and activities in advance.
