How to get to Miyajima
Photo by Japanforeveryone.com
JR local train + ferry
After reaching Hiroshima (how to get to Hiroshima) take the local train on the JR Sanyo Line and get off at Miyajima-guchi station, the ticket cost is 420 Yen one way and the train takes about 25 minutes. Once off the train head to the ferry dock. If you have a Japan Rail Pass you can take the JR ferry at no extra cost. If you do not have the pass you can take the ferry at a cost of 180 Yen.
There are two companies that operate the service, JR and Matsudai. Both ferries cost 200 Yen (one way) and 400 Yen (return).
It is possible to buy a combined ticket for 2100 Yen that includes the Matsudai ferry (round trip) and the cable car to Mount Misen (round trip). The saving is 400 Yen. This ticket includes the entrance fee to Miyajima (100 Yen).
Official website JR Miyajima Ferry
Official Matsudai Ferry website
切干大根, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Street cars (tram) + ferry
From Hiroshima Station take tram number 2 and get off at the Miyajiuma-guchi terminus. The one-way ticket costs 270 yen and the street car is slower than the train. Once at the terminus, you have to take the ferry to the island.
I recommend taking the tram only if you don’t have a Japan Rail Pass.
Fg2, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Direct ferry from Hiroshima
Miyajima is directly connected to the Memorial Park and Hiroshima Port. From the Memorial Park, the ticket costs 2200 yen one way and 4000 yen return. The ferry takes about 55 minutes. From the port, on the other hand, the cost is 2100 Yen one way and the journey time is 30 minutes. You can take the day pass for 3800 Yen (includes the Miyajima entrance fee of 100 Yen).
The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on these ferries.
Aqua Net Hiroshima company website (connection from memory park)
Setonaikai Kisen company website (connection from the port of Hiroshima)
Aude, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons