Hiroshima: Access to World Heritage isle becomes more convenient

The Yomiuri Shimbun
The new building of Hiroden Miyajima-guchi Station

HATSUKAICHI, Hiroshima — The train station nearest to the ferry terminal for Miyajima island in Hiroshima Prefecture was moved closer to the terminal in July, making it more convenient for tourists.

Miyajima island, home to the World Heritage site Itsukushima Shrine, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan, and many tourists take the ferry to the island. Hiroden Miyajima-guchi Station is the closest station to the ferry terminal on the Hiroshima Electric Railway.

The Yomiuri Shimbun

Plans call for the construction of a multi-story parking lot and plaza with capacity for about 300 vehicles.

The old station building had no place for passengers to relax, and its location caused traffic congestion. The railway track intersected a road leading to the terminal, so cars had to wait at the crossing. The crossing disappeared by relocating the station 70 meters seaward.