The new mayor of Hatsukaichi City in Hiroshima, Taro Matsumoto, declares the importance to ensure new financial resources to maintain the island in a good shape to allow tourists to visit it. The suggested admission fee is JPY100 (~USD1) is expected to be implemented in 2021.
Miyajima sits within a short ferry ride from Hiroshima. The island enjoys huge popularity with day-trippers who come there for Instaworthy images of the large orange torii gate. At high tide, water rises to cover the lower part of the gate.
The 12th-century Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is yet another point of attraction on the island. Itsukushima has a number of temples, including Toyokuni Shrine with a five-storied pagoda, and Daiganji Temple - one of the three most famous Benzaiten temples of Japan. In spring, it is a popular location for viewing cherry blossoms and in autumn maple leaf foliage draws tourists.
Last year, around 4.31 million people visited Miyajima, and in 2019 the number of visitors is expected to be even higher. The admission fee could become an important revenue source to maintain the island.
Miyajima Island to Introduce Admission Fee for Tourists
News in Asia
The local government will charge a fee for visiting Itsukushima, also known as Miyajima, or 'the Shrine Island', a small island in Hiroshima Bay, western Japan.