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Sanyo Shinkansen Guide Β· Mihara Station
Best Hotels Near Mihara Station: Port, Castle Ruins &
the Ferries to the Inland Sea Islands
A Kodama-and-Hikari Stop Β· Built on a Castle Β· Airport Buses, Island Boats & Octopus
π Shin-Osaka ~1 hr 20 min Β· Hiroshima ~15 min
π° The station sits on the ruins of Mihara Castle
β΄ Ferries to Setoda, Ikuchijima and the Shimanami islands
βοΈ The rail gateway to Hiroshima Airport
On this page
What Kind of Area is Mihara? A Local’s Honest Take
Mihara is a port city on the Inland Sea with a curious distinction: the shinkansen station is built directly on the site of Mihara Castle, and a surviving stone wall and moat sit right beside the platforms. It is a practical, friendly town rather than a major sight β known locally for its octopus (tako) β but it is a useful hub: the closest shinkansen stop with convenient buses to Hiroshima Airport, and a ferry port for the beautiful islands of the central Inland Sea, including Setoda on the Shimanami route.
Kodama and some Hikari and Sakura stop here, about 80 minutes from Shin-Osaka. Most travelers use Mihara for the airport connection or the island ferries, or as a quieter alternative gateway toward the Shimanami Kaido.
From Mihara’s port you can take a boat to Ikuchijima (Setoda), a sunny island of lemon groves, the extravagant Kosanji temple and a hilltop marble garden β a delightful and easy Inland Sea day trip.
Getting Around from Mihara
π Shinkansen
Shin-Osaka ~1 hr 20 min Β· Fukuyama ~10 min Β· Hiroshima ~15 min. Kodama and some Hikari/Sakura stop.
βοΈ To Hiroshima Airport
Buses connect Mihara to Hiroshima Airport in about 15 minutes β the handiest rail-to-air link in the area.
β΄ Island ferries
Boats from Mihara port serve Setoda/Ikuchijima and other central Inland Sea islands.
What to See Around Mihara
π° Mihara Castle Ruins
The stone walls and moat of the old sea castle, unusually integrated with the modern station β a quick, free look on arrival.
β΄ Setoda & Ikuchijima
A lemon-scented island of temples, art and sea views on the Shimanami island chain, reached by ferry.
β©οΈ Buttsuji Temple
A serene Zen temple in the hills above Mihara, lovely in autumn colour β a peaceful inland excursion.
Where Should You Actually Stay?
Mihara’s hotels are practical, aimed at the airport and ferries.
π¨ Station-front: Business hotels beside the station suit early flights and island day trips.
β΄ Island stays: For scenery, a night on Setoda/Ikuchijima among the lemon groves is a lovely alternative.
π° City bases: Hiroshima is 15 minutes on for a full city with more choice.
Overall Rating: Mihara Area
| Category | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shinkansen Access | β β β β β | Kodama/some Hikari, ~80 min to Shin-Osaka |
| Around the Station | β β β ββ | Port town; castle ruins by the platform |
| Gateway Value | β β β β β | Airport buses and island ferries |
| Hotel Choice | β β β ββ | Practical; island stays nearby |
| Charm & Atmosphere | β β β ββ | Easygoing Inland Sea port |
Who Should Stay Here?
β Travelers using Hiroshima Airport
β Island-hoppers to Setoda and the Shimanami
β Octopus and seafood eaters
β Zen-temple visitors to Buttsuji
