Miyajima

Because it's nestled into the hills, this Buddhist temple is easily missed by tourists, but it features a number of interesting sights and a welcome respite from the crowds. Look for the Dai-hannyakyo Sutra 大般若経, the golden prayer wheels that are said to bring enormous fortune to anyone who touches them, and the Henjokutsu Cave 遍照窟, a fascinating and eerie collection of Buddhist icons related to the 88 Temple Pilgrimage in Shikoku.

Senjokaku

The name means "1000 Mat Pavilion", a fairly apt description of this gigantic wooden hall which doesn't actually contain much other than empty space. It was originally built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1587, but left incomplete after his death. There's also a picturesque 5-story pagoda 五重塔 Gojuto next door, and plenty of cherry trees if you are visiting in sakura season.

Museum of History and Folklore

A small, charming collection of folk crafts and pieces of Miyajima history, many donated by locals. The main building was originally the residence of a soy sauce mogul, built about 170 years ago, and has a traditional garden out back.

Itsukushima Shrine

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Itsukushima is a large, red-lacquered complex of halls and pathways on stilts, originally so built that commoners could visit without defiling the island with their footprints. Weddings are occasionally held at the shrine, but that doesn't bar visitors, and the priest's ceremonial dance is a memorable sight.

Standing in the bay in front of the shrine, the floating torii is the "gate" to Itsukushima. Note that whether the gate is "floating" or merely mired in mud depends on the tide. The Hiroshima tourist information office will be able to tell you the approximate time of the high tide, which is the best time to see the torii. If you spend a full day on the island, though, you should have the chance to see it both ways.