Miyajima Ferry Terminal

Kure, Hiroshima, Japan

Project Overview:

The Miyajima Ferry Terminal, situated opposite the World Heritage site Miyajima, is a remarkable gateway to the beautiful Seto Inland Sea. The architects aimed to create a place that would impress those who are about to head to Miyajima. Instead of designing a facility that enclosed the terminal indoors, the architects chose to create many semi-outdoor spaces that take advantage of the Setouchi landscape.

With four million visitors expected to use the ferry terminal annually, improving the logistic circulation of the entire area was of utmost importance. The architects proposed an architecture with a generous roof that draws a relaxed curve as a characteristic, inspired by the city of Hatsukaichi, known as the “City of Trees.” To preserve this identity, Hiroshima-grown Sugi trees were used in the roofs of the terminal and the Great Pier.

The structural form of the terminal was inspired by the unique shape of the great torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, a World Heritage site that is a must-see destination for tourists visiting Miyajima. The architects collaborated with structural designers to pursue rationality in the design by attaching the lower structure (sub-frame) to the pillars (main frame) that receive the large roof and its vertical force to stabilize the entire structure.

The design of the ferry terminal is not just limited to the terminal itself, as work will progress on the relocation of the Hiroden Miyajimaguchi Station and the renovation of the rotary. The entire Miyajimaguchi area is scheduled to be completed in 2023. The architects aimed to create a landscape in connection with Miyajima, and the ferry terminal is a beautiful and functional addition that does just that.