Mount Misen

The island’s highest mountain

Recommended

4.4 (665)

#4 of 7 most visited in Miyajima

The upper ropeway station seen from the summit of Mount Misen

At 500 meters above sea level, Mount Misen (��R) is the highest peak on Miyajima. On clear days, it affords spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea and as far as Hiroshima City. There are also a number of Buddhist structures near the peak. A ropeway leads up the mountain from town, but it is also possible to climb up on foot.

There are three hiking trails leading up Misen: the Momijidani Course, Daisho-in Course and Omoto Course. Of the three, the Daisho-in Course offers the nicest views and is not as steep as the other two. The Momijidani Course, while the shortest, is also the steepest, leading mostly through the forest. Using any course, it takes 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the summit.

Even when taking the ropeway, reaching Misen's various attractions still requires a considerable amount of walking, as the mountain's peak is still another 100 meters higher and about a kilometer away from the upper ropeway station around the Shishi-iwa Observatory.

Deer can sometimes be seen along the mountain's paths. Much rarer these days are wild monkeys, as most monkeys were moved off the island to a monkey park in Inuyama in recent years. The monkey population had grown too large and caused various problems.

Observation platform at the top of Mount Misen

It is said that Buddhism was first practiced on Mount Misen by Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Shingon sect and one of Japan's holiest religious persons. Near Misen's summit stand several temple structures which belong to Daisho-in Temple at the base of the mountain.

Of particular interest are the Misen Hondo (Misen Main Hall) and the Reikado (Hall of the Spiritual Flame). The latter protects a flame, which Kobo Daishi is said to have lit when he began worshiping on the mountain. It has been burning ever since, and was also used to light the Flame of Peace in Hiroshima's Peace Park.

The ropeway station is a ten minute walk inland from Itsukushima Shrine or a 20 minute walk from the Miyajima ferry pier. The ride up the mountain takes about 20 minutes and requires a transfer of ropeways along the way.

From the ropeway's upper station at Shishi-iwa Observatory, it is still about a 30 minute walk up to the summit along a rather steep hiking trail. The Misen Hondo and Reikado buildings are located along the trail, about five minutes before the summit.

How to get to and around Miyajima

Miyajima Ropeway

Hours

9:00 to 16:00

Closed

Occasional closures for maintenance

Admission

1100 yen (one way), 2000 yen (round trip)

Questions? Ask in our forum.

English

Miyajima Ropeway

Official website.

Japanese

Miyajima Ropeway

Official website.

Budget:

- Ryoso Kawaguchi
  Budget-friendly
  
  Located at Miyajima and featuring beautiful views of the five-story pagoda of Itsukushima Shrine, Ryoso Kawaguchi offers Japanese-style accommodations with free Wi-Fi. Guests can take the ferry boat from Miyajima-guchi Ferry Terminal to Miyajima Ferry Terminal, which is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. A free shuttle is also available from Miyajima Ferry Terminal. This hotel was selected as one of Top 25 B&Bs and Inns in Japan by TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Award 2013. Smoking is prohibited in all areas. The air-conditioned rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) flooring and Japanese futon beddings. A flat-screen TV, a fridge, and an electric kettle with green tea are included. Yukata robes and a private toilet are included in each room, but bathrooms are shared. The shared bath is available from 16:00 to 23:00. A common room is located on the 3rd floor and features books, a microwave, and mineral water. A free-use computer with internet is provided by the lobby. Drink vending machines and luggage storage services are also available. Dinner and breakfast can be served at extra charge. A Japanese set menu prepared with local delicacies is offered for dinner. For breakfast, guests can choose between a Western or Japanese set menu. Meals are served at the dining room. Kawaguchi Ryoso is a 5-minute walk from the historical Itukushima Shrine, and a 10-minute walk from Momijidani Park.
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- Oyado Tsukiusagi
  Budget-friendly
  
  Oyado Tsukiusagi offers Japanese-style rooms and free WiFi, within a 10-minute walk from Itsukushima Shrine. Some rooms come with sea views, and all have a private bathroom. Rooms feature a traditional minimalist interior with a tatami (woven-straw) floor, Japanese decorations and traditional futon bedding. They are fitted with air conditioning, a TV and a bathroom with a shower, bathtub and toilet.
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- Yamaichi Bekkan
  Budget-friendly
  
  Only a 1-minute walk from Miyajima Ferry Terminal, Yamaichi Bekkan features accommodations with free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. Yukata robes are provided for all guests. The Itsukushima Shrine is a 10-minute walk away. All rooms feature air conditioning and an electric kettle with green tea bags. Some rooms have carpeted floors and Western beds, and some feature tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. Each room has an en suite bathroom. Luggage storage is available at the front desk. Japanese dishes featuring local ingredients are available at the restaurant. Guests can choose a Japanese or Western set menu for breakfast. Bekkan Yamaichi is a 7-minute walk from the Five Story Pagoda, and a 15-minute walk from Miyajima Aquarium. Momijidani Park is also a 15-minute walk away.
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- Itsukushimahigashimonzen Kikugawa
  Budget-friendly
  
  Itsukushimahigashimonzen Kikugawa in Miyajima provides adults-only accommodation with a garden and a shared lounge. This 2-star ryokan offers luggage storage space and a housekeeping service. Tsutsumigaura Beach is 2.3 km away and The great Torii is 600 metres from the ryokan. With a private bathroom, units at the ryokan also offer free WiFi. Popular points of interest near the ryokan include Five Storey Pagoda, Itsukushima Shrine and Daisho-in Temple. The nearest airport is Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport, 28 km from Itsukushimahigashimonzen Kikugawa.
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- Jukeiso
  Mid-range
  
  Jukeiso features Japanese-style rooms overlooking the majestic entrance gate (Torii) of Itsukushima-jinja Shrine, only a 5-minute walk from the Unesco World Heritage Site itself. The hotel offers public and private hot baths and a free shuttle to/from Miyajima Ferry Terminal. Free Wi-Fi is provided at the lobby. Japanese-style hotel Jukeiso is a 10-minute walk from Hokoku Shrine and Goju-no-To Pagoda. It's a 14-minute walk from Momijidani Park, and a 19-minute walk from the Miyajima Ropeway at Momijidani Station. Guests can unwind in a public indoor bath, which is available 24 hours, while an outdoor bath for private use offers views of Itsukushima-jinja Shrine. Jukeiso serves a Japanese breakfast and dinner at its restaurant. Besides amazing nature views, comfortable rooms come with a flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge and an en suite bathroom. Yukata robes and green tea are provided. Guests sleep in Japanese futon bedding on the tatami (woven mat) floor.
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- Miyajima Guest House Mikuniya
  Budget-friendly
  
  Located on Miyajima (Itsukushima), Miyajima Guest House Mikuniya offers a Japanese-style accommodation and a small garden. Free Wi-Fi is available. Miyajima Ferry Terminal is a 20-minute walk away. Guests can choose to stay in a private Japanese-style room or a dormitory room shared with other guests. Private rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon mattress whereas dormitory room provides wooden beds. Bathrooms, shower rooms and toilets are shared with other guests. The common lounge features tourist guide books, a TV and a desktop computer. Lockers and the common kitchen are also available to guests for free. Mikuniya Miyajima Guest House is a 6-minute walk from Itsukushima Shrine and Daisho-in Temple. Guests can also walk to Marine Plaza Miyajima within a 10-minute walk. A complimentary breakfast and dinner are provided; however, guests are welcome to bring their own food and use the kitchen to prepare meals.
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- Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto
  Luxury
  
  A 3-minute stroll from Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto boasts an outdoor hot spring bath. It offers luxurious Japanese-style and Western rooms and a free shuttle from Miyajima Pier. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas. Spacious rooms feature either traditional futon bedding on a tatami (woven mat) floor, or carpeting and twin beds. All feature a minimalist interior in neutral colours, with a Japanese-style as well as a Western seating area and an LCD TV. Guests can unwind in a soothing artificial hot spring, which is separate for men and women. Arimoto Grand Hotel houses a souvenir shop, drinks vending machines and limited free parking. Authentic Japanese cuisine featuring fresh seafood is served at restaurant Shioji in a stylish contemporary setting, and in more traditional surroundings at Kappo Karaku. The Miyajima Arimoto also offers a coffee lounge, a bar and a Japanese noodle restaurant. Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto is less than a 5-minute walk from the beautiful Pagoda Goju-no-To and historical Senjokaku Hall. The Miyajima Ferry Terminal is a 10-minute walk away.
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- Iwaso
  Luxury
  
  Located in the World Heritage Miyajima Island, Iwaso features Japanese-style accommodations with beautiful surrounding views. Guests can relax in the indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths and request for massages. A free shuttle is available from Miyajima Ferry Terminal, which is also a 5-minute walk away. The air-conditioned rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. Rooms in the Annex include a private bathroom with a bath and toilet, while rooms in the historical Main Building and Cottage Annex have shared bathrooms and toilets. Guests can purchase local gifts at the souvenir shop and enjoy singing at the karaoke room. Photocopying and luggage storage services are available at the 24-hour front desk. A computer with internet is provided in the lobby for an extra charge. A traditional multi-course dinner featuring seafood and local ingredients and a Japanese breakfast are served at the restaurant. Iwaso Inn is a 5-minute walk from Itsukushima Shrine and Momijidani Park. Miyajima Aquarium is a 10-minute walk away.
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- Kinsuikan
  Luxury
  
  Located in Miyajima with Five Storey Pagoda and Itsukushima Shrine nearby, Kinsuikan provides accommodation with free private parking, as well as access to a hot spring bath. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a lift and full-day security, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The accommodation features luggage storage space and a housekeeping service for guests. All units in the ryokan are equipped with a coffee machine. There is a private bathroom with bidet in some units, along with slippers, a hair dryer and free toiletries. The units will provide guests with air conditioning, a safety deposit box and a flat-screen TV. A bar can be found on-site. Guests can also relax in the garden or in the shared lounge area. Popular points of interest near the ryokan include Daisho-in Temple, The great Torii and Momijidani Park. Iwakuni Kintaikyo Airport is 29 km away.
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- Miyajima Seaside Hotel
  Mid-range
  
  Only a 5-minute drive from Miyajima Ferry Port with its free shuttle, beautiful ocean views can be enjoyed from Miyajima Seaside Hotel. The hotel features a public bath, a karaoke room and free WiFi at the lobby. Japanese-style rooms feature a tatami (woven mat) floor and shoji sliding paper screens. Some rooms offer tranquil views of the Seto Inland Sea. They are fitted with an LCD TV, a mini-fridge and traditional futon beds. An en suite bathroom and yukata robes are provided. Guests can savour Japanese dishes for breakfast and a traditional Japanese set menu for dinner. Miyajima Hotel houses a soothing hot public bath, a souvenir shop and free-use laundry facilities. Drinks vending machines are on-site, and free parking is available. Seaside Hotel Miyajima is a 5-minute drive from the Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, a Unesco World Heritage Site. It's a 5-minute drive from Senjokaku Hall, and an 8-minute drive from Daisho-in Temple. Miyajima Ropeway lift is a 5-minute shuttle and a 20-minute walk away.
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