basic information

At 500 meters above sea level, Mount Misen 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, the Daisho-in Course and the 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. It takes 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the summit from town.

Even when taking the ropeway, reaching Misen's various attractions still requires a considerable amount of walking. Although the Shishi-iwa Observatory is located right beside the upper ropeway station, the mountain's peak is still another 100 meters higher and about a kilometer away. Monkeys and deer can be seen along the paths, especially around the ropeway station.

At the summit

Wild monkeys

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 (Temple which Protects Flame). Like its name implies, the Reikado protects a flame, which is believed to have been first lit by Kobo Daishi 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.

Trail to Misen's summit

Reikado Hall

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how to get there

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

hours and fees

Miyajima Ropeway
Hours:	9:00 to 16:30 (hours of operation vary slightly by season)
Closed:	No closing days
Admission:	1000 yen (one way), 1800 yen (round trip)

news and reports

Miyajima Cherry Blossom Report March 28, 2009

travel community

Users who have been to Miyajima: 488
Users who have been to Misen Mountain: 193

3rd of 6 most visited sights in Miyajima.
95th of 509 most visited sights nationwide.

Rating by users:		recommended (88/100, 116 votes)
Rating by staff:		recommended
Overall Rating:		outstanding

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Mijayima ferry Sunday

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hotels & ryokan

Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto 17th century sukiya style Japanese hotel built in the Edo Period. With private open air baths with view of Itsukushima Shrine torii. Benten no Yado Itsukushima Enjoy onsen baths and delicious seafood while staying in Miyajima Island. Offers the Torii gate views from some rooms.

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Hiroshima and Miyajima Tours Various tours and travel packages for Hiroshima and surroundings.

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