The upper ropeway station seen from the summit of Mount Misen
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
|
Any Questions? Ask them in our question forum.
| 
