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 (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.

Ropeway

Reikado Hall

Temples
Buddhism

Itsukushima Shrine
Senjokaku Hall
Daisho-in Temple
Mount Misen
Walking Trails
Museum of History and Folklore
Miyajima Aquarium