Mount Misen on Miyajima

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Facts & Figures

The sacred Mount Misen is with 535 m above sea level the highest mountain on Miyajima Island. From the top, you have amazing views over the Seto Inland Sea, the Shikoku mountain range, the iconic floating torii of the Itsukushima Shrine, and on a clear day even the Hiroshima City is visible. The primeval forest of the north side of Mount Misen is protected by the Hiroshima prefecture. It has the status of a Natural Treasure of Japan. Mount Misen is also a popular destination for followers of the Buddhist religion. To get near the top is quite easy use the Miyajima Ropeway (requires a transfer) for a 20-minute ride and you will reach the Shishi-iwa Station (430 meters above sea level). From there it is still 1 km or 30 minutes hike by foot to the summit. If you like hiking and sweating you can choose between three different trails from the base to the top called Daisho-in, Momijidani, and Omoto. The fastest (1,5 hours) but also the toughest trail through dense forest is Momijidani. The trail with the best scenery, views over the Seto Inland Sea and deer encounters is definitely Daisho-in (1,5 - 2 hours). Experience the Ultimate Japanese Hospitality on Miyajima Island.
 Find Your Perfect Ryokan Now > And last but not least the Omoto Course (2 - 2,5 hours), which leads you through Omoto Park, is the longest, but very well suited for beginners because it is not so steep. On top of the mountain, you will find the Eternal Flame (Kiezu-no-hi) lit by Monk Kukai (774 – 835), which belongs to the Seven Wonders of Misen. The other six are Shakujo-no-ume (plum tree), Kanman-iwa (ebb and flow rock), Mandara-iwa (bedrock engraved with Kobo-Daishi Buddhist Scriptures - closed for visitors), Hyoshigi-no oto (sound of wooden clappers by a tengu or long-nosed goblin, when you hear it it means bad luck), Shigure-zakura (cherry tree which was cut down) and Ryuoto no Segi (a cedar tree where only the stump is still visible). Near the top of Mount Misen, you can see some buildings, which are part of the Daisho-in Temple complex.

• Miyajima Ropeway:
• Running Hours - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, return time latest at 5:00 pm (December to February)
• Running Hours - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, return time latest at 5:30 pm (March to October)
• Running Hours - 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, return time latest at 5:30 pm (November)
• Closed - twice a year for maintenance (around February and July)
• Admission Fee Round trip - 1840 yen (Adults), 920 yen (Child)
• Admission Fee One-way - 1010 yen (Adults), 510 yen (Child)

My tips for local activities

How about exploring Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima and other sightseeing spots in Hiroshima with an English-speaking tour guide? The personalized tour by our partner GetYourGuide can take between 4 - 6 hours. For more details check out this page >

History

Mount Misen has been since ancient times an important destination for pilgrimage. Monk Kukai (774 – 835), also known as Kobo-Daishi and founder of Shingon Buddhism, visited this place in 806. He underwent there ascetic practice for 100 days. In 1888 the first Prime Minister of Japan Ito Hirobumi (1841 - 1909) visited Mount Misen.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Shishi-iwa Station and Observatory Hall - The observation deck is located on the second floor of the station. Enjoy the amazing views!

Miyajima Ropeway - This ride is one of the highlights and must-do activities on Miyajima Island. At the ropeway station couples can join a cooking workshop to prepare momiji manju (a popular Hiroshima sweet) and stand at the Fire of Oath, which is a symbol of their love.

Mt. Misen Observatory - After a 30-minute walk from the last ropeway station you can enjoy the 360-degree view from the top of this modern observatory. It is an unforgettable experience, which got a three-star rating in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.

Temple buildings near the summit - I would recommend you visit Reikado (Hall of the Spiritual Flame), Misen Hondo (Main Hall), Dainichido Hall, and Sankido Hall.

Reikado (Hall of the Spiritual Flame) - The legend says that Monk Kukai (Kobo-Daishi) lit this sacred flame in 806 by himself and this sanctuary has been protecting the eternal flame (Kiezu-no-hi) since that moment. The eternal flame was also used to lit the Flame of Peace in Hiroshima's Peace Park.

Misen Hondo (Main Hall) - Misen Hondo enshrines the deity of luck and wisdom called Kokuzo Bosatsu. It is one of three places in Japan where Shingon Buddhism is taught.

Sankido Temple - The three fierce-looking guardian gods of Mount Misen are enshrined here.

Festival & Events on Miyajima(dates can change without notice)

February

Miyajima Oysters Festival (9th till 10th)
Miyajima is famous for its oysters. This festival gives you the chance to enjoy this delicious food.

March

Kiyomori Festival (22nd)
The Itsukushima Shrine prayer parade is held from 1 to 3 pm.

August

Kangensai Festival (4th)
The largest annual festival at the Itsukushima Shrine dates back to the Heian period (794 - 1185).

Miyajima Water Fireworks Display (11th)
Every year more than 300 000 visitors enjoy this spectacle. It is considered to be one of the most famous in Japan.

November

Hiwatarishiki in Daiganji (3rd)
Monks from Miyajima Island walk over fire during the ceremony. If you are brave enough you can join them:)