Walks

To Mt. Misen, Miyajima’s highest peak, where untouched nature, legends, and history thrive

2026.08.08

#Art #History #Nature #Scenic Views

Mt. Misen, opened by Kobo Daishi (Kukai) and revered as a sacred peak for mountain worship. Standing at 535m, it is known as the highest peak on Miyajima. Why not explore this mysterious mountain, enveloped in deep primeval forest, where many legends and historical tales reside, by ropeway and on foot?

Transferring between two types of gondolas while gazing at primeval forests and the beauty of many islands

Departure is from Momijidani Park at the foot of the mountain. It's a park with beautiful nature throughout the four seasons, where greenery shines in early summer and autumn leaves spread in autumn. Beyond that is Miyajima Ropeway's Momijidani Station. From here, you'll transfer between two types of gondolas—a circulating type and an alternating type—to reach the final station, Shishiiwa Station.

From Momijidani Station to Kayadani Station, the intermediate point, you can enjoy the untouched primeval forest spreading below. From Kayadani Station to Shishiiwa Station, you can admire the scenic beauty of the Seto Inland Sea's numerous islands. In March 2026, the alternating type of gondola will be renovated for the first time in 18 years. It will feature a Japanese-inspired design and be named "Sora-go" (Sky) and "Umi-go" (Sea).

Shrines, temples, and historical sites dot the hiking trail leading to the summit

From Shishiiwa Station to Mt. Misen's summit is about a 30-minute walk. Along the hiking trail, shrines, temples, historical sites, giant rocks, and strange rock formations are dotted. These include Misen Main Hall, known as the place where Kobo Daishi (Kukai) practiced asceticism for 100 days; Sankido Hall, a rare temple nationwide that enshrines an oni (demon) god; Kuguri-iwa (Passing Rock), supported by only a tiny point of contact; and Kanman-iwa (Tide Rock), where the water level inside the hole changes with the tides. If you stop by interesting spots as you ascend, the summit is just a little further!

Be moved by the magnificent 360-degree panoramic view of nature unfolding before your eyes

At the summit, there's a three-story observatory offering a 360-degree panoramic view. The scenery woven by the Seto Inland Sea and its islands is breathtakingly beautiful. Even Hirobumi Ito, Japan's first Prime Minister, visited Mt. Misen and admired the view from the summit, exclaiming, "The true value of one of Japan's Three Great Views lies in the vista from the peak." The second floor of the observatory is a resting space where you can take off your shoes and relax, or eat your bento lunch. Enjoy the spectacular view while feeling the pleasant breeze.

【DATA】
Mt. Misen
TEL／0829-44-2011 (Miyajima Tourist Association)

【DATA】
Miyajima Ropeway
TEL／0829-44-0316
Operating Hours／9:00 - 16:00 (Last downward trip is 16:30)
Fares／Adult (Junior high school age and above) Round trip 2000 yen・One way 1100 yen, Child (Elementary school age) Round trip 1000 yen・One way 550 yen

Text

AKIKO YAMASAKI

After working at a publishing company, she became a freelance writer. Based mainly in Hiroshima Prefecture, she covers and writes about restaurants, tourist attractions, and local businesses. As the editor in charge of Rurubu FREE Hiroshima, she spent many years covering Miyajima, which sparked her deep love for the island. She is also fond of picture books, manga, and cafés. When traveling, she prefers taking things slow rather than packing her itinerary with too many plans.