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Mount Misen

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Mount Misen

Gaze upon the breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea from the summit of this sacred mountain, revered for centuries.

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Supervised by :  Miyajima Tourist Association

Centrally located on Miyajima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture, known historically as "God's Island," is Mt. Misen. Ever since its founding in 806 AD by the great monk Kobo Daishi, this mountain has been revered as a sacred peak of mountain worship. The untouched Mt. Misen primeval forest, along with the Itsukushima Shrine, has been designated as a World Heritage site.

Standing at an elevation of 535 meters, one can ascend to the summit either on foot or by taking the "Miyajima Ropeway" combined with a short hike. If you opt for a hike, it typically takes between 90 to 120 minutes depending on the trail chosen, while the ropeway requires transferring between two lines, followed by a 30-minute walk. Along the way, there are attractions such as the "Misen Main Hall," founded by Kobo Daishi.

Though the path to the summit has its ups and downs, the panoramic view from the Mt. Misen observatory at the top is nothing short of breathtaking. One can gaze out over the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, and on clear days, even as far as the mountain ranges of Shikoku. The mystical giant rocks and peculiarly shaped stones near the summit are also popularly known as power spots.

Highlights

  • A revered sacred mountain historically associated with mountain worship.
  • Its primeval forest, together with the Itsukushima Shrine, is recognized as a World Heritage site.
  • Access to the summit is available either on foot or by ropeway combined with a hike.
  • Despite being a relatively low mountain, the trails can be challenging; comfortable shoes are a must.

Photos

  • Mt. Misen looming behind Itsukushima Shrine. ©Shintani

    Mt. Misen looming behind Itsukushima Shrine. ©Shintani

  • Ancient temples scattered along the path to the summit. ©Shintani

    Ancient temples scattered along the path to the summit. ©Shintani

  • An observatory made of cedar, blending harmoniously with the landscape of Mt. Misen. ©Shintani

    An observatory made of cedar, blending harmoniously with the landscape of Mt. Misen. ©Shintani

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
A

We have pamphlets available in multiple languages (English, Spanish, French, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Korean, and Italian) at the Miyajima Pier Information Center. There are also information boards set up at various points.

Q

Is there free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A

Yes, there is free Wi-Fi available near the Mt. Misen observatory.

Q

Are coin lockers available?
A

Not available.

Q

Are there restrooms available?
A

Yes, restrooms can be found near the entrances of each hiking trail, at the Mt. Misen observatory, and at the ropeway stations.

Reviews

3

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • BobbyJenny
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    Mount Misen on Miyajima has a very special sense of mystery. That day, the mountain was shrouded in mist, with the distant forests and peaks fading in and out of view. Walking through it felt like stepping into another world.

    Mount Misen has been a place of worship on Miyajima since ancient times, and many legends about deities have been passed down among its forests. The mist made the already tranquil woods feel even more mysterious. Sometimes I could only see a few steps ahead, which made me even more curious about what was hidden beyond the fog.

    There were no sweeping mountain views under clear skies, but I unexpectedly discovered another kind of beauty unique to Mount Misen.

  • Linda Liao
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    On the boat ride to Miyajima, the magnificent views of Mount Misen along the way were also impressive. Mount Misen is the highest peak on Miyajima, with rolling mountain ridges and lush green forests set against the blue sea. Viewed from the boat, the entire island looks especially peaceful and mysterious. As the boat gradually approaches Miyajima, the mountains, sea, and vermilion torii gate come together to create a scene full of Japanese charm.

  • 秦晴
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    The view of the Seto Inland Sea from the Shishiiwa Observatory is already beautiful enough~

Details

Name in Japanese
弥山
Postal Code
739-0588
Address
Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima
Telephone
0829-44-2011 （Miyajima Tourist Association）
Closed
Free to walk
Business Hours
Walk anytime
Admission
Free
Access
About 25 minutes walk from Miyajima Pier to Miyajima Ropeway Momijidani Station
Official Website
Official Website (English)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa