Mount Misen

What to know

Rising 500 meters above sea level, Mount Misen (弥山) is the tallest peak on Miyajima Island. On clear days, it offers breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea and even Hiroshima City in the distance. Several Buddhist structures are located near the summit. A ropeway provides easy access from the town, but adventurous visitors can also hike up.

Three hiking trails lead to the top: the Momijidani Course, Daisho-in Course, and Omoto Course. The Daisho-in Course boasts the best scenery and is less steep than the other two. The Momijidani Course is the shortest but steepest, winding mostly through forest. Whichever route you choose, expect a 1.5 to 2-hour climb to the summit.

Even if you take the ropeway, reaching all of Misen's attractions requires a fair amount of walking. The actual peak is still about 100 meters higher and roughly a kilometer from the upper ropeway station near the Shishi-iwa Observatory.

Deer are occasionally spotted along the mountain paths. Wild monkeys are much rarer now, as most were relocated to a monkey park in Inuyama in recent years due to overpopulation and related issues.

According to tradition, Buddhism was first practiced on Mount Misen by Kobo Daishi, founder of the Shingon sect and one of Japan's most revered religious figures. Near the summit, several temple structures belong to Daisho-in Temple at the mountain's base.

Notable sites include the Misen Hondo (Main Hall) and the Reikado (Hall of the Spiritual Flame). The Reikado houses a flame said to have been lit by Kobo Daishi when he began his mountain worship. It has burned continuously ever since and was used to ignite the Flame of Peace in Hiroshima's Peace Park. The Reikado Hall was destroyed by a fire in spring 2026 and is slated for reconstruction.