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Discover Mount Misen on Miyajima, where ancient spiritual sites meet scenic hiking paths and stunning views over the Seto Inland Sea.

View of a calm, expansive bay with scattered small islands, surrounded by forested hills under a hazy sky; Mount Misen rises in the distance, a ship is visible on the water, and greenery fills the foreground.

A Sacred Mountain Above the Sea

While on Miyajima Island, we visited Mount Misen, the highest peak on the island. We took the Miyajima Ropeway partway up and then hiked to several historic sites surrounded by forest and sea views.

It was a hot summer day, so we didn’t go all the way to the summit, but reaching Reikado Hall and seeing the eternal flame was still a highlight. The combination of peaceful trails, ocean views, and spiritual landmarks made the visit feel special.

Why Visit Mount Misen?

Traditional Japanese temple with a tiled roof, wooden pillars, and steps leading to the entrance. A lantern and colorful poster stand by the entrance, surrounded by greenery and trees beneath the clear sky of Mount Misen.

Mount Misen rises 535 meters above sea level and has been a sacred site for over 1,200 years. According to legend, the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai) meditated here in the 9th century. Ever since, the summit has been a place of spiritual importance.

From the top, you can see a panoramic stretch of the Seto Inland Sea dotted with tiny islands.

Here’s what makes Mount Misen special:

  • The eternal flame at Reikado Hall has burned for over 1,200 years.
  • Worship at Mount Misen dates back to at least the 6th century.
  • The summit area includes historic Buddhist halls, statues, and spiritual relics.
  • The view is ranked among Japan’s top scenic landscapes.

Getting Up the Mountain

A green cable car travels above the lush forested hills of Mount Misen, with a distant city and mountains visible across a body of water under a clear blue sky.

You can hike or take the ropeway to the top, both offer great experiences depending on your energy level and the weather.

Hiking Trails

Mount Misen has three main hiking routes:

  • Momijidani Trail (1.5 hours): Begins in Momijidani Park and climbs through lush maple forests.
  • Daisho-in Trail (1.5 hours): The most spiritual route, passing many Buddhist statues and temple remains.
  • Omoto Trail (2 hours): A quieter trail through dense forest.

Miyajima Ropeway

We chose the Miyajima Ropeway for the ride up. Gliding above the treetops with ocean views was peaceful and exciting. The ropeway has three stops:

  • Momijidani Station: The starting point near Momijidani Park.
  • Kayatani Station: A short transfer point.
  • Shishi Iwa Station: The final stop before hiking 20–30 minutes to the summit.

A Restful Stop at Momijidani Park

A deer grazes on the ground in a sunlit, wooded park at the base of Mount Misen, surrounded by trees, large rocks, and a wooden picnic table in the background.

Before the ropeway, we walked through Momijidani Park, which felt like stepping into a storybook. The shaded paths, quiet stream, and friendly deer made the stroll extra enjoyable. The park is especially beautiful in autumn when the maple leaves turn red and gold.

Our Hike to the Summit

A traditional Japanese temple with ornate wooden architecture and a curved tiled roof sits at the base of Mount Misen, surrounded by greenery and large rocks. Candles glow inside, while signs are placed outside the entrance on a sunny day.

Starting our hike from Shishi Iwa Station, we quickly realized it was warmer and more humid than we’d hoped—the climb turned out tougher than expected. Our kids began to feel the fatigue, so we paused at Reikado Hall and Misenhondo to catch our breath.

Reikado Hall is home to the eternal flame, said to have been burning since the days of Kobo Daishi. According to legend, water boiled over this flame can heal illnesses—a fascinating bit of history that made our stop feel even more special.

Though we didn’t make it all the way to the summit, the misty views and the deep sense of history along the trail made the hike totally worth it.

A quick heads-up: the trail isn’t paved, so be sure to wear comfy hiking shoes and travel light. It’s a challenging hike, especially with little ones, so plan accordingly!

How to Get to Mount Misen

Mount Misen is the highest peak on Miyajima Island. It is famous for its panoramic views and the eternal flame at Reikado Hall.

By Ropeway (Easiest)

  • Walk or Shuttle From Miyajima Pier, walk about 15 minutes or take the free local shuttle bus to the Momijidani Ropeway Station.
  • Ropeway Ride Take the ropeway to the Shishiiwa Observatory. The ride takes about 20 minutes with one transfer.
  • Summit Walk From the top of the ropeway, it is a well signed 30 minute walk to the summit and the final viewpoint.

By Hiking Trail

  • Three main hiking trails lead from the village to the summit.
  • The hike takes about 90 to 120 minutes one way.

Pro Tip

The best time to visit is in the morning for the clearest views of the Seto Inland Sea. The early light also provides the best chance to see the famous “floating” torii gate from the mountain’s summit.

Is Mount Misen Worth Visiting?

A cable car travels over the lush green forested hills of Mount Misen near a station building, with mountains and a hazy cityscape visible in the background.

If you are spending a night on Miyajima, we highly recommend visiting Mount Misen. Whether you’re climbing toward sacred temples, riding the ropeway, or just soaking in the island views, the experience combines nature, history, and spirituality in a way few places can.

More to Explore Nearby

After hiking to Mount Misen’s summit or riding the ropeway, take time to explore these other memorable spots on Miyajima Island:

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