360-degree panoramic view of Setouchi!? Enjoy it from the top of Mount Misen.

If there is nothing higher than you around, nothing will disturb your 360-degree panoramic view.

Climb the highest mountain in Miyajima, Mount Misen (Altitude: 535 meters/ 1,755ft. above sea level), and you'll see a number of islands floating on the calm waters in the distance.

Top of Mount Misen, courtesy of Hiroshima Pref.

So, how do you get to the top of Mount Misen?

You have only a choice to hike up on your own foot.

There are mainly three courses to hike up Mount Misen.

-Momijidani Course
-Daisho-in Course
-Omoto Course

Momijidani Course 

(* This course is closed from August 17, 2020 through March 31, 2021)

 - Takes about 1.5 – 2 hours one-way.

 - This is the most popular course and recommended for the beginners.

 - This hiking course starts after going through the Momijidani-park.

 - If you take the left road just before entering the Momijidani-park, you can get to the Miyajima Rope-way station, Momijidani-station.

Daisho-in Course 

 - Takes about 1.5 – 2 hours one-way.

 - To go through this course, take the left before you reach Daisho-in temple.

 - This course is full of stone steps (almost 2,000 steps to the top!)

 - There are many old stone Buddha and town stones remain, as well as shrines and torii on the way, which you can feel religious well through this course.

 - There are many beautiful view-spots as you hike up.

Omoto Course

- Takes about 2 – 2.5 hours one-way. It takes the most in these three courses.

- In this course, you can walk through the primeval forest of Mount Misen. It is a course full of nature, which is farther than the other two courses.

- There are also huge rocks and cliffs, which allow you to see the various landscapes.

- There are many Jizo and Kannon statues, as well.

- Since there are many branch points on the way, please be careful not to take the wrong way. 

- You can also reach Komagabayashi peak in about 5 minutes from the Komagabayashi junction on the way, but please watch your steps in this dangerous rocky area.

 - The starting point is over the Omoto-park, after passing through the Miyajima Public Aquarium.

There are many other roads to the top, but mountains in Miyajima are very steep, and also dangerous if you get lost, so please enjoy it on the well-maintained courses listed above.

If it is too hard for you, the Miyajima ropeway will help you to the half of the way. Walk ahead for the Momijidani-park, and you can get to the station.

Mount Misen itself had also been worshipped for a long time; therefore, nature there remains untouched. Its natural diversity is said to be the epitome of Japan, and it will delight your eyes while hiking.

All these can be the best combination of nature, culture, and activity.

After visiting Itsukushima Shrine, we would recommend that you enjoy the spectacular view of Mount Misen, and refresh at the Public Bath after that. Make your day special!

Mount Misen Observatory (Open from 10a.m. through 4p.m.)

Public Bath, "Miyajima Mori-no-Yado"