Hotels near Mount Misen

Mount Misen rises 535 metres above the shrine and is the reason to give Miyajima a full day rather than three hours. The summit looks north across the Seto Inland Sea and its scattered islands, and on a clear day the view runs as far as the mountains behind Hiroshima. Primeval forest covers the upper slopes and has never been logged.

The Miyajima Ropeway climbs most of the way for around JPY 2,000 return, leaving a 20-minute uphill walk to the true summit. Three hiking routes run from the base instead, taking 90 minutes to two hours. Near the top, Reikado Hall keeps a flame said to have burned since Kobo Daishi lit it in 806, and it was used to light the Flame of Peace in the memorial park.

Pro Tip: Take the ropeway up and walk the Daisho-in route down. The descent passes the best temple on the island and takes about 90 minutes, and it removes the queue for the return ropeway that builds sharply after 3pm.