Daisho-in Temple
Hiroshima, Japan
Mount Misen, Hiroshima
i
Photo: dconvertini, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia CommonsFit in nearby today
The essentials in 10 seconds
- Entry
- trails free; ropeway ≈ ¥2,000 return
verifyingi
From reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go. - Hours
- Ropeway roughly 9:00–16:00; trails open in daylight
- Time on site
i
A typical visit without queueing. In high season add 15–30 minutes. - 3 h
- With kids
- Fine with kids
- Ropeway
- ≈ ¥1,100 one way, ¥2,000 return
verifyingi
From reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go. - Ropeway hours
- Roughly 9:00–16:00
verifyingi
From reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go. - On foot
- Free; three trails, 1.5–2 hours
- Ropeway to summit
- About 30 minutes on foot
- Height
- 535 metres
- Time needed
- Half a day
Key facts
535 mheight — the island's highest point
Sourcei
en.wikipedia806by tradition, the monk Kukai practised here
Sourcei
en.wikipediaUNESCOthe mountain is within the Itsukushima Shrine site
Sourcei
en.wikipediaPrimeval foreston the north slope, protected by the prefecture
Sourcei
en.wikipedia3 trailsDaisho-in, Momijidani and Omoto
Sourcei
japan-guide.com≈ 20 minutesby ropeway, with a change
Sourcei
japan-guide.com7 wondersold legends of Mount Misen
Sourcei
en.wikipedia≈ ¥2,000ropeway return
Sourcei
japan-guide.comWhat is Mount Misen?
Mount Misen is the sacred mountain of Miyajima island and its highest point, at 535 metres. It lies within the UNESCO site of Itsukushima Shrine and the Seto Inland Sea National Park. The north slope is covered in primeval forest protected by the prefecture.
By tradition the monk Kukai began Buddhist practice here in 806, and the mountain has been a place of pilgrimage ever since. Near the summit stand halls of Daisho-in temple, and the top itself is crowned by huge granite boulders and an observation deck looking out over dozens of Inland Sea islands.
The ropeway and the trails
The Miyajima Ropeway starts in Momijidani Park, about 10 minutes on foot from Itsukushima Shrine. The ride takes about 20 minutes, with a change from small cabins to a large car. According to guides, a ticket is about ¥1,100 one way and ¥2,000 return; it runs roughly 9:00 to 16:00.
Three trails lead to the summit on foot — Daisho-in, Momijidani and Omoto; any of them takes 1.5–2 hours and is free. The most popular starts at Daisho-in temple and climbs stone steps through the forest. Many people ride up and walk down.
What to see
- The observation deck on the summit.
- Granite boulders near the top.
- The Misen Hondo hall of Daisho-in.
- Shishiiwa observatory by the upper station.
- Primeval forest on the slopes.
- A view of the Inland Sea islands.
How to get to Mount Misen
Step-by-step directions are below; the map shows where you arrive.
Where are you starting from?
We’ll draw it on the map on foot and by taxi; metro and buses open in your maps app. Your location isn’t stored.
More tips
- To the island — JR from Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi, about 30 minutes, then a 10-minute ferry.
- To the ropeway — about 10 minutes on foot from Itsukushima Shrine through Momijidani Park.
- Ropeway — about 20 minutes with a change to the upper station.
- From the upper station — about 30 minutes on foot to the summit.
- On foot — the trail from Daisho-in temple, 1.5–2 hours.
Ropeway or on foot
| Ropewayyou are here | 20 minutes + 30 on foot | ≈ ¥2,000 return | Steps near the top | Forest and sea from the cabin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hiking trail | 1.5–2 hours | Free | Uphill all the way | Forest and temples on the way |
How long do you need?
Allow half a day for the mountain: getting to the ropeway, the ride, the walk to the summit and back, and queues in high season. Walking both ways takes about 4 hours.
A good plan: Itsukushima Shrine in the morning, then Daisho-in temple and the climb up Misen, and down to the pier by evening. Clear weather is best — in haze the sea view suffers.
In autumn, in November, the slopes and Momijidani Park at the foot turn red with maples — the park's name means 'maple valley'. The Reikado hall near the summit, where a flame said to have been lit by Kukai is kept, is being rebuilt in 2026.
Is Mount Misen worth the climb?
Yes, if you have a full day on Miyajima: the view from the summit over the Inland Sea islands is one of the finest in Japan.
The YesGo take: many people think the ropeway goes all the way up and are surprised by another half-hour climb on steps. Allow the energy and the time. If you only have half a day on the island, it's better to see the shrine and Daisho-in calmly and save Misen for another visit.
On the way up you'll meet deer wandering the forest trails. As down on the island, you mustn't feed them, and it's best to keep food in a closed backpack.
Before you go: checklist
Ready: 0 of 5Tick what is ready — your ticks stay in this browser.
You are ready for the visit
Miyajima in a day
Itsukushima Shrine and the gate in the sea in the morning, Daisho-in temple at midday, and the ropeway up Mount Misen in the afternoon. Add them to your route — YesGo fits in the timing and transfers.
- Itsukushima Shrine1 h 30 min · ¥300
- 8 min walk from the previous stopDaisho-in Temple45 min · free
- 24 min walk from the previous stopMount Misenyou are here3 h · trails free; ropeway ≈ ¥2,000 return
3 places · about 5 h 47 min with walks · 32 min on foot in total
Nearby — add to your day
Itsukushima Shrine
Hiroshima, Japan
How to do it right
- The ropeway doesn't reach the very top.
- Last ride up around 16:00.
- Ride up, walk down.
- You need clear weather.
- Trail start: Daisho-in.
Questions
How much is the Mount Misen ropeway?
About ¥1,100 one way and ¥2,000 return — according to guides.
What are the ropeway hours?
Roughly 9:00–16:00; it sometimes closes for maintenance.
Does the ropeway reach the summit?
No, it's another 30 minutes on foot from the upper station.
Can I hike up?
Yes, three trails, 1.5–2 hours, free.
How high is the mountain?
535 metres.
How long do you need?
Half a day.
What can you see from the top?
The islands of the Seto Inland Sea.
Where does the trail start?
The most popular one starts at Daisho-in temple.
Have you been? Was it worth your time?
1 — no, 5 — absolutely
Your vote counts towards the YesGo score.
Sources and fact-check
- English Wikipedia: Mount Misen — height, forest, UNESCO, Kukai, the 'seven wonders'
- japan-guide.com — ropeway prices, hours, change; walk to the summit; trails (via curl 09.11.2026; unofficial)
- Wikidata Q3109237 — coordinates
