Mount Misen, rising 535 meters at the heart of Miyajima Island near Hiroshima, is more than just a mountain. It’s a sacred site, steeped in history, legends, and spirituality. This preserved natural wonder, recognized as a national heritage site in Japan, draws visitors from all over the world seeking beauty, serenity, and mysticism.
Why is Mount Misen Sacred?
Mount Misen's sacred status stems from Kôbô Daishi, also known as Kûkai (774-835), one of the founders of Japanese Buddhism.
In 806, he is said to have retreated to this mountain for 100 days of intensive meditation. During this time, he claimed to have sensed the presence of divine spirits, declaring Miyajima Island as sacred ground. Kôbô Daishi also founded the monastery on Mount Kôya, another major Buddhist site located southeast of Osaka.
The Seven Wonders of Mount Misen
During his stay on Mount Misen, Kôbô Daishi is believed to have created several mysterious phenomena, now known as the "Seven Wonders of Mount Misen." These legends enhance the mountain's mystical aura and are must-sees for visitors.
Kiezu no Hi : The Eternal Flame
Over 1,200 years ago, Kôbô Daishi is said to have lit a fire atop Mount Misen that still burns today in the Reikadô Pavilion. This flame is believed to have healing properties and was even used to light the flame in Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park.
Shakujo no Ume : The Prayer Staff Plum Tree
Legend says this plum tree grew from a prayer staff that Kôbô Daishi planted in the ground. The tree, still visible near the Eternal Flame, marks the spot where Miyajima was declared sacred.
Kanman-iwa : The Tide Rock
Near the summit, this rock fills and empties with water according to the tides, leaving a salt trace in its 10 cm central hole.
Mandara-iwa : The Mandara Rock
Said to bear Sanskrit inscriptions carved by Kôbô Daishi, this rock is preserved in a building near the main pavilion, Misen Hondô, though access is restricted.
Shigure-zakura : The Dewy Cherry Tree
Once covered in dewdrops even in hot weather, this mystical cherry tree has since disappeared, but records from the Edo period still mention it.
Ryuto no Sugi : The Sea Fire Cedar
This giant cedar was known for strange marine lights seen around it during the first full moon of the year. Only the tree’s stump remains today.
Hyoshigi no Oto : The Sound of Wooden Clappers
If you hear the sound of wooden clappers echoing in the forest, it’s best to be cautious. This sound is said to be caused by a tengû, a malevolent creature from Japanese folklore.
The Seven Wonders Gift Box
The legend of the Seven Wonders is well incorporated into local commerce. Shops sell Momiji Manju, maple leaf-shaped cakes typically filled with red bean paste (azuki). You can easily find the "Seven Wonders of Mount Misen" gift box, where each cake flavor corresponds to one of the wonders: cherry, plum, spice, and more.
Hiking Trails on Mount Misen
Several hiking trails offer unique experiences for exploring Mount Misen. The steep elevation changes make sturdy hiking shoes essential. For a gentler ascent, the ropeway is recommended, allowing for a leisurely walk down to fully enjoy the scenery.
Download our detailed trail maps, or visit the Japanese Ministry of the Environment's website for English-language maps tailored to your interests—be it nature, wildlife, geology, or history.
Ômoto Trail
This is the longest and most challenging trail, stretching 3 km with a 530-meter elevation gain, requiring about 2 hours of hiking.
It begins at Ômoto Park near the Miyajima Aquarium. The park features a sea of rocks known as "Ômotogankai," a ravine with walls up to 70 meters high and numerous boulders. Don’t miss the giant pine tree, over 200 years old with a circumference of 3.25 meters!
About three-quarters of the way up, you'll find Iwayataishi Cave, hidden beneath a massive cliff. Legend has it that Kôbô Daishi performed a mandala yoga here to improve his memory.
At the end of the trail, you’ll reach the summit of Mount Misen, passing the Kujira-iwa rock, which resembles a whale with a spout. The viewpoint offers a stunning panorama of the Seto Inland Sea and the city of Ôtake.
Daishôin Trail
This main pilgrimage route takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to cover 2.3 km, with a 515-meter elevation gain.
The trail features around 2,000 steps, accompanied by countless small Buddha statues.
The trail starts at the beautiful Daishôin Temple, founded by Kôbô Daishi in 806, and runs alongside the Shirato River and ravine. Watch out for potential landslides in bad weather! You’ll also see the 14-meter-high Shirato Falls.
Midway through the trail, you’ll come across a small statue protecting children at the foot of a massive rock. This place is called “Sai No Kawara,” referencing the children who died too young and remain in limbo, much like the nearby precipice.
Further along, you’ll encounter Maku-iwa, a 30-meter-high, 150-meter-wide rock. "Maku-iwa" literally means "curtain rock," named for its resemblance to a theater curtain.
Near the end, you’ll walk along the paved “Yujo Ishidatami” path, built during the Edo period (1603-1868) to facilitate pilgrim access to Mount Misen's summit. The funds for its construction came from donations by prostitutes, hence the name “path of the prostitutes.”
Momijidani Trail
This trail, covering 2.5 km with a 490-meter elevation gain, also takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. It’s the most accessible route but has fewer points of interest.
The trail begins at Momijidani Park, which is especially beautiful in autumn during Kôyô, when the maple leaves turn red, offering a stunning display.
Taking the Ropeway
Detailed information is available in English on the ropeway’s website. Note the short operating hours:
- 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM for the ascent
- 9:20 AM to 4:30 PM for the descent
Ticket prices are as follows:
- Round trip (adult/child): 2,000 yen
- One-way (adult/child): 1,100 yen
The Summit of Mount Misen
Regardless of which trail you take, they all lead to the summit of Mount Misen, where the 360° panoramic view is breathtaking. You’ll also find sacred sites and strangely shaped rocks, each with its own legend.
Download our summit map to see all the points of interest, detailed below.
Sacred Sites
The temples at Mount Misen’s summit are mostly dedicated to the Buddhist monk Kôbô Daishi.
- Misen Hondô: The main temple where Kôbô Daishi is said to have trained for 100 days in the secret Buddhist art of "Gumonji."
- Reikadô: The temple housing one of the Seven Wonders of Mount Misen, the Eternal Flame said to have been lit by Kôbô Daishi over 1,200 years ago.
- Sankidô: One of the few temples in Japan that worships three demons: the demon of fortune, wisdom, and exorcism! People come here to pray for their family’s and business’s prosperity.
- Kannondô / Monjudô: Kannondô is a temple where people pray for painless childbirth. Monjudô is where prayers are offered for academic success.
- Dainichidô: This temple, said to have been built by Kôbô Daishi, is dedicated to the god of the sun and fire.
- Miyama-jinja: The secondary temple to Itsukushima Shrine at the island’s entrance. The same deities are worshiped here.
Several smaller sites may also catch your interest:
- Mizukake-jinzo: A water source surrounded by Jinzo (statues protecting children who died young). Drinking this water is believed to help women bear strong children.
- Akaidô: The well Kôbô Daishi is said to have used during his stay on Mount Misen.
- Shakujo no Ume: One of the Seven Wonders of Mount Misen, this plum tree is said to have grown from Kôbô Daishi’s prayer staff.
- Chikai no Hi: Called the "Oath Fire," this flame lights up when two lovers gaze into each other’s eyes and press a button simultaneously.
Rock Formations
Miyajima Island boasts a rich geological landscape, with many fascinating rock formations found at the summit of Mount Misen.
- Kurija-iwa: A rock shaped like a whale, complete with a spout.
- Kaisen-iwa: Known as the Scabies Rock, legend has it that if a wicked person passes under this rock, they will catch scabies, while a good person who is ill will be healed.
- Funa-iwa: A rock shaped like a boat.
- Kanman-iwa: Part of the Seven Wonders of Mount Misen, this rock has a 10 cm hole at its center that fills and empties with the tide.
- Kuguri-iwa: This rock forms a tunnel known as "Kuguri," which leads to the summit of Mount Misen. It's said that the tunnel narrows with each earthquake.
- Fudô-iwa: A giant rock shaped like a pillar.
Scenic Viewpoints
At 535 meters above sea level, the summit of Mount Misen offers breathtaking 360° panoramic views of Miyajima Island and the Seto Inland Sea.
There are three main viewpoints:
- Kujira-iwa Rock Observatory: Located near the whale-shaped Kujira-iwa rock, this observatory provides stunning vistas.
- Mount Misen Summit Observatory: Positioned at the very top of the mountain, this viewpoint offers the most expansive views.
- Ropeway Observatory: Enjoy the scenic views both from the observatory and along the ropeway ride, offering a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape.
