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Mount Misen Observatory: Miyajima's Panoramic Peak

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Discover breathtaking panoramic views from Miyajima's sacred Mount Misen Observatory, a blend of natural beauty and spiritual history.

Ascend Mount Misen, Miyajima's highest peak, to discover the Mount Misen Observatory. Offering stunning 360-degree views of the Seto Inland Sea and surrounding islands, this modern observatory provides a memorable perspective on the region's natural beauty and spiritual significance.

A brief summary to Mount Misen Observatory

  • Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Miyajimacho, Hiroshima, 739-0588, JP
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  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Mount Misen Observatory.

  • Wear comfortable shoes for the hike to the observatory, even if taking the ropeway, as the final ascent involves a steep, unpaved path.
  • Bring water and snacks, as vending machines are only available at the ropeway station and a small, hidden one near the temple buildings.
  • Check the weather forecast before heading up, as clear days offer the best visibility from the observatory.
  • Visit the Reikado Hall to see the eternal flame and learn about its connection to Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park.
  • Allow ample time for the entire trip, including travel to Miyajima, the ropeway or hike, and exploring the summit.

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Getting There

  • Ferry and Ropeway

    From Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station (25 minutes, ¥420, covered by the Japan Rail Pass) or tram line number 2 (70 minutes, ¥270). Walk to Miyajimaguchi pier and take either the JR or Matsudai ferry to Miyajima (10 minutes, ¥200 one way, JR Pass valid on JR ferries). A ¥100 visitor tax is collected upon arrival. From the Miyajima ferry terminal, walk 20 minutes to the Miyajima Ropeway Momijidani Station. Take the ropeway to Shishiiwa Station (¥2,000 round trip for adults). Hike 30 minutes from Shishiiwa Station to the Mount Misen Observatory.

  • Hiking

    From the Miyajima ferry terminal, follow signs towards Itsukushima Shrine. Continue past the shrine towards Momijidani Park, where the trailheads for the Mount Misen hiking trails are located. Choose from the Momijidani Course (shortest, steepest), Daisho-in Course (moderate, scenic), or Omoto Course. The hike to the summit takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Follow the well-marked trails to the Mount Misen Observatory.

Discover more about Mount Misen Observatory

Mount Misen Observatory sits atop Miyajima's highest peak, offering panoramic views and a serene escape. For centuries, Mount Misen has been revered as a sacred site, with the Buddhist monk Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai) said to have practiced here in 806 AD. The mountain's spiritual ambiance is enhanced by ancient temples and the Misen Primeval Forest, a designated national natural monument.The modern observatory, completed in 2013, blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings using cedar wood. From the rooftop, visitors can enjoy unobstructed views of the Seto Inland Sea, the islands dotting the horizon, and even as far as Hiroshima City on a clear day. The observatory provides a resting area and tourist information.Reaching the observatory is an adventure in itself. Visitors can choose from three hiking trails, each offering unique perspectives of the island's natural beauty. The Miyajima Ropeway provides an alternative, whisking visitors up the mountain in two stages. From the final ropeway station, a 30-minute hike leads to the summit, passing the Misen Hondo (Main Hall) and Reikado (Hall of the Spiritual Flame). The Reikado Hall houses a sacred flame that has been burning for over 1,200 years and was used to light the Flame of Peace in Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park.

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