Mount Misen Observatory, Hiroshima Travel Guide

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.