Mount Misen
Ascend Mount Misen for breathtaking panoramic views of Miyajima Island and beyond. Hike or ride the ropeway to experience its natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better views
Mount Misen
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend Mount Misen for breathtaking panoramic views of Miyajima Island and beyond. Hike or ride the ropeway to experience its natural beauty.
"Absolutely fantastic 360 degree view! Going to counter around 10am is suggested."
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Trails are steep and can be hot. Carry more water than you think you'll need!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Expect many steep, uneven steps. Good footwear is essential for the mt misen hike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Panorama
Mount Misen Peak
Breathtaking 360-degree views stretching to Hiroshima. A must-see for any visitor!
Ropeway Ride
Mount Misen Ropeway Station
A scenic ascent offering stunning vistas without the strenuous climb. A great option for all fitness levels.
Daisho-in Temple Trail
Trailhead near Daisho-in Temple
A shorter, scenic hike passing waterfalls and shrines, leading to the summit. Offers a glimpse of nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Mount Misen
Hike Smart on Mount Misen
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Trails are steep and can be hot. Carry more water than you think you'll need!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Expect many steep, uneven steps. Good footwear is essential for the mt misen hike.
Mount Misen on Miyajima Island, which of the three hiking trails is the best?
Do not hike Mount Misen at Miyajima
⏰ Don't Miss the Ropeway
The last ropeway departs at 4:30 PM. Plan accordingly to avoid a long descent!
📸 Capture the Views
The summit offers spectacular 360-degree panoramas. Perfect for photos!
Going to Mt Misen (Miyajima) after 3pm?
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Trails are steep and can be hot. Carry more water than you think you'll need!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Expect many steep, uneven steps. Good footwear is essential for the mt misen hike.
⏰ Don't Miss the Ropeway
The last ropeway departs at 4:30 PM. Plan accordingly to avoid a long descent!
📸 Capture the Views
The summit offers spectacular 360-degree panoramas. Perfect for photos!
🗺️ Choose Your Trail Wisely
Daishoin is shorter, Omoto is tougher. Pick based on your fitness for the mount misen hike.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Mount Misen for its absolutely spectacular 360-degree views from the summit, making it a highlight for many trips. The option to use the ropeway offers accessibility, while the well-maintained trails provide a rewarding hiking experience for those who choose to ascend on foot. Some note the steepness and need for ample water, and advise careful timing to avoid crowds and missing the last ropeway.
"Awesome little hike. Taking the ropeway let's you have the experience of hiking a whole mountain without the commitment. Do be mindful that the ropeway stops service at 4:30 and it's over 5km to descend from the station if you miss it"
Benjamin Sell
"We did it! Ropeway to the top and a 1 hour hike to the summit. It's steep but worth it. Bring plenty of water and comfort items... I think I got overheated. However it was a highlight of my trip!"
Amy PV
"Ahhh the peak was a bit of a let down. It's highly developed and has wifi. Great for the views, but if you're after a hikers paradise, go to the other peak! Very quiet."
Joel Lyons
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To reach Mount Misen, first take a ferry to Miyajima Island. From the ferry terminal, you can walk or take a bus to the base of the Mount Misen Ropeway or the trailheads. The walk from the ferry to the ropeway base is about 15-20 minutes.
There is no direct parking at Mount Misen itself. You'll need to park on Miyajima Island, typically near the ferry terminals. Parking fees apply.
Yes, local buses operate on Miyajima Island and can take you from the ferry port towards the ropeway station or trailheads.
You can access the trails from various points, including near Daisho-in Temple or the Mount Misen Ropeway station. The ropeway offers a convenient starting point for many hikers.
Ferries to Miyajima Island typically run every 15-30 minutes from Hiroshima's Miyajimaguchi Port and take about 10 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to hike Mount Misen. However, you will need to purchase tickets for the Mount Misen Ropeway if you choose to use it for ascent or descent.
Ropeway prices can vary, but typically a round trip is around ¥2,000 for adults. It's advisable to check the official website for current pricing.
The ropeway generally operates from around 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, but the last departure from the summit station is usually around 4:30 PM. Hours can change seasonally.
Absolutely! There are several well-maintained hiking trails, such as the Daishoin Route and the Omoto Route, that allow you to hike the entire mountain.
Discounts may be available for children or group bookings. It's best to inquire directly with the ropeway operator or check their website for any promotions.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The 'best' trail depends on your preference. The Daishoin Route is popular for its scenic beauty and shorter duration, while the Omoto Route is more challenging. Many visitors combine the ropeway with a hike.
A round trip hike from the ropeway station to the summit and back can take about 1-2 hours, depending on your pace and how much time you spend at the top. Hiking from the base can take 2-3 hours one way.
Restrooms are available at the ropeway stations and at the summit. However, they are scarce on the trails themselves, so use facilities before you start your hike.
Essential items include plenty of water, comfortable hiking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and snacks. A small backpack is recommended to carry these.
Yes, families can enjoy Mount Misen. The ropeway makes it accessible for most, and shorter, less strenuous trails are available. Be prepared for stairs and uneven terrain.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers unparalleled panoramic views, perfect for wide-angle shots. Look for viewpoints along the trails that capture the shrines and the surrounding natural beauty.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Golden hour can be particularly stunning.
Drone usage is generally restricted in national parks and protected areas like Miyajima Island to preserve the natural environment and visitor experience. Check local regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for details or distant shots. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions.
The summit observatory, various small shrines along the trails, and the ropeway itself offer unique photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a half-day trip to Mount Misen to allow for travel time and a relaxed pace. The ropeway ride itself is often a highlight for kids. If hiking, choose shorter sections or combine the ropeway with a brief walk to the summit. The views from the top are a fantastic reward for everyone.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Focus on the hiking aspect to maximize your budget. The Daishoin Route offers a rewarding experience without the ropeway cost. Even if you use the ropeway one way, hiking the other can be a cost-effective compromise. Remember that the ferry to Miyajima Island also has a small fee.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Mount Misen Trails
Regardless of the chosen path, visitors should be prepared for a significant amount of stairs and uneven terrain. The trails are well-maintained but retain a wild feel. It's crucial to wear appropriate footwear, such as hiking boots or sturdy athletic shoes, to ensure stability and comfort. Hydration is also key; carrying ample water is highly advised, as facilities on the trails are scarce.
Many hikers opt to combine the ropeway with a hike, perhaps taking the ropeway up and hiking down, or vice versa. This allows for a taste of the mountain's natural beauty without committing to a full ascent or descent. Allow at least 2-3 hours for a round trip if hiking from the base, or 1-2 hours if utilizing the ropeway and hiking a portion.
The Mount Misen Ropeway Experience
It's important to be aware of the ropeway's operating schedule. The last departure from the summit station is typically around 4:30 PM, so visitors should plan their descent accordingly to avoid being stranded. Missing the last ropeway means a considerable walk down, which can be challenging in the dark or if you're unprepared.
From the ropeway's upper station, a relatively short, paved walk leads to the summit. This final stretch is manageable for most visitors and rewards you with the spectacular panoramic views that Mount Misen is famous for.
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