Mount Misen Summit at 535m: A 360-Degree Panorama of Massive Rocks and Scattered Islands
About this spot
This observatory stands at the 535-meter summit of Mount Misen (弥山). The trail continuing from Shishiiwa Station is filled with sights: the Misen Main Hall (弥山本堂) associated with Kobo Daishi, the Sacred Fire Hall (霊火堂) with its ever-burning sacred flame, and Guguri Rock (くぐり岩) where you squeeze between massive rock formations. Upon reaching the summit, the beautiful vista of the Seto Inland Sea's scattered islands stretches 360 degrees beyond overlapping massive rock formations—a view so breathtaking that it has been praised as "the true value of one of Japan's three scenic views lies in the view from the summit." Savor the scenery slowly on the wooden-scented observatory corridor, then return to Shishiiwa Station via the same route and descend by ropeway, lingering in the afterglow of your aerial journey.
Tips
From Shishiiwa Station to the summit is approximately 30 minutes on foot. The path involves descending and then climbing again, with rocky sections and stone steps, so non-slip shoes are essential. Plan your departure from the summit by working backward from the last descending ropeway to ensure plenty of time. Along the way, you can enjoy hot water heated over the sacred flames at the Sacred Fire Hall.
Best time to visit
Approximately 3 hours (including round-trip hiking from Shishiiwa Station). In the afternoon, the light softens, and the scattered islands emerge in three-dimensional relief.
Access & map
Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0588
Model course featuring this spot
Miyajima Ropeway and Mount Misen: A Full Day Seto Inland Sea Panorama Hike
Hiroshima
Explore features & model courses
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