Mount Misen, Hiroshima

One of the three most scenic spots of Japan

Hiroshima Prefecture Aki Miyajima, which is one of the three most scenic spots of Japan, has places of interest other than Itsukushima Shrine, a world heritage site. On this island, there is “Mount Misen,” which is a sanctuary of Miyajima faith which is also called “the space of miracles.” “Mount Misen” is a venerable sacred place where Kukai (also known as Kobodaishi) opened. Its history is said to have been more than 1200 years.
Miyajima’s highest mountain, “Mount Misen,” is 535 meters in altitude and has three climbing routes. Every route takes about 1.5 hours to 2 hours. Miyajima is also a primeval forest, and it is a dangerous mountain if it is steep and straying. If you do not have confidence in your strength or do not have time, you better climb on the ropeway.
To climb on the ropeway, change at Kayatani station on the way. You can enjoy a walk in the air as if walking in the sky. Shishiiwa station, which is the end of the ropeway, has an observatory. It is climbing up to the summit for about an hour from here. Approximately 20 minutes from Shishiiwa station, you will find Misen Main Hall and Reika-do Hall.
The fire Kukai used for training has continued to burn after 1200 years. This is said to be “a fire that does not disappear,” It is said to be one of the Misen Seven Wonders, which is transmitted from old times. Reika-do Hall, which defends this Reika (sacred fire), is a symbolic place of “Mount Misen,” a sacred place that attracts happiness that is also certified in the lover’s sanctuary. This fire-boiled sacred hot water is effective for all kinds of diseases, and it is used for the “peaceful light” of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
Megalith group appears as it approaches the mountaintop. It will be overwhelmed by Mount Misen’s wilderness’s dynamic nature, and you will forget such tired mountain climbing.
The Seto Inland Sea view over the megalithic group at the summit is a 360-degree big panorama that does not block visibility. On a fine day, you can see the Shikoku mountains.
Others, such as Miyama Jinja Shrine, built in the place where God of Itsukushima descended, there are still plenty to see in Mount Misen. It would be nice to enjoy Miyajima all day together with the Itsukushima Shinto shrine.

Charms and Highlights of Mount Misen

Iinvite visitors to a wonderful world

Mt. Misen (altitude of about 535 m), the highest peak in the “Miyajima” which is said to be a World Heritage Site, is said to be Japan’s three beauty spots. It is not just Itsukushima-jinja Shrine, famous as a sightseeing spot, it is a sacred place to visit.
Mt. Misen rising to Miyajima as a world heritage with Itsukushima-jinja Shrine has plenty to see such as primitive forests and odd rock monstrous still in existence, historic sites, seven wonders, etc. as a mountain pilgrimage where gods live long ago. It invites visitors to a wonderful world.

The blue sea and the sky match

The scenery from the summit of Mt. Misen is really superb. It will be healed slowly by having clean air in nature. The blue sea and the sky match, and it makes beautiful scenery.

The Nio-mon Gate was renewed in 2012

Beyond the ridge and approaching the bifurcation point, the fine Nio-mon Gate (Gate of Deva) welcomes you. Nio-mon Gate broke down in the typhoon in 2004 and was renewed in 2012.

The dynamic nature of Mt. Misen’s wilderness

The closer to the mountaintop, the megalith group like “Kuguri Rock” appears. It is the arch of big rock created by nature. These strangely shaped rocks and bizarre stones are scattered as they are closer to the summit. It will be overwhelmed by Mt. Misen’s wilderness’s dynamic nature and will forget the fatigue of mountain climbing.

The unspoiled nature, as “Misen Primeval Forest”

Since Kobo Daishi (Japanese great teacher) founded it in 806, it has gathered the faith of great historians such as TAIRA no Kiyomori and Ito Hirobumi. Besides, many historical marks are related to them. As “Misen Primeval Forest,” the unspoiled nature was designated as a World Heritage Site and Itsukushima-jinja Shrine in 1996. Together with rocks and historical sites of unique geology, it has become a wonderful landscape.

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