Hiking Mt. Misen on Miyajima Island

 Another beautiful hike in Japan up Mt. Misen on Miyajima Island.

Miyajima is close to Hiroshima city; about a 30 minute drive, less than that if you are taking the train depending on which station you are leaving Hiroshima from. It will take you about 45 minutes or so if you are riding the Hiroden (cable car type train), again depending on which station you are leaving from. The Hiroden has many more stations along the way than the larger JR train.

This is a fairly difficult hike if you are not experienced, or not in shape. Just like me! I had to take more than a few rests on the way up to the first peak, Komogabayashi. Great views of the Japan coast from up there. You can see the many Oyster farms that this area is famous for. There is nothing on the top of this peak expect for trees and rocks. It is a great view and worth the climb anyway. There are many different trails that you can take when hiking Miyajima Island's Mt. Misen.

Starting Point:

• 34.29487, 132.31415

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There are three or four peaks along this hike across the tops of some of the mountains on Miyajima Island. I remember one of the peaks while walking atop the range really wore me out. It wasn't really much the distance of the climb, but the almost vertical steps that you need to traverse were difficult after climbing to the top of the mountain range. The middle peak has a small observation building, restrooms, and a few vending machines. Most people are here because they took the "Ropeway" up the mountain. The ropeway is a cable car that can bring you up the mountain if you don't feel like climbing. Again, great views from up here of the Japan coastline. If you are up there on a clear day, you can see almost all of Hiroshima city. I don't know why I didn't take a couple photos of that view.

Besides hiking up the mountain, there are many other things to do and see on Miyajima Island. You can spend the whole day here visiting the aquarium, Itsukushima Temple, many other shrines and temples. And, of course, don't forget all of the souvenier shops and great Japanese food! Or the deer, you cannot forget the deer when hiking Miyajima Island; or you may lose some of your gear. Don't worry though, the monkeys at the top of the mountain are long gone, so you don't have to worry about them stealing your wallet, camera, or food.