Mount Misen, located in the heart of the island of Miyajima in the bay of Hiroshima, is not only a place of hiking appreciated for its spectacular views of the inland sea of Seto. It is also a high spiritual place of Japanese Buddhism, deeply marked by the historical presence of monk Kuukai, founder of Shingon School. Walking on its paths is walking in the footsteps of legends, crossing a dense forest punctuated with temples, sacred rocks and stunning views. This article offers a detailed practical and cultural guide to explore Mount Misen, at the crossroads of nature, history and spirituality.
Mount Misen, a sacred place of Japanese Buddhism
Mount Misen, which peaks at 535 metres above sea level, has been considered sacred since the beginning of the ninth century. In 806, the monk Kukai (also known as Kôbô Daishi), founder of the Shingon esoteric current, was said to have practiced a one hundred days meditation there. He would have felt the presence of spiritual entities on this mountain, giving Miyajima his status as a sacred land.
This religious dimension shaped the spiritual landscape of Mount Misen. Many temples and natural elements are linked to the site’s founding legends. Even today, many pilgrims follow the paths to honour this memory and to feel the mystical atmosphere there.
The Seven Wonders of Mount Misen
The mountain is known for its “Seven Wonders”, natural or mysterious phenomena associated with Kobô Daishi. Here are the main things to know about your visit:
Kiezu no Hi: nicknamed “the eternal fire”, this fire burns continuously for more than 1200 years in the Reikadô pavilion. He is known for his healing virtues.
Shakujo no UmeA plum tree that would have grown from the prayer stick of Kobô Daishi. It symbolizes the place where Miyajima was declared sacred.
Kanman-iwa: a hollow rock 10 cm in diameter that fills and emptys according to the tides. A rare natural phenomenon at this altitude.
Mandara-iwa: a rock engraved with Sanskrit characters, today kept hidden from sight in a pavilion.
Shigure-zakura: an old cherry tree described as always wet, even in the heat, but disappeared today.
Ryuto no Sugi: an ancient cedar that attracted strange marine lights. Only the strain is still visible.
Hyoshigi no Oto: mysterious taps, compared to the sound of wooden shutters. According to tradition, they would come from a tengû, spirit of Japanese folklore.
These legends continue to structure the visitor journey and feed the collective imagination around this mountain.
Mountain Misen hiking trails
Mount Misen is crossed by three main hiking trails, each offering a different approach depending on your physical level, interests and time available. For those who prefer an assisted climb, the Miyajima cable car allows to reach an intermediate point and continue on foot to the summit.
The Ômoto circuit
It is the longest and most difficult route. It starts at Omoto Park, near the Miyajima Aquarium. 3 km long with 530 meters of elevation, it takes about two hours to travel.
Along the way you will cross the ravine of Ômotogankai, with its steep rocky walls, a tree of 200 years more than 3 meters of circumference, and the cave of Iwayataishi, associated with a legend on memory. The trail ends with a climb ahead of Kujira-iwa, a whale-shaped rock, before reaching the summit.
The Daishôin circuit
It begins at the Daishôin temple, founded by Kobô Daishi, and extends over 2.3 km for about 1h40 walk. This trail is marked by more than 2000 steps and many small Buddhist statues.
You will follow the Shirato River and its 14-metre falls. You will cross the statue of Sai No Kawara, dedicated to prematurely dead children, then the huge and impressive Maku-iwa rock, before you reach the paved road Yujo Ishidatami, vestige of the Edo era.
The Momijidani circuit
The most accessible of the three, this 2.5 km (1h40 walk) circuit starts at Momijidani Park. It is especially recommended in autumn during kôyo, when maples take on their flamboyant red hues. It is a good choice for those who want to enjoy the framework without facing too much physical difficulty.
Take the cable car
For an easier climb, the cable car allows you to reach the top in two sections. It usually works from 9am to 4pm for the climb and until 4:30pm for the descent. The return fare is about 2000 yen for an adult. The route already offers beautiful panoramas, especially on the Bay of Hiroshima.
Mont Misen summit: spirituality and panorama
All the trails converge towards the summit, where one discovers a spectacular view of the inland sea of Seto, the nearby islands and, in clear weather, to Shikoku. Several places of interest are concentrated.
Temples and shrines
Misen Hondô: the main temple, the retreat place of Kobô Daishi during his meditation.
Reikadô: houses the eternal fire, accessible to visitors.
SankidôA temple unique in Japan dedicated to three protective demons, associated with luck, wisdom and purification.
Kannondô and Monjudô: places of prayer for childbirth and school success.
Dainichidô: dedicated to the god of the sun and fire.
Miyama jinja: Shinto shrine in connection with that of Itsukushima.
Rocks and geological curiosities
The summit is dotted with rocks with evocative forms:
Kujira-iwa: in the shape of a whale.
Funa-iwa: in the shape of a boat.
Kaisen-iwa: The legend wants it to cause scabies in people with bad hearts.
Kuguri-iwa: a rocky tunnel that would tighten every earthquake.
Fudô-iwa: an imposing stone pillar.
These formations are all symbols, strengthening the spiritual relationship between nature and the sacred in Japanese culture.
Observatories
Three major points of view make it possible to observe the landscape:
- From Kujira-iwa
- From the summit platform
- From the top station of the cable car
These panoramas are among the most remarkable in western Japan.
Exploring Mount Misen is a combination of hiking, spirituality and immersion in a living nature, shaped by centuries of religious practices. Whatever the path chosen, the traveller comes out marked by the unique atmosphere of this mountain. Taking the time to discover its temples, its natural wonders and its panoramas, we understand better why Mount Misen remains a place so respected in Japanese culture.
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