Hiroshima Part 2 - Climbing Mt Misen

One of the main attractions on Miyajima is climbing Mt Misen. The start of the climb is located a short distance behind Itsukushima Shrine. You can take a rope way up the mountain or walk.

We arrived a little late in the day so we decided to save time and go via the rope way. The views from each gondola ride along the rope way are spectacular. At the end of the rope way is Shishi-wa station which has an observatory and monkeys!!! This was my first encounter with Japan's wild monkeys. There are signs telling you not to look the monkey's directly in the eye as they will think this is a challenge. I took a few photos of them and then we watched them run around and huddle together for warmth. I think they are pretty cute!

Must....stay....warm!

We enjoyed the view and pressed on towards the summit.

The view from Shishi-wa observatory area.

The trail to the summit can be quite steep in places but is rewarding as you get to stop at a few places along the way. One of these places is Reikado. This temple protects a flame which was originally lit around 1,200 years ago and was used to light the Hiroshima Peace Park eternal flame.

The flame lies within this building

The path to the summit is winding in places and feels positively ancient with small statues here and there and parts where boulders have partially blocked the path. It was a lot of fun exploring the mountain.

Giant boulders and temples along the path.

An ancient path....

The day we selected to climb Mt Misen was a cold, overcast day with fog rolling in and out as we snaked our way to the top and sheets of rain falling over the Seto inland sea in the distance. In this atmosphere we reached the summit to find the area almost to ourselves except for the roaming sacred deer.

Legend tells us that a God sits atop some of the boulders each and every night to watch over the sacred Miyajima.

You can almost feel the God sitting there as you pass by in the almost complete silence at 500 meters above the sea.

These are the boulders where the God sits and protects Miyajima.

The view from the observatory was quite breathtaking on this day.

The climb up Mt Misen is one of those things you have to do at least once in your lifetime. Unfortunately it is not for everyone as it can get steep in parts. We were lucky that the day we visited lent itself to the sacred nature of the island. We were there in early January so it was cold but the trek to the summit warms you up.

Add Mt Misen to your list of 'must see' in Japan - it is more than worth it.

G