An irreplaceable view. We lucked out with a pretty clear day and the shade of the forest trail really helped us out. We didn’t take the ropeway and I believe this is the more beautiful and rewarding version of the trek. From bottom to the summit was about 4hrs and about 1hr back down to the city. You cannot put this view into words, and I believe this is a must-see if you are visiting Hiroshima/Miyajima. Make sure to stock up on water and snacks as there are only one or two fountains near the bottom and a couple vending machines about 3hrs into the hike.

What a view. That hike down is pretty brutal though. Please take a stick with you and realize those steps are old and in need of some tlc.

Having done the 3 different hikes, the most beautiful one is by far the Daisho-in road (middle one). First of all you can start by enjoying the magnificent buddhist complex and if you go early in the morning you might even come across a ceremony which will liven your spirit up 😌. The hike like all three is easy and there is absolutely nothing difficult as long as you take your time. If I had to rate all three hikes I would say: 1) Daisho-in course (by the river and the buddhist temple) 2) Omoto course (by the forest) 3) Momijidani course Taking the Momijidani course for the way back is a good choice as you will cross the Momijidani park on arrival which is quite picturesque.

It’s best if there is good weather. The observatory has a large sitting platform. A number of people will bring drinks and food to eat and enjoy the view. Given the height of the observatory, it is a good place to escape the heat. Be aware they do not sell drinks or food at the observatory. Please plan the time accordingly as it is still a approximately a 30 minute walk from the ropeway. The hike varies significantly. With one of the longer walks taking up to 2hrs.

What a gorgeous hike! Unfortunately we had bad luck with weather, and all we saw from the top was mist. Still, it was well worth it as the trek up the mountain is invigorating and the nature of the woods calms you. The top observatory has two levels where you can rest and enjoy the view. There are bathrooms available, but no drinking water. There's also a gift shop, which was closed when we arrived. The summit also has a lot of standing stones and little statues. We took the Deisho-in trail, starting at the Deisho-in temple. There are two other trails, but we were told this one was least steep. And of course you can also take the ropeway up and/or down, though I recommend doing the hike if you're able. The ascent took us an hour and a half, the path is quite straight forward, mostly stone steps and gravel. But there are a couple of treacherous parts, one passing through a stream with stepping stones. This part is probably fine on a regular day, but as it had been raining very heavily this day the stream had swelled and we had to jump from stone to stone in order not to soak our shoes. There's also a couple narrow stone bridges to cross, but they're very short and shouldn't be an issue. Warnings were posted for venomous snakes, but we never saw any. Main thing to consider is that there are A LOT of steps.

It’s such a beautiful climb to the top of Misan. On a sunny day, it’s just absolutely gorgeous! One can either walk up from the shore all the way up, or can take a rope way to cover most of the climb. The walk paths are very well maintained.

Climbing up Mount Misen is worth it alone for all the incredible sights along the way, but the view from the top of the observatory is why people make the climb (or pay the aerial tramway fare).

Quite a difficult hike but you're awarded with a gorgeous view and a lovely shelter where you can have a snack or enjoy lunch while you enjoy the view. I would recommend like the locals to bring a bento and have it while you're at the observatory.

Great walk from the ferry to the observatory! Really peaceful and quiet with wonderful nature. Great view of Hiroshima Bay and the surrounding mountains.

After the climb to the top this is the best place to rest your body and enjoy the great views from the obervatory. Keep in mind that there is only a toilet up here! There is a very small souvenir shop but don't expect anything from it and make sure you brought enough water from the bottom or from the halfway station if you came by cable cart.

A beautiful climb, if you chose to hike up there. There are lots of temples and serene nature along the way. Be warned, there are no garbage cans or vending machines. There is a bathroom though located on the first floor. You can also get some souvenirs and a free stamp by the kind employee working there. Go to the top and enjoy the 360* view. Weather was nice and warm up on the top but there is a nice breeze.

This was an amazing view from the top at around 550m above sea level. Just be prepared to either wait a serious amount of time at the cable railway or hike the mountain up and down. Hiking took us around 2 hours in total, and we were completely wasted afterward, but it was worth it.

There are a few other things like the 5 story pagoda and the Tori Gate, but the Mt Misen climb is well worth the effort. Mt Misen isn't hard to do if you've done The Inca Trail and Macchi Pichu, but it isn't a cake walk either. Even some of the younger people were huffing and puffing. We took the Rope car which is in two sections. A small 4-6 person sit-down cab and an upper larger maybe 10-12 or so stand up cab. It takes about 20 minutes up and then about a 30-45 minute up and the same down. But you go down in a little dip before going back up a steeper climb to the top. There are a couple of stops on this upper trail with smaller shrines. The observatory at the top has three stories. A second floor with big seating and a roof top standing 360 view. Makes the trek rewarding. A definite must do.

Honestly do not miss the chance to see it. I recommand going by foot as the hike take only about 45min-1h, but the ropaway isnt that expensive (like 1000-1500y ish). You have a view on all of Hiroshima and the whole island. My favorite spot in the south.

Short hike up from the ropeway station. The view is definitely worth the short 40 mins hike

I would say this was one of the best places I have been to in Japan, the view is breathtaking, the observatory has a nice deck where you can sit or sleep. You can the golden white shrine from that place, also the whole city and some great islands, take your family, friends, spouse, and have a small talk or a small drink together, it is a very romantic place, but make sure to have enough warm outfit, because it is very cold up there in the winter. My advice is to take the hiking trail up to the observatory instead of the ropeway, at least one way, the hike itself is worth every second and sweat you will exert.

This was quite a climb, especially during the summer heat. However, this observatory and its views were what made the climb worth it. There are two floors to the observatory. On the first floor, you can find people just lying down on the seats. The wind here is so cooling and provides a great respite from the heat. The view is also pretty cool, with a view of the various islands.

This place was definitely worth visiting. Beautiful views that start on the way up. Once you arrive at the top of the lifts you can enjoy a long walk to the top of the mountain to be rewarded with even more beautiful views. I would not recommend the walk up when traveling with little children. I would recommend to go early, maybe even try catching one of the first lifts as it does get crowded around noon.

Excellent place for a walk when visiting Itsukuahima island. Taking the northernmost route up if it is sunny is good as it is shaded. Walk is steep but with good quality steps all the way.

No visit to Miyajima Island would be complete without embarking on the invigorating trek to the top of Mount Misen Observatory. This experience is an absolute must for those seeking awe-inspiring panoramic views that will leave you speechless. As you ascend the mountain, each step brings you closer to nature's grandeur. The trail is surrounded by lush greenery, and the crisp mountain air rejuvenates your spirit. The journey itself becomes an adventure, filled with anticipation and excitement. Upon reaching the Mount Misen Observatory, you are greeted with a spectacle that surpasses imagination. The expansive vistas stretch out before you, showcasing the beauty of Miyajima Island and its surroundings. The sweeping coastal views, the tranquil sea, and the island's iconic landmarks all converge to create a breathtaking tableau. The observatory provides the perfect vantage point to soak in the stunning scenery. It's a moment of serenity and reflection as you become one with the natural world around you. Whether you're an avid photographer or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, the views from the Mount Misen Observatory will captivate your senses and leave an indelible impression.

We didn’t expect it to be as beautiful as it was. The views were breathtaking. We took the rope way up and then walked down, took 45-1hr and had a lot of steps but if you’re reasonably fit and active then it’s worthwhile doing

Great hike to the top. It's all stairs, but it's not easy. Still, the view is worth the hike. Bring lots of water, especially on a humid day. There is no potable water at the observatory. You can cut down on the hike by using the cable cars too, which offer quite a nice view of the forest.

Excellent climb resulting in the Mount Misen Observatory offering plenty of shaded seating and a viewing platform. There is a small store but it only sells a handful of souvenirs, there is no food or drink sold up here. We grabbed the cable car down the hill, but there was lots of queuing at both stations as the route is served by two separate cable car stations in sequence.

I thoroughly enjoyed the trails leading up to Misen Summit. Not terribly difficult or challenging on the route I took up (don't know the name). Coming down, I took the Oōmoto Course which brought me to Oōmoto Park before returning to the pier. Great scenery. Even though I came on a rainy and cloudy day, I was not disappointed.

Well worth the 30 minute walk from the cable car station. Perfect place to sit and relax. The observatory is very clean and has toilets.

You can see other islands from here (there is even explaination for direction, seasonal sunrise-sunset). Tourist information (with goods, books, and route guide) is in the floor below. Due to snow on 2022.12.23, you can't use the women toilet. There were quite many people waiting in front of man toilet when I went here, so better to use the one near Reika-do (though this one is old and not convenient).

“Long track, Tired but worth it!” The highest point of the sacred island of Miyajima is Mount Misen (弥山) at 535 meters (1755 ft.). At the very top of the mountain is an observatory, called Mount Misen Observatory, with a stunning view over Hiroshima Bay. This modern observatory at the very top of Mount Misen, which provides amazing views over Hiroshima bay and it’s many islands. The observatory really gives a unique perspective on the area around Miyajima, and is worth a trip up the mountain. The observatory can be reached either by hiking (1.5-2 hours) one of the three paths leading up the mountain, or by a combination of ropeway and hiking (20 + 20 minutes). Even if you take the ropeway, there is a steep hike on an unpaved path to make it all the way to the observatory. There are no vending machines at the top, however there are vending machines at the ropeway station and a small, well-hidden vending machine at the temple buildings near the observatory. In the basement of the observatory is a small tourist information, which also sells small souvenirs – but no drinks. Getting there Hiking: There are great possibilities to hike up to Mount Misen Observatory. Please read the article on Hiking Mount Misen for details. Calculate for around 1.5 – 2 hours to hike up from Daisho-in temple. It is also possible to book a guided hiking tour to the top of the mountain. Cable car: the Miyajima Ropeway’s lower station is located on the edge of Miyajima town. It is a 25 minute walk from the ferry port to the ropeway station. There is also a free shuttlebus from Momojidani Park. The ropeway takes you, in two steps, to Shishiiwa Observatory near the top of the mountain. From Shishiiwa Observatory it is a 25 minute, unpaved hike to Mount Misen Observatory. The ropeway operates up-hill between 9.00 -17.00 and downhill between 9.20 – 17:30. The ride takes between 20-30 minutes total, depending on your timing. Check the official website for more details. From: Tourist in Japan

Hiked up and took the ropeway down. Amazing views from the top.

It is a long way to the top. Using the rope way and then more than 30 minutes walking on steep slopes you finally reach the top of mount misen. It was really worth the trip... you have a great 360 degrees view. Make sure you have some extra drinks with you cause on the top they don't have any. Please.... no high heels.... yes we have seen them up there.... just don't... worth the trip, we took the round trip for 1800 yen a person, if you wanna walk down you can take a single trip.

We hiked up as gondola closer for maintenance. It is a beautiful walk up to the summit. There are some large steps and steep parts. Recommed stable shoes and a moderate amount of fitness (if you want to do it in under 2.5 hours return trip). Also recommend taking gondola up and walking down. The forrest is amazing.