Miyajima Day Trip with Mount Misen Ropeway from Hiroshima

From Hiroshima Station to Miyajima

The day begins at Hiroshima Station, so you do not need to work out how to get to Miyajima yourself. With your guide you take the local train west along the coast to Miyajimaguchi, about 30 minutes, then the ferry across to the island, which takes about ten minutes. Both fares are included in this Miyajima day trip from Hiroshima.

From the ferry deck you see the vermilion torii standing in the sea and the green slopes of Mount Misen rising behind the town, the mountain you will ride up later in the day. On arrival your guide introduces the island, its deer and the rules for meeting them: they are sacred and must not be fed.

Itsukushima Shrine and the floating torii

Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the reason Miyajima has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. Tradition dates it to the late sixth century, and its vermilion halls linked by corridors over the tidal flat took their present form in the 12th century. When the tide is high the shrine appears to float; when it is low you can walk to the Great Torii, about 16 metres tall.

Entry is included, and your guide explains the shrine's sea deities, the stage built over the water and the meaning of the gate. Itsukushima Shrine opening hours generally run from 6:30 until 17:00 to 18:00 depending on the season, and the morning visit on this tour avoids the busiest hours.

Senjokaku Pavilion and the five-storey pagoda

On the hill just above the shrine, Senjokaku is a huge wooden hall whose name means the pavilion of a thousand tatami mats. Building began in 1587, but it was never completed, and today its open interior is hung with old painted votive boards. Entry is included, and the breezy hall offers a fine view over the roofs to the sea.

Next to it rises the red five-storey pagoda, built in 1407, which combines Japanese and Chinese architectural styles. Together they form one of the island's classic photo spots, especially in early April when the surrounding cherry trees flower. Your guide also points out Omotesando street below, where you can buy lunch and momiji manju maple-leaf cakes during the day.

Daisho-in Temple

Daisho-in, founded according to tradition in 806, is the oldest temple on Miyajima and the traditional starting point for climbing the sacred mountain. Its stone stairway is lined with prayer wheels that you turn as you climb, and the paths are watched over by hundreds of small stone statues of Buddha's disciples, many dressed in knitted caps.

Inside the grounds you find colourful halls, hanging lanterns and a dim cave, as well as views over the town. The temple is especially beautiful in mid to late November, when the maples turn red, the best time to visit Miyajima for autumn colours. From here the group continues through Momijidani Park to the ropeway station.

Mount Misen ropeway and summit

The Mount Misen ropeway starts in Momijidani Park and climbs in two sections, first in small gondolas over the forest, then in a larger cable car, to Shishiiwa station, high on the mountain. The ride takes about 20 minutes including the change. The observation area beside the upper station looks over the Inland Sea, its scattered islands and, on clear days, as far as the mountains of Shikoku.

You then have free time at the top. Energetic visitors can follow the trail to the 535-metre summit, about 30 minutes each way on rocky steps, passing old temple halls and huge granite boulders, to a summit observatory with views all around. Wild deer and monkeys live on the mountain, so keep food out of sight. The ropeway may stop in strong winds.