Temples / Shrines

Although Miyajima is most famous for its floating torii gate, there’s enough to do to spend several days on the island. One top place to visit is the sacred Mount Misen, which is the highest mountain on the island and is located within the Itsukushima Shrine World Heritage area. You can reach the top of the mountain by taking the ropeway or hiking along one of the trails. Hiking Trails If you want to hike Mount Misen, you have three options. These vary in length, but they’re all medium difficulty. They converge at the main path and end at Misen Park, where there is an observatory. Daisho-in The shortest hike is the Daisho-in course. It’s 2.3 kilometers and takes around an hour and a half. It’s a popular choice because it begins at Daisho-in Temple, meaning you can start your journey with a visit to the temple buildings. This includes Daisha Hall, which has an artificial cave beneath it housing 88 statues. From the temple grounds, the trail passes along the Shiraito River and through the Misen Virgin Forest. Momijidani Named for Momijidani Park where the trail begins, the Momijidani course is an ideal option in the fall when the…