11 Days in Chūgoku & Kyushu – Day 06 – Itsukushima – Daishoin Trail

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This is my first experience in mountain trekking, with an easy mountain to boot. And I’m only descending! There are three trails that go up and down Mt. Misen, each with different lengths and things to see along the way. They are the Momiji Dani Route (2.5km), the Daishoin Route (3km), and the Omoto Route (3.2km). I opted for the Daishoin Trail on account that it was reportedly the prettiest. According to one site, it’s also the safest somewhat with clear markings, and that the route is largely stone-steps. The trail from 0 meters to the summit takes between 90 minutes to 2 hours. Other visitors have commented that the descent version takes half that time – which sounds about right. I started at 11:27AM at Reikado Hall, and reached the end-point – Daishoin Temple – at 12:33PM.

With the benefit of hindsight though, I probably should have chosen the Momijidani route on account that the stone-steps in the Daishoin trail caused severe stress on my knees, so much so that two days after the descent – I’m writing this on Day 8 night time now – my legs are aching so badly I have difficulties walking down stairs, or walking in general for that matter. The Momijidani  route reportedly is a sloping road which should had been easier on the knees.

Descending down Mt. Misen Summit. This should be Sankido Hall on the left.
The start of the Daishoin trail is just beside Reikado Hall, and teases visitors with its left curve and what secrets it holds.
Lots of signage to reassure you that you’re on the right track and how much more left to go.
Stone steps!
Stone paved paths!
More stone steps!
Another stone-paved path!
You get the idea. Basically, if your knees and joints can take steps, go for this route.
There are places where you can get great views of the island while on the trail.
Satomichaya observatory, at 12:15PM – about three quarters done in the descent.
Nearing the end at 12:25PM.
Civilization again! Finally! That’s the back of Daishoin Temple I think.
It was drizzling by this point at 12:31PM.
There hadn’t been much rain at this point, so there weren’t significant falls or rushing waters downstream to compose nifty pictures.
The end of the trail reached at 12:33PM – Daishoin Temple.
The three routes. The detailed hiking map is at http://chushikoku.env.go.jp/nature/miyajima_guide_map/pdf/en/03_geology.pdf

Summary: go for it! Set aside at least an hour, and if you’re not confident of your fitness levels, do the down-mountain version.

My exploration of Itsukushima continues in the next post!