11 Days in Chūgoku & Kyushu – Day 06 – Itsukushima – Mt. Misen Summit

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The Ropeway to go up Mt. Misen on Miyajima Island actually consists of two lines: Momijidani Line that’s a Gondola lift system and with a ten minute ride up. The connecting line is Shishiiwa Line that uses an Aerial tramway system. The latter’s car is much bigger, but also supports standing passengers. Or rather, the car has just a small number of seats, and most passengers will have to stand. But you get magnificent views going up, and it’s a short-ride. So, stand if you can for the best view.

The Shishiiwa Observatory is about 430 meters above sea level and offers spectacular views. The area though isn’t terrifically big. There were just a small number of visitors at about 9:45AM, so no one was tripping over each other to take pictures or pose for their vanity Instagram selfies. However, I imagine that during peak hours, the place will get really crowded!

The actual Mt. Misen summit though is at 535 meters, and requires visitors to hike their way up. Visitor comments have said it’s a 30 minute walk, and I indeed took about that time. the trail is marked out clearly, and well-paved early on till around mid-point of the trail. There are also a few somewhat steep bits, but nothing insurmountable if you take it slowly and watch where you place your feet, and you’ve got good walking shoes (I wore rugged sandals and I was fine).

View of Hiroshima Bay from Shishiiwa Observatory. It’s a steep drop past the fencing, so you really have to be going out of your way or just plain suicidal to cross it!
The coastal cities back on the mainland. The view is better at the summit, but if you’re crammed for time or find the idea of 30 minutes of climbing unappealing, the views at the Observatory are still decent.
Onsabi Island, with Etajima just behind it.
30 minutes to Mt. Misen summit. Go for it!
Lots of signage to guide you.
Reikado Hall and Misenhondo Hall is about midpoint of the 30 minute hike up to the summit. The three trails down the mountain also end here if you’re climbing up.
This will be your most welcomed sight after 30 minutes of climbing!
The Mt. Misen Observatory at 535 meters above sea level. There are three levels: the toilets are on the basement, and there are two viewing levels. The lower viewing level has seating, but the upper one is the one that offers 360 degree views.
Wished I’d brought along my Tamron 70-200mm f2.8!
Onabasi island about right in the center there.
Shishiiwa Observatory. Still not too crowded yet.
This should be Kogurokami Island.
Mokuzaikominami in Hiroshima in the far distance.
Looking down at the island’s ferry terminal.
Couple of swanky looking hotels or apartment blocks. I’ll have to squint at Google Maps to figure out what location this is!

My descent down Mt. Misen via Daishoin Trail in the next post!