Mt. Misen

Mount Misen (Misen) is the highest mountain on Miyajima, with an elevation of 535 meters.
The primeval forest of Mount Misen is registered as part of a UNESCO World Heritage listing as a combined heritage with the cultural property Itsukushima Shrine. Mount Misen’s nature is distinctive, with ancient plant life remaining in an untouched state. The coexistence of subtropical plant species and warm-temperate species is said to be something you can see only on Mount Misen. From the "Misen Observatory" near the summit, you can overlook the Seto Inland Sea and even the mountain ranges of Shikoku. The view has also been awarded three stars in the Michelin Guide. The huge and unusual rock formations near the summit are also considered power spots. Other highlights include "Miyama Shrine," which enshrines the same three goddesses as Itsukushima Shrine; "Misen Hondō," said to have been founded by Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi) in 806; and "Gumonji-dō," behind it, where Kūkai is said to have performed the Gumonjihō practice for 100 days. Access to Miyajima is a 10-minute ferry ride from JR Miyajimaguchi Station, and from there it takes about two hours on foot to reach the summit of Mount Misen.