Mt. Misen Hiking Trails: Routes, Difficulty & What to Expect on Miyajima

Three Trails Up Mt. Misen: Choosing Your Route

Mt. Misen (弥山, 535m) is the highest peak on Miyajima Island, and three main hiking trails lead from the base to the summit. Each offers a different character — steep maple valley, stone-step pilgrimage path, or quiet forest walk — and all converge near the summit buildings before the final push to the observation deck.

The trails are free, open year-round, and require no reservation. The total hiking time ranges from 90 minutes to 2+ hours depending on the route, with an additional 30 minutes to explore the summit area. For what awaits at the top, see our Mt. Misen summit views guide. For the easier ropeway option, see our ropeway and short summit walk guide. Mt. Misen is part of our Hiroshima mountain guides.

Trail	Time (up)	Character	Difficulty
Momijidani	~90 min	Steep, maple valley, roots	Moderate-Hard
Daisho-in	~90-120 min	2,000+ stone steps, varied views	Moderate
Omoto	~120+ min	Forest, quiet, wildlife	Moderate

Momijidani Course: The Steepest Path Through Maple Valley

The Momijidani Course (紅葉谷コース) starts near the ropeway lower station in Momijidani Park — the same maple valley that is famous for autumn foliage in November. According to the Hiroshima Prefecture tourism site, the ascent takes approximately 90 minutes.

This is the steepest of the three trails. The path climbs through forest with exposed tree roots, dirt sections that become slippery after rain, and some scrambling over rock. The maple canopy is beautiful in autumn but the trail surface demands attention year-round.

The route is the shortest in distance but the most physically demanding per kilometer. Choose this trail if you want the most direct ascent and are comfortable with uneven, steep terrain. Avoid it after heavy rain when the dirt and root sections become genuinely treacherous.

Daisho-in Course: 2,000 Stone Steps and the Most Varied Scenery

The Daisho-in Course (大聖院コース) starts near Daisho-in Temple, one of Miyajima's most important Buddhist temples. According to the Hatsukaichi city tourism site, the trail features approximately 2,000 stone steps and takes 90-120 minutes to ascend.

This is the most varied trail — the stone steps provide reliable footing (better than Momijidani's dirt in wet weather), and the route passes through different vegetation zones with periodic viewpoints over the Seto Inland Sea. The starting point near Daisho-in Temple adds cultural context before the climb begins.

Many visitors on Reddit and TripAdvisor recommend Daisho-in as the best overall trail for first-time hikers. The stone steps are tiring but well-maintained, and the varied scenery maintains interest throughout the ascent. The trail is more crowded than Omoto but less than Momijidani.

Omoto Course: The Quiet Forest Route

The Omoto Course (大本コース) starts from the west side of the island near Omoto Shrine. According to the Miyajima Tourism Association, this is the longest route at approximately 2+ hours, passing through deep forest with the least foot traffic of the three trails.

The Omoto Course suits hikers who want solitude and a more immersive forest experience. The trail passes through the ancient primeval forest (原始林) that covers much of Mt. Misen — a Natural Treasure of Japan. Deer encounters are more common on this route, as are occasional monkey sightings.

The trade-off is length and remoteness. The trail is less well-marked than the other two and has fewer hikers, meaning you are more on your own if something goes wrong. Bring plenty of water and allow extra time.

What to Bring and Practical Hiking Tips

Gear, Water, and Seasonal Considerations

Essential gear:

• Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots — not sandals or sneakers. Stone steps and root sections require ankle support and grip
• Water: bring at least 500ml, more in summer. There are no guaranteed water sources on any trail
• Snacks: limited to no food available on trails or at the summit
• Rain jacket: mountain weather can change, and trails become slippery in rain
• Sun protection in summer; layers in winter

Seasonal notes:

• Autumn (November): Momijidani Course is spectacular for foliage — expect crowds
• Winter: Trails can be slippery with frost. Fewer hikers, atmospheric forest
• Summer: Hot and humid. Start early, bring extra water
• Spring: Comfortable temperatures, moderate crowds

Deer are present on all trails, especially Omoto. Do not feed them — they are wild animals and can be aggressive around food.

Combining a Hike Up with the Ropeway Down

The most popular approach: hike up one trail, explore the summit, then walk to Shishiiwa Station (the ropeway upper station, approximately 30 minutes from the summit) and ride the ropeway down. This saves your knees on the descent and lets you experience both the trail and the aerial views.

One-way ropeway tickets are available. Check operating hours before planning — if you are still at the summit when the ropeway closes, you will need to hike down. For ropeway logistics, see our ropeway and walk guide.

Getting to the Trailheads from Miyajima Ferry Terminal

All three trailheads are within walking distance of the Miyajima Ferry Terminal:

Trailhead	Walk from Ferry Terminal	Starting Point
Momijidani	~15 min	Near ropeway lower station
Daisho-in	~20 min	Near Daisho-in Temple
Omoto	~25 min	Near Omoto Shrine (west side)

The ferry from Miyajima-guchi Station (JR Sanyo Line) takes approximately 10 minutes. From Hiroshima Station, the total journey to Miyajima is about 50 minutes (JR train + ferry).

Trails are free, open 24 hours, and require no reservation. However, hiking after dark is not recommended — the trails are unlit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which trail is best for beginners on Mt. Misen?

Daisho-in Course is recommended despite its 2,000+ steps — the stone steps are well-maintained, the trail is varied with viewpoints, and the starting point near the temple is easy to find. Momijidani is steeper with root-covered sections that are harder on the legs. Omoto is long and less well-marked.

How long does each trail take?

Momijidani: approximately 90 minutes up. Daisho-in: approximately 90-120 minutes up. Omoto: approximately 120+ minutes up. All converge near the summit. Descent takes 60-80% of ascent time. Add 30 minutes for exploring the summit area (observation deck, Reikado Hall, temple buildings).

Can I hike up and take the ropeway down?

Yes — this is the most popular combination. Hike up any trail, explore the summit, then walk approximately 30 minutes to Shishiiwa Station (ropeway upper station) and ride down. The one-way ropeway ticket saves your knees on the descent. Check ropeway closing time before starting your hike.

Is water available on the trails?

Not reliably. Bring your own water — at least 500ml, more in summer. There may be vending machines near trailheads but none are guaranteed along the trails or at the summit. Dehydration is a common issue on longer routes, especially Omoto.

Are the trails suitable for children?

Children over 6-8 with some hiking experience can manage Momijidani or Daisho-in with adult supervision. The stone steps on Daisho-in are tiring but manageable at a slow pace. Not recommended for very young children or strollers. The ropeway + short walk combination is better for young families.