Mt. Misen on Miyajima: Ropeway or Hike? Fares, Times and What Changed in 2026

Quick answer: Mt. Misen (535 m) is the sacred mountain behind Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima. The Miyajima Ropeway takes you most of the way up in about 15 minutes (about ¥2,000 return); from the top station it’s a further 30-minute walk on steep stone steps to the summit observatory. Or hike all the way up on one of three trails (about 1.5–2 hours). Allow half a day. On busy days in autumn you may need to book the ropeway online. Note: the Reikado hall burned down in May 2026 and is being rebuilt.

My family is from Hiroshima, and I’ve been up Mt. Misen by ropeway. This guide covers the practical side: the ropeway, the walk to the summit, the hiking trails, and what’s changed this year.

Ropeway or hike?

Another option is to ride up and walk down one of the trails, so you get the views without the hardest climb.

The Miyajima Ropeway

The ropeway runs in two stages:

1. Momijidani Station → Kayatani Station: small 8-person gondolas, about 10 minutes.
2. Kayatani → Shishiiwa Station: a larger 30-person car, about 4 minutes.

I went up this way, and it’s the easy option for most visitors.

• Fare (adults): about ¥1,100 one way, ¥2,000 return. Children (6–11) half price.
• Hours: roughly 9:00–16:00 going up, with the last car down around 16:30. Times change by season, so check on the day.
• Closures: it stops in strong wind and bad weather, and closes for two inspection days a year.
• Busy days: on peak days, especially weekends and holidays in the autumn leaf season (November), you may need to book online in advance. Check the official Miyajima Ropeway website before you go.

Getting to Momijidani Station: it’s about a 25-minute walk from the ferry pier, through Momijidani Park (beautiful in autumn). A free shuttle bus also runs from the park entrance up to the station.

I couldn’t confirm the latest fares and hours on the ropeway’s official website (it was under maintenance on 25 October 2026), so the figures above are from other recent sources. Check before you go.

From the top station to the summit

From Shishiiwa Station, the Shishiiwa Observatory is just a minute’s walk away — a good viewpoint if you don’t want to go further.

The summit is about 30 minutes further on, along a path with steep stone steps. Wear proper shoes. At the top, the summit observatory (535 m), redesigned in 2013, looks out over the Seto Inland Sea and its islands. It’s free.

Leave yourself enough time to walk back to the station for the last ropeway down.

Reikado and the “eternal flame”: what changed in 2026

Below the summit, the Reikado hall housed a flame said to have been burning for about 1,200 years, since the monk Kobo Daishi trained on the mountain. The hall burned down on 20 May 2026. The flame itself survived and is being kept safely while the hall is rebuilt; the temple aims to finish rebuilding in autumn 2027.

Until then, don’t expect to see the flame in its usual place. Many older guides still describe it.

Hiking trails

There are three main trails from the town to the summit. From the prefecture’s trail guide:

Safety tips from the trail guide:

• The paths are steep, with slippery rocks and many junctions.
• There’s no lighting — start down well before sunset.
• No sandals. Carry water, food, rain gear and a charged phone.

When to go

• November: the maples of Momijidani (literally “maple valley”) are at their best, usually mid to late November. It’s also the busiest time.
• Spring and autumn are the most comfortable for hiking. Summer is hot and humid on the trails.
• It’s cooler on the mountain than in town, so bring a layer.

Plan your Miyajima day

Mt. Misen takes about half a day with the ropeway. A good plan is the shrine and town in the morning (check the tide times), then the ropeway in the early afternoon. See Miyajima: Day Trip or Overnight? for the shrine, ferries and where to stay.

Remember the ¥100 Miyajima visitor tax, usually included in your ferry fare.

FAQ

How long does it take to climb Mt. Misen?
About 1.5–2 hours on foot. By ropeway, about 15 minutes plus a 30-minute walk to the summit.

How much is the Miyajima Ropeway?
About ¥2,000 return for adults. Check the latest fare on the day.

Can I see the eternal flame?
The Reikado hall burned down in May 2026. The flame survived, but the hall is being rebuilt until about autumn 2027.

Do I need to book the ropeway?
On busy days, especially in November, online booking may be required.

Trail times and the summit walk checked against Hiroshima Prefecture and official tourism information on 25 October 2026. Ropeway fares and hours are from recent secondary sources.

Kaz

Tokushima local with family roots in Hiroshima

I live in Tokushima and my family is from Hiroshima, where I also used to live. I still go back several times a year. The guides here come from places I have actually been. Where I haven't tried something myself, I say so.