The highest peak on the island of Miyajima, Mount Misen stands tall and rather gracefully so, 500 m above sea level. It is a popular tourist spot majorly because several striking Buddhist displays can be seen at the peak of the mountain owing to the fact that this was where Kobo Daishi founded and practiced the Shingon sect of Buddhism. Of these structures, the most important is the Misen Main Mall (Hondo) and the Reikado, which is essentially the Hall of the Spiritual Flame that still burns bright in the memory of its founder.

A ropeway from Miyajima town can get you right to the top of Misen where arresting views of the Seto Inland Sea and Hiroshima city await you. The ride is 20 minutes long and a transfer is essential. For more seasoned travellers, three relatively short hiking trails allow you to climb the mountain on foot, often brushing shoulders with the many deer strolling around. One of these beautiful paths is via the Momijidani Park at the foot of the mountain. Replete with the prettiest maple trees that morph into Japan’s signature cherry blossoms during spring, this place is what dreams are made of. And there are more than two hundred such trees! Make sure you take this charming and vibrant walking path in order to make memories that will last a lifetime.