Mount Misen — Attraction in Hatsukaichi

Really Nice walk up to the top of the mountain through the forest with lots of beautiful clear streams and deer just walking around. We used the cable car to take us most of the way to the top and back down again but I believe you can walk it if you are really a keen hiker, as they offer a one way ticket up the mountain (Ticket is around 1800 yen per person round trip) so if you can walk back down you could probably walk up too. But this would be a full day of hiking if you did this. When you get to the top with the cable car you still have about a 1 km hike to the top viewing point (But it felt like more) which I would suggest you take some water and wear a good pair of shoes as it can be steep in some parts and if it moist can be a little slippery but my wife did make it with her heeled boots :-) but I wouldn't suggest this if you want to do it at a pace. The view at the top is Awesome even on a slightly cloudy day today but on a clear day I think it would be spectacular. There is drink machines at the top of the cable car and are the same prices you find in all the vending machines around japan - we grabbed a 600ml bottle of water for 180 yen and it was nice an cold too. the whole adventure took us about 2 hours at...

Even when taking the ropeway, reaching Misen's various attractions still requires a considerable amount of walking, as the mountain's peak is still another 100 meters higher and about a kilometer away from the upper ropeway station around the Shishi-iwa Observatory.

Deer can sometimes be seen along the mountain's paths. Much rarer these days are wild monkeys, as most monkeys were moved off the island to a monkey park in Inuyama in recent years. The monkey population had grown too large and caused various problems.

It is said that Buddhism was first practiced on Mount Misen by Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Shingon sect and one of Japan's holiest religious persons. Near Misen's summit stand several temple structures which belong to Daisho-in Temple at the base of the mountain.

Of particular interest are the Misen Hondo (Misen Main Hall) and the Reikado (Hall of the Spiritual Flame). The latter protects a flame, which Kobo Daishi is said to have lit when he began worshiping on the mountain. It has been burning ever since, and was also used to light the Flame of Peace in...

Mt. Misen is situated in the center of Miyajima Island. The mountain was opened as an ascetic holy mountain site by Kukai, posthumously called Kobo daishi. On the mountain are various spiritual sites which remind us of the holy deeds performed by Kobo Daishi. The panoramic view from the top of the mountain is magnificent.

THE SEVEN WONDERS OF MISEN

The Eternal Fire which has been burning for over 1,200 years.

Holy Plum Tree The Plum tree took root where Kobo-Daishi placed his tin stick.

The Great Mandara Rock with Buddhist Scriptures written by Kobo-Daishi.

Ryu-to-no-sugi (Dragon Fire Cedar). The Cedar from where many lights or fire-balls can be seen in early February evenings.

Kanman-iwa (ebb and flow rock).

The Dewy Cherry Tree which even on clear days.

Hyoshigi-no oto,which is said to be the sound of wood blocks clapped at night by the Tengu, a long...