Mount Misen and The Eternal Flame

Rising 535 meters above the vast Seto Inland Sea, Mount Misen stands as a sacred peak, enveloped in the mysteries of ancient worship. Located on the island of Itsukushima, this primeval mountain boasts Virgin Forests, designated as a natural monument and botanical museum, within the protective bounds of Setonaikai National Park.

The Miyajima ropeway is the easiest and most scenic way to get to the top of Mount Misen

The roots of Mount Misen's sacred legacy stretches back to the 9th century, when it was claimed by Kūkai (Kobo Daishi), the revered founder of the esoteric Shingon school of Buddhism and one of Japan's most venerated spiritual leaders. At the mountain's summit, a collection of ancient wonders await, many of which are housed within the Daisho-in Temple at the foot of the peak, preserving the profound spiritual connection that has defined the area for centuries.

The summit is 100 metres higher and 1 leg-burning kilometre away from the Shishi-iwa Observatory

One of the most captivating sites on Mount Misen is Reikado, the Hall of the Spiritual Flame. In 806 AD, Master Daishi is believed to have ascended Misen, performing powerful fire rituals known as goma to sanctify the mountain. From his sacred fire, a flame was born that has never been extinguished. This eternal flame, the Kiezu-no-hi, still burns within Reikado Hall, halfway up the mountain. Remarkably, it is the same flame that was used to ignite the Flame of Peace in Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park. Mount Misen stands as a place where peace and divinity are forever forged in fire.

It is said that the holy water boiled by this fire cures disease with its healing properties

Mount Misen is renowned for its Seven Wonders, a collection of supernatural phenomena woven into the island’s ancient legends. Among these is Kanman-iwa, a mysterious rock located halfway up the mountain, that rises and falls with the tides and Shakujo-no-Ume, a tree said to have sprouted from Kūkai’s staff. These wonders blend religious folklore with unexplained natural oddities and have been part of the island’s oral tradition for centuries.

Mount Misen is also steeped in the rich folklore of tengu, mythical yokai (supernatural beings) that are often depicted with long noses, red faces and wings. These enigmatic spirits have long been associated with the guarding of forests and mountain peaks, believed to possess both divine and mischievous powers. Locals have traditionally attributed unexplained phenomena to the tengu, from eerie, disembodied sounds echoing through the trees to sudden gusts of wind that seem to come from nowhere. Hikers who lost their way were sometimes thought to have been led astray by these elusive beings, adding an air of mystery and caution to the mountain. For centuries, tales of the tengu have woven a veil of mysticism around Mount Misen, blurring the lines between the natural world and the supernatural.

The summit affords spectacular views of the island-studded Seto Inland Sea

Mount Misen is a UNESCO World Heritage buffer zone, intricately linked to the Itsukushima Shrine area. While the shrine stands on the coastline, the mountain itself is revered as an integral part of this sacred landscape. Pilgrims journey here for its spiritual significance, while tourists and history enthusiasts are drawn by its breathtaking natural beauty, rich history and the deep sense of mythological wonder that surrounds it. Whether seeking divine connection, cultural insight or simply a moment of awe, this mountain offers a profound experience that blends history, nature and legend.

Momijidani Park, renowned for its breathtaking beauty, stretches along the river in the Maple Valley at the base of Mount Misen. Cultivated during the Edo period, the park is home to nearly two hundred vibrant maple trees that transform into a kaleidoscope of red, pink and yellow each autumn. This stunning display of colour draws visitors from all over the world. The park is also a sanctuary for the sacred Sika deer, whose gentle presence adds to the area's spiritual atmosphere.

Location : Misen, Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima, Japan

How to get there :  The ropeway station is a ten minute walk inland from the Itsukushima Shrine or a 20 minute walk from Miyajima ferry pier. The way is clearly signposted. The ride up the mountain takes about 20 minutes and requires a transfer of ropeways along the way. From the ropeway's upper station at Shishi-iwa Observatory, it takes about 40 minutes to walk the one kilometre up to the summit via a very steep hiking trail.

Attraction Info : The ropeway and cable car both run from 9:00am to 5:00pm daily, but can be suspended on days with poorer weather conditions. A round trip ticket costs 1800 yen for adults and 900 yen for children. The walk up to the summit is tough, take some water and take your time.

弥山

Official Website : www.miyajima.or.jp/english/

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