Moopon

Kazura Bridge is the type of "bridges" that consists of a wooden cart suspend on a rope over the river, and were used to transport goods and people.
13 suspension bridges made of mountain vines, called kazurabashi, used to be found throughout the Iya Valley and provided a essential means of getting people and goods across the river in olden days.
Two of the surviving bridges still stand side by side deep in the ravine.
They are known as the Oku-Iya Kazurabashi or myoto-bashi(couples bridges).

The larger of the two bridges, Otto no Hashi (meaning:Husband Bridge), stretches 44 meters across the river next to a small waterfall, while the slightly lower Tsuma no Hashi (meaning: Wife Bridge) is a 22 meter span just a little ways upstream.
The bridges are constructed with steel cables covered within the vines for safety.
They are rebuilt every three years. The bridges are connected to each other by a network of paved hiking trails that also lead to camping facilities on the opposite side of the river.

Another popular attraction is a Yaen Bridge (meaning: Wild Monkey) placed next to the Wife Bridge.
It a human-power ropeway. Visitors can try out the wild monkey bridge and pull themselves across the river.

Access infomation
A rental car is recommended to visit the Oku-Iya Kazurabashi Bridges.

1. Nijukazurabashi bus stop.( The nearest bus stop to around the area)
*From Awa Ikeda Station to Kubo, take a bus and transfer to another bus bound for 
Nijukazurabashi or Mount Tsurugi. Get off at the Nijukazurabashi bus stop.
The one way journey will take 2 hours with a cost of 1790 yen. There are only 4 buses a day. Moreover buses from Kubo to the bridge operate only on weekends and holidays from April to November.

Schedule & Cost
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Closed: December to March
Admission: 550 yen
The level of English: Good

The Iya Valley (Iyakei) is a sheltered and private mountainous valley along the Iya River in western Tokushima Prefecture.
Its steep forested slopes are connected to the outside world by a zigzag,sometimes incredibly narrow mountain road that leads the valley.
Since the Iya valley located secluded regions, it is difficult to access, however, that is what attracts visitor to the area who want to experience a traditional, nature. 

Historically the Iya Valley has been difficult a place to enter, and used as a refuge for members of the defeated Taira or Heike Clan who escaped to the region toward the end of the 12th century after losing the Gempei War (1180 to1185).
Their descendants can still be found around the tiny mountain villages that dispersedly existing.

The Iya Valley is usually divided into two areas.
Nishi Iya (West Iya) located around the entrance to the valley and is slightly more developed and more accessible as there are relatively frequent buses to some of the major attractions.
Oku Iya (Inner Iya, also called Higashi Iya or East Iya) lies further back into the valley so is difficult to reach without a rental car or other means of private transportation. 

This region is famous for Iya soba

Access infomation
A rental car is recommended to visit the area.

1. To Nishi Iya (West Iya)
 *From Awa Ikeda Station to Kubo, take a bus and transfer to another bus bound for Nijukazurabashi or Mount Tsurugi.
Get off at the Nijukazurabashi bus stop.
The one way journey will take 2 hours with a cost of 1790 yen.
There are only 4 buses a day.
Moreover buses from Kubo to the bridge operate only on weekends and holidays from April to November.
2. To Oku Iya (Inner Iya)
Rental car stores are available around Oboke and Awa Ikeda Stations.
A rental car is recommended, particularly for visiting the less traveled Oku Iya area.
Note: The roads are very narrow and have frequent blind curves, which make driving both hazardous and slow.

The Iya Valley (祖谷渓谷 Iya Keikoku) region in Tokushima Prefecture, Japan is a scenic area known for its dramatic mountain valleys and old vine bridges.
The Iya Valley and the inner parts of Shikoku have historically been remote and difficult to enter,
making them a favorite retreat for refugees and defeated Heike warriors although access has improved in recent years.

Manikin Peeing Boy Statue
At the edge of this dizzying, 200 meter high cliff stands the boy statue posed as if he were peeing off the ledge down to the valley bellow.
This statue is placed at a beautiful scenic spot a few steps from The Iya ONSEN HOTEL, where local folklore says travelers would climb out to pee off in order to try to act strong or play chicken. 

The Iya Valley is usually divided into two areas.
Nishi Iya (West Iya) located around the entrance to the valley and is slightly more developed and more accessible as there are relatively frequent buses to some of the major attractions.
Oku Iya (Inner Iya, also called Higashi Iya or East Iya) lies further back into the valley so is difficult to reach without a rental car or other means of private transportation. 

The image is Sobamai zosui (buckwheat porridge), which is the local specialties of the Iya region made from dechaffed buckwheat berries in place of rice. 

Access Information
A rental car is recommended to visit the area.

1. To Nishi Iya (West Iya)
 *From Awa Ikeda Station to Kubo, take a bus and transfer to another bus bound for Nijukazurabashi or Mount Tsurugi.
Get off at the Nijukazurabashi bus stop.
The one way journey will take 2 hours with a cost of 1790 yen.
There are only 4 buses a day.
Moreover buses from Kubo to the bridge operate only on weekends and holidays from April to November.
2. To Oku Iya (Inner Iya)
Rental car stores are available around Oboke and Awa Ikeda Stations.
A rental car is recommended, particularly for visiting the less traveled Oku Iya area.
Note: The roads are very narrow and have frequent blind curves, which make driving both hazardous and slow.

The Iya Valley (祖谷渓谷 Iya Keikoku) region in Tokushima Prefecture, Japan is a scenic area known for its dramatic mountain valleys and old vine bridges.
The Iya Valley and the inner parts of Shikoku have historically been remote and difficult to enter, making them a favorite retreat for refugees and defeated Heike warriors although access has improved in recent years.

Shin-Iya Onsen Hotel Kazurabashi 
This hotel is located one of Japan's three major least visited regions.
The sky-high open-air bath is accessed by a cable car. It provides local dishes which are popular amongst guests.
The hotel has three outdoor baths, one for each gender as well as a mixed gender bath in which you can watch nice views out over the Iya Valley.
The baths are found high up on the mountainside above the hotel.
The can be accessed by a short cable car from the main building.

Daytime Hours: 10:00 to 16:00 
Daytime Admission: 1200 yen 
Overnight Stay: from 14,000 yen per person including 2 meals

Food
The image is Local dishes 

The Iya Valley is usually divided into two areas.
Nishi Iya (West Iya) located around the entrance to the valley and is slightly more developed and more accessible as there are relatively frequent buses to some of the major attractions.
Oku Iya (Inner Iya, also called Higashi Iya or East Iya) lies further back into the valley so is difficult to reach without a rental car or other means of private transportation. 

Access Information
A rental car is recommended to visit the area.

1. To Nishi Iya (West Iya)
 *From Awa Ikeda Station to Kubo, take a bus and transfer to another bus bound for Nijukazurabashi or Mount Tsurugi.
Get off at the Nijukazurabashi bus stop.
The one way journey will take 2 hours with a cost of 1790 yen. There are only 4 buses a day.
Moreover buses from Kubo to the bridge operate only on weekends and holidays from April to November.
2. To Oku Iya (Inner Iya)
Rental car stores are available around Oboke and Awa Ikeda Stations.
A rental car is recommended, particularly for visiting the less traveled Oku Iya area.
Note: The roads are very narrow and have frequent blind curves, which make driving both hazardous and slow.

The Iya Valley (祖谷渓谷 Iya Keikoku) region in Tokushima Prefecture, Japan is a scenic area known for its dramatic mountain valleys and old vine bridges.
The Iya Valley and the inner parts of Shikoku have historically been remote and difficult to enter, making them a favorite retreat for refugees and defeated Heike warriors although access has improved in recent years.

Iya Onsen Hotel
The Iya Onsen Hotel is located high up on the steep slope overlooking the Iya Valley.
A notable point in the hotel is that its outdoor hot baths located along the river and you have to take a cable car some 170 meters below the hotel itself. 
The bath water is a lukewarm 39 degrees Celsius.

Daytime Hours: 7:00 to 18:00 (Last entry at 17:00) 
Daytime Admission: 1500 yen (including outdoor bath, indoor bath, and cable car) 
Overnight Stay: from 12,000 yen per person including 2 meals
Level of English: Good English website is available.

Food
The image is Kaiseki ryori (Traditional multi-course Japanese meal), which is used Local products.

The Iya Valley is usually divided into two areas.
Nishi Iya (West Iya) located around the entrance to the valley and is slightly more developed and more accessible as there are relatively frequent buses to some of the major attractions. Oku Iya (Inner Iya, also called Higashi Iya or East Iya) lies further back into the valley so is difficult to reach without a rental car or other means of private transportation. 

Access Information
A rental car is recommended to visit the area.

1. To Nishi Iya (West Iya)
 *From Awa Ikeda Station to Kubo, take a bus and transfer to another bus bound for Nijukazurabashi or Mount Tsurugi.
Get off at the Nijukazurabashi bus stop.
The one way journey will take 2 hours with a cost of 1790 yen. There are only 4 buses a day.
Moreover buses from Kubo to the bridge operate only on weekends and holidays from April to November.
2. To Oku Iya (Inner Iya)
Rental car stores are available around Oboke and Awa Ikeda Stations.
A rental car is recommended, particularly for visiting the less traveled Oku Iya area.
Note: The roads are very narrow and have frequent blind curves, which make driving both hazardous and slow.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (広島平和記念公園 ), located in downtown Hiroshima, is the site of where the first atomic bomb was dropped at 8:15 am on August 6, 1945.  The park is dedicated to the victims of the atomic bomb. The park promotes peace while reiterating the horrors of nuclear war.

Within this spacious park visitors will find many structures reflecting peace.  On Peace Boulevard, behind the fountain is the Peace Memorial Museum. Here visitors can witness and learn about Hiroshima’s history and struggle after the attack.

Visitors will see an arched structure, the Memorial Cenotaph, located in the middle of the park. The names of all of the victims of the bomb are written here with the inscription “Let all the souls here rest in peace for we shall not repeat the evil." The structure was constructed on August 6, 1952, with the arch shape reflecting the souls of the victims.

The Peace Flame behind the Cenotaph has been continuously lit since 1964. With a prayer of internal peace, the flame will remain lit until all nuclear weapons have been destroyed and the world is free from the threat of a nuclear war.

Hiroshima Memorial, or commonly known as the Atomic Bomb Dome, lies at the end of park, near the streetcar street (Aioi Street). Known as the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall at the time, this is the only remaining building near the bomb’s epicenter. Though there was some controversy whether the building should be torn down or preserved, it was decided the Atomic Bomb Dome is an important part of local as well as world history. Though the Dome has been reconstructed a few times, the original architecture was always been preserved in remembrance of the victims.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is the site of the annual Peace Memorial Ceremony held on August 6. There are peace exhibits throughout the park as well as narratives from the survivors of the atomic bomb, storytelling activities for children. Near the Peace Memorial Museum, visitors can find information about experiences translated in English.

On that day, i the evening, paper lanterns illuminated by candles are floated down the river next to the park. For a nominal fee, visitors can create their own paper lantern, with their own message of peace, to be floated down the river. Once the lantern is created, the volunteers will assemble the lantern and assist visitors in floating the lantern. Please be aware, as many people wish to participate in this tradition, there is usually a long line to float the lantern. Whether involved in the creation or not, all visitors to the park can view the paper lanterns floating down the river, the candlelight illuminating the black water.
 

Located near Hiroshima Station, visitors to Hiroshima’s mini-Kyoto garden, Shukkeien (縮景園) are able to view Japan’s seasonal beauty, reflected through nature. A popular spot for tea ceremonies, cherry blossom/autumn foliage viewing, this tranquil garden is visited by locals and tourists.

The name Shukkeien is loosely translated as "shrunken-scenery garden," which is also a good description of the garden. Visitors will find mini-valleys, mini-mountains, even mini-forests within the garden's landscapes. Through carefully cultivated land and vegetation, the garden mimics a variety of natural formations and scenic views.

Shukkeien has a long history dating back to 1620, just after the completion of Hiroshima Castle. The garden displays many features of the traditional aesthetics of Japanese gardens. Around the garden's main pond there are a number of tea houses which offer visitors ideal views of the surrounding scenery.

The entire garden is connected by a recommended path which leads visitors around the pond at the center of the garden. The path passes through all of Shukkeien's various miniaturized sceneries. Following this path around the garden is the best way to enjoy Shukkeien.

Shukkeien is a 15 minute walk from Hiroshima Station. Alternatively, it is a few steps from "Shukkeien-mae" tram stop along tram line 9. From Hiroshima Station, take tram line 1, 2 or 6 to Hacchobori and transfer to tram line 9. The entire journey takes about 15 minutes and costs 160 yen.

The garden has Japanese-style café, offering green tea, sweets, and so on.

Facility Information: 
Hours: 9:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 from October to March) 
Closed: December 29th to 31st
Admission: 260 yen

An old fashioned town located along the Seto Inland Sea in the eastern part of Hiroshima Prefecture, Onomichi (尾道) has many interesting sites and places for locals and tourists to explore. In addition to the temples, museums, parks and gardens, Onomichi is the “Honshu” mainland point for the Shimanami Kaido Bridge.  And is the major port for the small islands within the Seto Inland Sea.

Onomichi is the home to many temples. In the past, rich merchants donated money to build temples within the port town to ensure prosperity. Visitors may choose to explore Onomichi’s famous “Temple Walk” which leads visitors to 25 temples. However, as Onomichi is also famous for its steep slopes, proper footwear is recommended. 

Onomichi is the home to many respected authors, such as Fumiko Hayashi, author of “Horoki” (“Vagabond’s Song” in English) which was adapted into the anime “Wandering Days.” Artists will enjoy looking the museums such as the Hirayama Museum, famous for Artist Hirayama’s Silk Road desert landscapes paintings of Iran, Iraq and China. Many movies have been filmed here, including Yasujiro Ozu’s globally famous film “Tokyo Monogatari.” 

Cyclists love Onomichi and its access to the Shimanami Kaido Bridge, the bridge which connects Honshu to Shikoku. The Shimanami Kaido Bridge has exits and entrances for drivers and cyclists to visit the small islands lying in the Seto Inland Sea. Onomichi, being the Honshu home of the bridge, has cycle rental stores, repair stores, even bicycle storage for those who opt the island hopping via ship.

Yet, there is more to the city of Onomichi. From the old-fashioned family owned business in the covered shopping arcade near the train station, to the modern U2 cycling support facility, there is something for everyone here. Traditional Japan meets Modern Japan with family fun festivals such as the summer fireworks festival or autumn Betcha Matsuri (where local “demons” run around hitting children on the head to knock some sense into them). Beautiful cherry blossom parks in the spring, artwork and history, cycling and temple touring…all available in the small, port city of Onomichi.

Visitors to Hiroshima will find the downtown area of the city located in the center of the city, unlike other Japanese cities. In most Japanese cities, the downtown area is located near the train station. However, in Hiroshima, though the station area has shopping, dining facilities, the commercial and entertainment center, Hiroshima downtown is located in central Hiroshima.

About 10 to 15 minutes away by streetcar from Hiroshima Station, visitors can find many things to do in this area. Visitors looking to purchase electronic items are recommended to visit Tax Free havens Edion or Yamada Denki. Another popular Tax Free store is Don Quixote, located along Chuo Dori near Okonomiyaki Mura (okonomiyaki village).

Hiroshima’s soul food, okonomiyaki is a layered cabbage/pork pancake, containing soba or udon noodles. Though okonomiyaki restaurants are located throughout Hiroshima, there is a high concentration of okonomiyaki stores in the downtown area. Located behind Parco Department Store is “Okonomiyaki Mura”, a building with only okonomiyaki shops.

In addition to the departments stores, SOGO, Fukuya and Mitsukoshi located in the downtown area, visitors will find a pedestrian only, shopping arcade street “Hondori”.  The covered arcade begins near Peace Park, the mini bridge located near the middle of the park, and stretches about one and half kilometers.  Visitors will find stores such as Daiso (100 yen store), convenience store (Lawson), clothing stores and more. Chain coffee shops such as Tully’s and Starbucks are located along Hondori as well as the main branch of the Danish bakery “Anderson’s.”

Hondori is an interesting area. There are chain stores as well as small family owned shops. Visitors can wander the small streets emerging from the main Hondori street to find treasures (such as a vintage Japanese toy shop) or more chain stores (such as the convenience store 7-11). At night, once the stores close, there are street performers. As the performances are not organized, it is difficult to what visitors may encounter. However, common examples of street performers in the Hondori area include guitar/singer performers, fortune tellers, and so on.

Japan and its people are very proud of Shimanami Kaido Bridge, the world’s longest series of suspension bridges, which connects Honshu (Japan’s main island) with Shikoku. Visitors can enter or exit the bridge from either Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture on the Honshu side or from Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture on the Shikoku side. This 60 kilometer long bridge-toll road can be utilized by motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

Visitors can use Shimanami Kaido to visit Mukaishima, Innoshima, Ikuchijima, Omishima, Hakatajima, and Oshima islands as the bridge has exits for its users to stop along the Seto Inland Islands on their way to Honshu or Shikoku. Some areas of attractions on the islands include:
**Innoshima Suigun Castle on Innoshima Island. Though not the original castle, the recreated naval castle is modeled after the original castle from the 14th to 15th centuries. Visitors will find a museum about the Japanese navy within the castle.
**Kosanji Temple on Ikuchijima Island. Dedicated to the founder’s mother, the buildings within the temple grounds are modeled after famous Japanese historic structures. This temple has a museum as well displaying rare, high quality antique art pieces.
**Oyamazumi Jinja (Shrine) on Omishima Island.  The deity enshrined at this shrine is the protector of the sailors and soldiers. The shrine is also famous for its collection of historic armor and swords.
**Kirosan Observatory Park on Oshima Island.  Visitors can view Kurushima-kaiyo Strait Bridge, the first three consecutive suspension bridges in the world! In addition, Kurshima-kaiyo Strait, one of the three fastest currents in Japan can be seen here.

In addition to the tourist attractions, visitors can enjoy the fresh sea air, cool sea breeze as well as sunshine on this island hopping bridge.  Visitors will find beautiful beaches on the islands.  There are campgrounds as well as hot spring inns (ryokan) for those who wish to spend the night.

Visitors are recommended to try the local fruits and vegetables these islands are proud of. Citrus is especially popular in this area. The seafood, caught from the surrounding Seto Inland Sea, is delicious as well. Sea bream. Octopus, Shellfish (including short-neck clams and freshwater clams) are but a few of the popular seafood in this area.

The bridge can be accessed by car, moped, bus, and bicycle or on foot. There are ferries as well to the islands with the Shimanami Kaido Bridge in the background. Not just a bridge, toll way connecting the islands as well Honshu and Shikoku, Shimanami Kaido is new way to access, discover and experience Japan treasures. 

Located slightly north from the downtown area of Hiroshima city, is Hiroshima Castle or Hiroshima-jo. The castle was built in 1589 by Mori Terumoto, a member of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s council. Hiroshima Castle is a flatland castle.

The castle tower of Hiroshima Castle was designated as a National Treasure in 1931. However, the castle was destroyed by the atomic bomb.  In 1958, the castle was rebuilt. Visitors today will see both the moat as well as the stone fortress traditionally seen at Japanese castles. The entire castle has been designated as a Historic Site.

Visitors are allowed into the castle for a nominal fee. The interior is now a museum displaying local culture as well as samurai history. The museum allows visitors to try on clothing from the past. Samurai armor, kimono for the ladies are available for those who wish to try them on as a special Hiroshima memory. The castle stairs are quite steep but those who do utilize them to arrive at the top floor of the castle are greeted with a beautiful view of the city.

Visitors may see joggers around the moat as Hiroshima Castle is a popular jogging course. Visitors may also see school students drawing the castle in their sketchbooks. In the spring, the grounds surrounding the castle are famous for cherry blossom picnic. And in the autumn, a “food festival” is held on the grounds surrounding the castle. Local vendors as well as from all over Japan serve mouthwatering dishes at the festival.

Hiroshima Castle held an important role in Hiroshima and its surrounding prefectures in Japanese history. Today, this important culture treasure is a place to laugh, enjoy and create new memories.

Access Information
**10 minute walk from Kamiyacho-nishi or Kamiyacho-higashi streetcar station (12 minutes, 160 yen from Hiroshima Station)
**15 minute walk from the Peace Park or a 10 minute walk from Shukkeien.

Facility Information
Hours: Main Keep: 9:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 on weekdays from December to February)
Ninomaru: 9:00 to 17:30 (until 16:30 from October through March)
Note: Last Entry is 30 minutes before closing time.
Closed: December 29th to January 2nd
Admission: 370 yen (main keep), admission to the rest of the castle grounds is free

Visitors to Hiroshima are strongly encouraged to try Hiroshima local delicacy, okonomiyaki.

Sometimes referred to as a Japanese pancake, okonomiyaki consists of meat, egg, cabbage and noodles (soba or udon) layered into a flour based batter, grilled on a large, heated steel plate. Though the contents vary, the meat used is usually pork, though diners may opt for a seafood version which uses shrimp, squid, octopus or oyster, or a combination of the previously mentioned seafood.  Additional toppings of chopped green onions, cheese, corn, seafood, etc., can be added for a nominal fee. After the okonomiyaki is grilled on the steel plate, it is garnished with okonomiyaki sauce, finely grated seaweed, and bonito flakes. There are restaurants which add mayonnaise as well.

There are variations of okonomiyaki throughout Japan, though Hiroshima and Kansai (Osaka) okonomiyaki are the most famous. Whereas Kansai okonomiyaki is more simple, Hiroshima okonomiyaki is more filling as it uses more cabbage (about 3 times the amount of its Kansai counterpart) and has noodles included in the okonomiyaki (Kansai okonomiyaki does not contain noodles).

Okonomiyaki is available throughout Hiroshima prefecture, though there is a larger concentration of okonomiyaki stores near Hiroshima station and in the downtown area. Behind Parco Department Store is Okonomiyaki Mura, a building containing only Okonomiyaki food stalls. As each okonomiyaki stall is independent, the contents, price and taste of okonomiyaki vary from stall to stall.

In most cases, the chef of the okonomiyaki establishment will prepare the okonomiyaki in a location where diners can observe. Diners wishing to watch the cooking process can opt to try this Hiroshima local delicacy at a food stall (as the diners will sit around the heated large steel plate) or at the counter of a restaurant. However, as the steel plate does emit a large amount of heat, it is quite hot near the cooking steeled plate, so please be careful.

Once the okonomiyaki is prepared, the way it is served varies according to the restaurant.  There are stores which will serve its patrons okonomiyaki on a heated plate, and there are others, which will bring their diners a small skillet containing the warm okonomiyaki. And yet, there are places where diners can eat their okonomiyaki off the large, heated steel plate. Diners have the choice of eating their okonomiyaki with chopsticks or a steel spatula called a hira. Similar to a steel spoon, the hira will preserve the heat the okonomiyaki, making okonomiyaki a great meal during cool/cold weather.  Diners opting to eat okonomiyaki with a hira, please be cautious not to burn the tongue!

A popular food, with healthy vegetables and very reasonable price-wise, visitors to Hiroshima will surely have their stomachs and hearts warmed with this Hiroshima soul food.

Visitors to the beautiful island of Miyajima, located in the city of Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, are often entranced by the mystical Mount Misen located on the island. 

Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Shingon sect and a prominent religious figure, brought Buddhism to the mountain in 806, the first year of the Daido era. In addition to the Buddhist structure, the mountain is home to a variety of unusual plants, a platform for beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea and a fun mountain course for trekkers.

Visitors to the island have the option of ascending Mount Misen on foot or via ropeway.  Visitors have a choice of three hiking trails: the Momijidani Course, the Daisho-in Course and the Omoto Course.

**The Momijidani Course begins in Momijidani Park, located near the lower ropeway station. With a length 2.5 kilometers, it is estimated the hike should take about an hour and a half to two hours to arrive at the summit.  This route will take hikers along the Momiji river.  Though the route is quite steep at times, hikers will encounter rare plant life, like the primitive Angiospermal here.  Unusual shaped rocks such as “Sakura Rock” and “Screen Rock” can be found here.  As the trail leads into the forest, autumn and the changing colors is beautiful time on this trail.

****The Omoto course begins at Omoto Park, near the Omoto Shrine, a little past Miyajima Aquarium. The 3.2 kilometer trail has an estimated hiking time of 2 hours to the summit. There are steep parts along the trail but hikers will find a lot of history along this trail. At the beginning of the course, hikers will find 100 year old large fir trees along the trail leading into the Komaga Forest, the second largest forest in Misen.  Hikers will enjoy natural and spiritual delights along this route. The giant “Fuji Rock” where Kobo Daishi secluded himself is located on this trail.

**The Daisho-in Course begins in front of the Nioh Gate of Daishoin Temple. The estimated hike time for the 3 kilometer trial is 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours (to the summit). Though there are many stone steps, the scenery is breathtaking. The Shiraito Falls are along this course. At the sixth marker stone (near Satomiya Mura), there is a spot where hikers can view the Torii Gates. A guardian deity for children is also along this trail.

Visitors also have the option to utilize the Miyajima Ropeway. The Ropeway will take visitors from the foothills of the mountain to Shishiiwa Observatory.  From Shishiiwa Observatory, visitors can view the beautiful Seto Inland Sea. 

From Shishiiwa Observatory, visitors wishing to advance to the summit will need to advance on foot. The summit is 100 meters from the upper ropeway station along a rather steep rock road. The estimated hiking time from Shishiiwa Observatory to the summit is 30 minutes.
Please note: though the summit was an observation tower, presently neither food nor beverages are sold. Visitors are able to purchase beverages at the good luck-souvenir shop next to Kiezu-no-Reikado Hall, during the shop’s operating hours.

Along the route to the summit, hikers will come across a plateau with religious structures. The Misenhondo (the Main Hall) is the holy hall Kobo Daishi built for 100 day Buddhism training sessions. In the Kiezu-no-Reikado Hall is the holy fire Kobo Daishi used for his religious training. This flame has been burning for over 1200 years. Visitors to the Kiezu-no-Reikado Hall can help themselves to a cup of the hot tea brewed over the flame.
It is believed water boiled this flame will heal various ailments. The fire from the Kiezu-no-Reikado Hall was used to light the Flame of Peace in Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park.

From the plateau, there are trails to other religious structures or deities. Among the structures is Miyamajinja Shrine. This shrine enshrines the same deities as Itsukushima. With a beautiful view from the shrine, a sense of tranquility can be felt while visiting this shrine.  From the plateau containing Kiezu-no-Reikado Hall, it is an estimated ten to fifteen minute walk.

From the Kiezu-no-Reikado Hall plateau it is a 10 minute hike to the summit of Mount Misen.  Near the entrance to the summit, hikers will see a large rock they may need to duck under. Known as the “Kugiri-iwa” the origins are unknown. Various “strange” rocks can be found near or at the summit.

At the summit, there is a rock structure with a sign signifying the summit of Mount Misen. There is an observatory tower/rest area at the summit. Many hikers use this tower to rest or eat lunch boxes while breathing in the fresh air. Visitors can view the Seto Inland Sea from 360 degrees without any obstructions. As said by the first Prime Minister of Japan Itoh Hirobumi “The true value of the Number 1 of the Japan’s three most beautiful spots is in the view of the top.” Though Miyajima has more than its share of beautiful spots, the view from the summit of Mount Misen is truly special.

Ankokuji Temple(安国寺)

Ankokuji Temple was founded during the Kamakura Period (1192-1333). It houses a couple of designated national treasures and important works, such as a wooden statue of Amida Buddha and a stone statue of a sitting Jizo Bodhisattva. The temple compound spots an interesting selection of tropical plants.

Hours: 8:00 to 17:00
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 150 yen
 

Senjokaku (Senjōkaku, literally means. ""pavilion of 1000 tatami mats"") is the common name of Hōkoku Shrine. The name describes the spaciousness of the building, as Senjokaku is in fact approximately the size of one thousand tatami mats. The hall, which constructed in 1587, which is located on a small hill just beside Itsukushima Shrine.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi, is regarded as Japan's second ""great unifier."" commissioned Senjokaku for the purpose of chanting Buddhist sutras for fallen soldiers. The building has beennot yet completed. The building has been left unfinished. As Tokugawa Ieyasu took power after Toyotomi deth rather than the Toyotomi heirs.

Senjokaku is strikingly sparse, lacking proper ceilings and a front entrance. The incomplete building was dedicated to the soul of its founder, Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1872. The building remains its present day religious function. Next to Senjokaku stands a colorful five-storied pagoda originally built in 1407, predating the shrine itself.

Senjokaku
Hours: 8:30 to 16:30
Closed: Opened All Year Round
Admission: 100 yen

Access Information:
Senjokaku is a ten minute walk from the Miyajima ferry pier. It is located on the hill just beside Itsukushima Shrine.