Miyajima Trekking Tour | Omakase Tour

Miyajima autumn five-storey pagoda at sunset

Trekking Tour of the World Heritage Miyajima

Enjoy the sights from Miyajima’s highest point (535m) on Mt. Misen and amazing views of Itsukushima Shrine and the Seto Inland Sea.

Overview

Miyajima is a sacred island in the Seto Inland Sea and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been a hotspot of faith since ancient times. On this guided trekking experience, a local expert leads you from the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine up to the summit of Mt. Misen (535m), the island’s highest peak.

Along the way, you will visit Daishoin Temple, renowned for its lantern-lit cave housing 88 Buddhist icons that represent the entire Shikoku Pilgrimage. The hike itself climbs along three historic mountain trails and roughly 2,000 stone steps, rewarded at the top by panoramic views over the Seto Inland Sea reaching as far as the islands of Ehime Prefecture.

Your guide adapts the pace to your fitness and shares the cultural and natural heritage that has made Miyajima one of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Spots (Nihon Sankei), alongside Matsushima and Amanohashidate. After the descent by ropeway, the tour concludes with a well-earned lunch at a carefully chosen local restaurant.

Details

❖ Meet at Miyajimaguchi Station

10:00

Your English-speaking guide meets you at the ticket gate of Miyajimaguchi Station. Together you walk a few minutes to the ferry terminal and board the JR Miyajima Ferry for the short crossing to the sacred island.

❖ Itsukushima Shrine

10:30 - 11:00 (30 min)

Step onto Miyajima and head straight to Itsukushima Shrine, recognised as one of Japan Sankei (Japan’s three most scenic spots) together with Matsushima in Miyagi and Amanohashidate in Kyoto, and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will spend roughly 30 minutes on the shrine grounds, taking in the spectacular sight of the vermilion torii rising from the sea, a view that symbolises Japan itself.

❖ Daishoin Temple

11:00 - 11:15 (15 min)

At the base of Mt. Misen sits Daishoin Temple, a contemplative complex of remarkable depth. Among its highlights is a cave filled with 88 Buddhist icons representing every temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage. As you walk up the stone steps, spin the brass prayer wheels lining the staircase: each is inscribed with Buddhist sutra, and turning them is believed to confer the same blessing as reading them.

❖ Mt. Misen Trek

11:20 - 13:45 (2:25 h)

Mt. Misen summit panorama over Seto Inland Sea

The heart of the tour is the ascent of Mt. Misen (535 metres), Miyajima’s highest peak. The route leads from behind the cathedral courses up three connected hiking trails, climbing roughly 2,000 stone steps to the summit. Your guide sets the pace to your comfort, with regular pauses to enjoy the scenery without strain. At the top, an observation platform reveals a sweeping panorama of Itsukushima Shrine below and the islands of Ehime Prefecture across the Seto Inland Sea. After a well-earned rest, you walk to the ropeway station and descend the mountain in comfort.

❖ Local Lunch on Miyajima

14:00 - 15:00 (60 min)

After the trek, your guide leads you to a local restaurant chosen to suit your preferences. Relax over a well-deserved lunch with island specialities before the ferry takes you back to Miyajimaguchi on the mainland, where the tour concludes.

❖ Return to Miyajimaguchi Station

15:00

After the return ferry crossing, the tour ends at Miyajimaguchi Station, where it began.

OPTIONS

Notes

Please join us wearing comfortable walking shoes. The hike up Mt. Misen is suitable for guests who are able-bodied and with reasonable fitness.
If you suffer from any injury or have difficulty with strenuous activity, the ropeway is available at your own additional cost in place of the hike up.
The tour is designed for a minimum of two guests. Solo travellers are warmly invited to contact us regarding a solo tour option.
Hotel pick-up is available for an additional charge of ¥5,000 per group.