One of the best things I did in Japan was 'climb' Mt Misen. After nearly two weeks of trekking around overcrowded Japan this trek was so relaxing. Most people take the ropeway, which is understandable because the walk is not for sissies, I had sore legs for another two days. To do the walk just follow the arrows indicating the way to the ropeway, at one point you see arrows indicating the way to Mt Misen. The path itself is well indicated and well taken care of but very steep, not for people with health problems or for little children. It took me a little over 1,5 hours to get up there. I only encountered about 4 people. That feeling of peace and quiet changes when you pass the ropeway station. On the way up you pass by a temple holding a pot that was used by a saint on that same spot in the 9th century, it has been kept simmering ever since. Which makes the hall very smokey. On the top there is a big, ugly construction of metal and concrete which allows you to have a good look over the inland sea and Miyajima. The way down took me about an hour and leads past the remains of the Niomon gate and at the very bottom of the mountain you pass the Daisho-in temple.

You can walk on the Mt Misen like a snake updownrightleft. And huh: here's a temple..here's a stream....a bridge..a toriii....You can walk up or go by cable-car (Ropeway). It could be a 2 hours walking...just slowly..slowly. ENjoy the view (if the weather is clear).

That is a very nice place.