Mount Misen Hiking Trails
Mount Misen Hiking Trails is the set of signed ways up Miyajima’s Mount Misen (535 m), the island’s highest peak. It’s a day-hike route system with three main ascent options: Daisho-in Course, Momijidani Course, and Omoto Course, all of which link into the common approach to the summit area and observatory zone near the temples.
On clear weather, the upper trail reaches a summit viewpoint with wide sightlines over the Seto Inland Sea and out toward Hiroshima City; the mountain is also the site of Buddhist structures near the top, including the Misen Hondo and the Reikado (Eternal Flame Hall) area.
Daisho-in Course is the shortest of the “main three” in distance while still climbing steeply: 2.3 km with about 513 m of gain, taking roughly 90 minutes uphill. The route starts from Daisho-in Temple, then climbs along the Shiraito River and passes through Misen Virgin Forest before joining the main path near the Niomon Gate.
Momijidani Course is the shortest and steepest of the main three in profile: 2.5 km with about 494 m of gain, typically around 80 minutes uphill. It starts at Momijidani Park and follows the Momijidani River up the mountain, then joins the main path near the upper area about midway between the ropeway upper station and the summit approach.
Omoto Course is the longest main ascent option: 2.9 km with about 524 m of gain, typically around 120 minutes uphill. It starts near Omoto Park (Omoto Course / “sea of boulders” area) and continues past features such as Fujiiwa Rock, Iwayataishiryuketsu Cave, and Komagabayashi before merging onto the main route near the top gate area.
For route choice: Daisho-in is generally the middle pick for effort among the main three, Momijidani favors a steep river-and-steps climb, and Omoto is the longer, more extended ascent that passes multiple notable rock/rock-shelter points before rejoining the shared summit approach.
From the trailhead side of Miyajima, you also have the ropeway as an alternative way to reduce total walking: the upper station is Shishi-iwa Observatory, after which it still takes about a 30-minute uphill walk to reach the summit buildings on the trail line.
More information: Wikipedia, Mount Misen - Miyajima Travel - Japan Guide, An Eternal Fire and 360-degree vistas on the Mount Misen hike