View from Mount Misen Observatory, Miyajima. © touristinjapan.com
Chugoku, Hiroshima, Nature

Mount Misen Hiking Trails (Miyajima)

Mount Misen on Miyajima has for centuries attracted humans. The mountain has been considered sacred since at least the 9th century, and today remains a very important mountain for the shrines and temples in the area. There are multiple hiking trails, of different difficulties, on and around Mount Misen. Mount Misen isn’t a very high …

Senjokaku Hall, Miyaijma. © touristinjapan.com
Chugoku, Hiroshima, Temples and Shrines

Senjokaku Pavilion

Senjokaku Pavilion (千畳閣,), literally meaning “1000 tatami mat pavilion” is a large, unfinished 16th century wooden hall on Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture. The hall’s construction was initiated by the former Shogun Hideyoshi who died before it was finished. The sparse hall with it’s many paintings has a mystical atmosphere to it. Near the hall is …

Miyajima History and Folklore Museum. © touristinjapan.com
Attractions, Chugoku, Hiroshima

Miyajima History and Folklore Museum

Miyajima History and Folklore Museum introduces visitors to the history of Miyajima, with it’s main focus being on the edo-period (1603-1868). The museum, which is housed in a classic 1800’s house, is centered around a nice garden. There are many interesting objects on display which relate to the history of the sacred island. For centuries, …

Finless Porpoise at Miyajima Aquarium. Photo by ori2uru. CC BY 2.0.
Attractions, Chugoku, Hiroshima

Miyajima Public Aquarium

Miyajima aquarium, also called “Miyajimarine” is a municipal aquarium located on the western edge of Miyajima‘s port town. The aquarium focuses mainly on the sea life found in the Seto Inland Sea and the general area around Miyajima. There are, however, also creatures from around the globe. The public aquarium on Miyajima is a great …

Mitakidera, Hiroshima. © touristinjapan.com
Chugoku, Hiroshima, Temples and Shrines

Mitakidera Temple

Mitakidera temple (三瀧寺) in Hiroshima is an atmospheric Shingon buddhist temple dating as far back as 809. The temple grounds have three water falls, which have given the temple the name “Mitakidera” literally meaning “three waterfalls temple”. The buildings are spread along a small path which leads up through the beautiful mountainside forest. The temple …

Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine. © touristinjapan.com
Chugoku, Hiroshima, Temples and Shrines

Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine

The Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine in Hiroshima is a shinto shrine dedicated to the former edo-period shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate (1603-1868). The shrine is beautifully located at the foot of mount Futabayama. The Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine was first constructed in 1648 by Mitsuakira Asano, who at the time ruled the Hiroshima …