 Mountains,Valleys and Waterfalls |
Map of Hiroshima (Nihongo) |
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Mt. Misen is the highest mountain on Miyajima
Island which is separated from the main land
by the 500-meter wide Ohnoseto Strait. Miyajima,
a part of the Seto Inland Sea National Park,
is well known as one of Japan's three most
scenic spots. The island is also named Itsukushima,
which means a sacred island where goddesses
reside.
The vermilion-colored Itsukushima Shrine and cloister, designated as national treasures, and also registered as a World Cultural Heritage in 1995, seems to float on the sea when the tide comes in. Another vermilion structure, the Otorii Gate, standing in the sea in front of the shrine, is a symbol of the island. The Treasure Hall houses many historical artifacts including 82 national treasures such as a sutra (Heike-nokyo), ancient gods' jewels, armor, swords, masks, musical instruments and dresses for Noh plays. According to the records of the shrine, it was founded in 593, and in 1168, a large shrine building similar to the present one was built under the patronage of Taira no Kiyomori who was promoted from administer of the Aki Province to Dajo Daijin, grand minister of state. In 1571, the present buildings were constructed by Mori Motonari who once conquered the entire Chugoku region. On this divine island, a wide variety of cultural events and traditional festivals such as the Kiyomori Festival, sacred Noh plays, and an oyster festival are held all year round. There are also a number of attractions such as beautiful parks, camping grounds, an aquarium, and so forth at the foot of the mountains. Mt. Misen will be a 2-hour ascent, walking up through well-preserved virgin forests, from Miyajima Port. Misen Hondo(Hall) is located just below the top of the mountain where sacred fire has been burning continuously for about 1,170 years. A view of the Seto Inland Sea from the top is breathtaking. ◆Getting there Take a train on Sanyo Line and get off at Miyajima-guchi Station or take a streetcar bound for Miyajima and get off at Miyajima-guchi then take a ferry to Miyajima port for 10 minutes. To reach the summit of Mt.Misen is a 2-hour ascent from the port. ◆Suggested Schedule Miyajima-guchi Pier(9:10)===(Ferry)===Miyajima
Port(9:20)---- |
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| ◆Note To be safe, especially in winter, keep in mind not go into the mountains alone, and be sure to go with a well-experienced hiker. |
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