What other travelers are saying about Miyajima Ropeway
The views from the top are gorgeous, if you are willing to pay the unusually high fee. It is the most expensive ropeway I have seen in Japan, but you do get excellent views. If I were there on my own, I probably would have chosen to save the money and hike, so I would suggest not riding the ropeway if you are able to hike. Also, it can get very crowded. The ropeway is split into two halves, the first half is quite steeply upwards, and the second is quite flat. The first one has regular cars, but only 6 people can go in at a time, so there can be long queues. The second one only has two cars going back and forth, and they squish lots of people in there. It feels quite nerve wracking! At the top, there is actually very little; the rest stop has a small shop and some indoor seats, which is nice in poor weather, and outside there are small pipes to look through that show you were different places are! I thought that was handy. Whether you hike or take the ropeway, I would recommend going up the mountain at least.
Last ride down is at 4:30pm which is around sunset time, but line was insane. Would’ve made it for sunset, but they kept announcing 4:30pm is the last ride down, but in reality it wasn’t until 5:30pm when I actually got on the ropeway. It would be great for sunset, but oh wells life goes on hence the 4 stars. I’d still recommend for the 360 view at the top.
The Miyajima Ropeway is a must-do — the views are just breathtaking. We waited about an hour to board, but it was completely worth it once we were up in the air. The scenery is incredible, with sweeping views of the islands, the city, and even the oyster farms in the water below.
We chose the return ticket, and I’m so glad we did. The ride back down was just as beautiful, and after a long day of walking, it was a relief not to tackle the hour-plus hike down. If you’ve got sore feet or just want to soak in the scenery again, I highly recommend getting the round-trip ticket.
A truly memorable experience — peaceful, scenic, and unforgettable.
Hiking Mt. Misen was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of our time in Miyajima. We started the day early, waking up while the island was still quiet and peaceful, and walked to the ropeway station before the crowds arrived. The morning air was crisp, the deer were out and the walk itself felt like a gentle warm-up before the real workout began.
Purchasing cable car tickets was straightforward, and the scenic ride up was absolutely beautiful, offering sweeping views of the forested mountains and glimpses of the sea below. At the upper station (Shishiiwa station), the ocean views are spectacular. There’s a small gift shop where you can buy drinks and souvenirs, along with clean bathrooms—definitely worth taking advantage of before continuing on.
From there, it’s a roughly 1 km uphill trek to the summit of Mount Misen, taking about 40 minutes. The trail becomes steep in sections, with countless steps that seriously tested my thighs and knees. Not recommended for anyone with any type of mobility issues. Along the way, there are small temples and sacred sites that add a peaceful, spiritual element to the climb. The views gradually open up and make the effort worthwhile, and reaching the top felt like a true accomplishment. Total thigh workout that I almost killed me, but we eventually made it. The view from the top is spectacular.
The descent back down via the Daisho-in trail was just as fun and demanding, with steep areas, rocky paths, stone steps, and small waterfalls along the way. It was hard on my knees and required focus, but it was incredibly scenic and satisfying. The fact that much of the path was shaded made the journey a bit easier and more enjoyable. We ended up spending most of the day doing this hike, and despite the exhaustion, it was absolutely worth it.
If you’re visiting Miyajima and enjoy a good physical challenge paired with breathtaking views and cultural landmarks, Mt. Misen is a must. Just wear good shoes, bring water, and be ready to work those legs.
Some great views and a bit of a walk so not suitable for some. We had a childa buggy with us which had to be left behind at the start of the gondola. Be prepared for queues. Worth it though when you bump into deer along the trail up to the peak.
