Standing at over 1640 ft (500) meters above sea level, Mt. Misen is the highest peak on Miyajima. With beautiful scenic views and lush forest, the flora of Mt. Misen would be enough to satisfy any nature enthusiast. But a much rarer sight can be seen by those who decide to take the mountain paths up. Deer can occasionally be seen wandering the mountain and, as a much rarer sight, a small number of wild monkeys also inhabit the forest. For those who wanted to see what the mountain had to offer without climbing up the mountain in its entirety, there is a network of ropeways that can help travelers in ascending the mountain. And for those who have the tenacity to make it all of the ways to the summit, they will be rewarded a stunning view over the mountain’s lush forest and of the Seto Inland Sea. If you are interested in Buddhist temples, it is also worth making a stop at Daishoin Temple on your way up.

Photograph provided by Hiroshima Prefecture