Shrines and Temples on the Summit of Misen
A Mountain with Legends and Miracles
Misen is located in the center of Miyajima. After Kukai (Kobodaishi) discovered it in the autumn of 806, Misen became a spiritual and holy site. There are many historical monuments in Misen because great historical figures, such as Kiyomori Taira and Hirobumi Ito shared a deep belief in it.
Acccess to the Summit of Misen
Ropeway: About 25 minutes
Hiking: About 90 minutes to 2 hours
Misen Hondo Hall (Main Hall)
Misen Hondo
This is the actual place where Kobo Daishi accomplished 100 days “Gumonji” training (a secret Buddhist practice) in the hall built in Mt. Misen.
In an attempt to discover a spiritual place round Miyajima on the occasion he visited Miyajima on his return home from Tang, Daishi himself named it after Mt. Shumisen in China similar in shape.
A cultural asset of national importance “Temple Bell” (Bonsho) attributed to the donation of Munemori, the 3rd son of Kiyomori Taira is housed here.
The main deity is Akasagarbha (Kokuzo-bosatsu) accompanied by Acala and Vaisravana.
They say brave generals such as Taira-no-Kiyomori, Ashikaga Yoshihisa or Fukushima Masanori had deep faith in it.
Gumonji-dojo and Gyojado Hall :
One of the three largest dojos (training halls) of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism in Japan, along with Tairyudake in Awa and Murotomisaki in Tosa.
Reikado Hall (Eternal Fire Hall)
Reikado Hall
Kiezu no Hi (the eternal flame), the holy fire which Kobo Daishi used as part of his religious training is burning even now after about 1200 years in Reikado Hall.
It is said that the holy water boiled by this fire works for hall sort of disease. It was also used as the pilot light for the “Flame of Peace” of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
Sankido Hall
Sankido
Sanki Daigongen are three fierce guardian gods of Mt. Misen. The main god is called Tsuichokijin. Tengus, long-nosed goblins, are their servants.
Many people visit here to pray for the happiness of their family and the success of their business.
The first Prime Minister of Japan, Hirobumi Ito is said to have been an earnest devotee. He contributed a large amount to construct the climbing path.
Kannondo and Monjudo Halls
Kannondo & Monjudo
Kannondo Hall on the left hand and Monjudo Hall on the right hand.
Ask Kannondo Hall for a safe childbirth and ask Monjudo Hall for good studies. They are believed to be miraculously effective.
Mizu-kake Jizo
Mizukake-jizo
It is said that those who prayed for their children by pouring water on a pair of a small and a big Jizo will find themselves that their prayers have come true in the future.
Dainichido Hall
Dainichido
The prestigious guardian temple for Itsukushima Shrine. All the priests in the island gather here to pray for the prosperity of the nation for 7 days of New Year since the Meiji Era.
Miyama-jinja shrine
Miyama-jinja
Exactly a sky shrine ! The same goddesses as those in Itsukushima Shrine are enshrined here.
Akaido Hall
Akaido Hall
The clean water is called “aka-mizu”, which Kobo Daishi used for the 100 days “Gumonji” practice 1200 years ago.
Munemori’s Temple Bell (Bonsho)
Munemori's bell
Designated as Cultural Asset of National Importance
Casted in Miyajima
Donated by Munemori, the third son of Taira-no-Kiyomori. As the characteristics of Heian Period are clearly represented, the bell was designated as a cultural asset of national importance housed in Misenhondo Hall.