Hi, everybody, Tsumutake in Miyajiama. This is an island located in the Seto Inland Sea in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. This island is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Japan. Most of tourists go around Itsukushima Shinto Shrine which is officially recognized as a World Heritage Site to take photos and have a meal.
Main Shrine 
Torii Gate(Now, it is being repaired)
Now, Sakura(Cherry Blossom) is in full bloom. It is the best season to come here.
Gojyunotou(Five-story pagoda) 
Deer eating Sakura petals 
Full Bloomed Sakura
However, most of tourists including Japanese tourists do not know well that the forest at the back of Itsukushima Shinto Shrine is also a part of the World Heritage. The World Heritage consists of the shrine, the sea in front of the shrine, and the virgin forest of Mt.Misen at the back of the shrine. We can walk through the virgin forest to the top of Mt.Misen. It is nice to walk for one or two and a half hours. It depends on the trails to the top of the mountain. Maybe you know the Shrine well so this time, I would like to introduce the Mt.Misen.
There are three hiking trails. This time, we took the Oomoto trail, the longest trails among them. We hiked started from Oomoto Park and next stopped by Komabayashi Peak and then reached the top of Mt.Misen which is Mount Misen Observatory. Please see the photo below.
We started hiking from the Oomoto park
Deers in Oomoto Park 
Oomoto Park 
Brook 
Steep road 
Fallen Tree 
Cobble road 
Taking a rest 
Near the Peak
Komagabayashi Peak
Komabayashi Peak is the viewing spot on the way to the top of the mountain. You can see the top of the mountain and also a great view from here. It took one hour and 45 minutes from the start point to here while taking a rest.
Echo through the mountains 
Person in meditation 
A stunning view
It took 30 minutes from the Komagabayashi Peak to the top of Mt.Misen. We made it. It looks like young boys have gotten stronger.
Beautiful View from the top of Mt.Misen
We went down to the mountain along with the short course. It took four hours round trip. After hiking the mountain, we got so hungry. We had Hiroshima specialities around the Itsukushima Shinto Shrine. We walked and burned much calories in the mountain for four hours so these foods were so tasty than usual.
HIROSHIMA SPECIATITIES
Deep-fried bean-paste bun 
Anago(conger eel) sausage 
Grilled oysters 
Deer waiting in a line
It is nice to view the World Heritage from the top of the mountain and is good for your health. You can enjoy hiking while seeing wild animals and hearing nature sound in the forest. If it is tough for you to walk steep road for over one hour, you can go there by a cable car or just go around the forest for a while.
Have a safe trip and have a nice day!
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Please make sure to bring at least a bottle of water to keep you hydrated and wear a cap/hat to prevent you from heatstroke and dehydration. There are no shops and vending machines except at the cable car station at the top of the mountain.