Miyajima Ropeway

In short

The Miyajima Ropeway ascends from Momijidani Park, behind Itsukushima Shrine, to the heights of Mt. Misen. Passengers transfer at Kayatani Station between the circulating-type "Momijidani Line," with small cabins arriving one after another, and the reversible-type "Shishiiwa Line," with large cabins traveling back and forth. Connecting and operating two ropeways that use different systems is considered rare in Japan.

• ​Comparing the Two Ropeways​​: Experience the contrasting rides of the Momijidani Line, moving leisurely above the forest in 8-passenger cabins (approximately 10 minutes to Kayatani Station), and the Shishiiwa Line, ascending briskly in 35-passenger cabins (approximately 4 minutes to Shishiiwa Station)
• ​The Misen Primeval Forest Below​​: From the cabins, you can look down upon this forest, a national Natural Monument that, together with Itsukushima Shrine, is included within the World Cultural Heritage area
• ​View from the Shishiiwa Observatory​​: Located near Shishiiwa Station at an elevation of approximately 433 meters, it offers views of distant mountains to the north and the islands scattered across the Seto Inland Sea to the south

History and Highlights

The ​Miyajima Ropeway​ is an aerial ropeway that ascends to the heights of ​Mt. Misen​ from Momijidani Park, which extends behind Itsukushima Shrine. It consists of two lines: the Momijidani Line, connecting ​Momijidani Station​ at the base of the mountain to the midway point at ​Kayatani Station​​, and the Shishiiwa Line, connecting Kayatani Station to ​Shishiiwa Station​​. Passengers transfer between lines at Kayatani Station.

The two lines operate under different systems. The Momijidani Line is a circulating type with small 8-passenger cabins arriving one after another, taking approximately 10 minutes to reach Kayatani Station. The Shishiiwa Line is an aerial tramway (reversible type) with large 35-passenger cabins traveling back and forth between the two stations, taking approximately 4 minutes to Shishiiwa Station. Connecting and operating two ropeways that use different systems is considered rare in Japan.

Viewing and Experience Points

• ​Comparing the Two Ropeways​​: Experience the contrasting rides—the Momijidani Line, moving leisurely above the forest in small cabins, and the Shishiiwa Line, ascending briskly in a large cabin. Transferring allows you to appreciate the difference in feel between the two systems.
• ​The Misen Primeval Forest Below​​: From the cabins, you can look down upon the Misen Primeval Forest covering the island's mountain. This forest is designated as a national Natural Monument and, together with Itsukushima Shrine, is included within the World Cultural Heritage area.
• ​View from the Shishiiwa Observatory​​: Located near Shishiiwa Station, the Shishiiwa Observatory stands at an elevation of approximately 433 meters. Because the island is surrounded by the sea, there is little to obstruct your view, allowing you to gaze out at distant mountains to the north and the islands scattered across the Seto Inland Sea to the south.

Tips for Exploring

You can reach Momijidani Station on foot from behind Itsukushima Shrine by walking through ​Momijidani Park​​. From Shishiiwa Station to the summit of ​Mt. Misen​​, it takes approximately 30 minutes on foot via Misen Hondo Hall and the site of Reikado Hall. Because the mountain trail features many stone steps and steep slopes, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. If you plan to head for the summit, please allow ample time in your schedule so that you can catch the final ropeway descent back to Momijidani Station. Detailed information regarding the highlights of Mt. Misen and Momijidani Park can be found on their respective spot pages.