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Miyajima Ropeway: Fares, Queues and the Hike to Mount Misen

Q: What is the best time to ride?

At 9 am. Check our live crowd tracker for your date.

By the BeatTheCrowd team · Updated 21 October 2026 · 3 min read

Quick answer

The Miyajima Ropeway costs about ¥2,000 return (¥1,100 one way) and runs up Mount Misen, with the last ride up at 4 pm and down at 4:30 pm. From Shishiiwa Station, it's about an hour's hike to the summit and back. Go in the morning, before day-trippers from Hiroshima arrive, and check the official site for reservation-only days and wind closures. Hiking down (about 1-1.5 hours) skips the return queue.

At a glance

Return: About ¥2,000 adults
One way: About ¥1,100 adults
Up: 9 am to 4 pm
Down

How busy is the Miyajima Ropeway?

The ropeway climbs Mount Misen (535 m), the island's sacred mountain, in two sections, to Shishiiwa observatory, with views over the Seto Inland Sea. Queues build from late morning on weekends and holidays, and on the busiest dates the operator requires advance reservations.

Time	What to expect	Verdict
9-10 am	Short queues	Best
11 am-2 pm	Longest queues	Busiest
After 2 pm	Easing, but watch the last ride	OK

When	Crowds	Why
Mid-November	Very high	Autumn leaves in Momijidani
Golden Week, summer	Very high	Holidays
Late March to early April	High	Cherry blossoms

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Ticket	Price
Return (adult)	About ¥2,000
One way (adult)	About ¥1,100
Children	Half price

Ticket

Price

Return (adult)

About ¥2,000

One way (adult)

About ¥1,100

Children

Half price

The route up and the summit hike

Walk 15-20 minutes from the ferry pier through Momijidani Park to Momijidani Station (the free shuttle may be suspended).

Ropeway up to Kayatani, then change to the second section up to Shishiiwa (about 15 minutes in total).

Viewpoint at Shishiiwa observatory.

Hike about 30 minutes to the summit past Reikadō hall, where a flame has burned for over 1,200 years.

Return the same way, or hike down.

Hike down

The Momijidani, Daishō-in and Ōmoto trails lead down in about 1-1.5 hours. The Daishō-in route is the most popular, ending at the temple.

FAQs

How much is the Miyajima Ropeway?

About ¥2,000 return or ¥1,100 one way for adults.

What time is the last Miyajima Ropeway?

The last ride up is at 4 pm, and down at 4:30 pm.

How long is the hike to the Mount Misen summit?

About 30 minutes each way from Shishiiwa Station.

Can you hike down from Mount Misen?

Yes, in about 1-1.5 hours, with the Daishō-in route the most popular.

Do you need to book the Miyajima Ropeway?

Only on some peak dates. Check the official site.

What is the best time to ride?

Sources

How we research: every guide is written by the BeatTheCrowd team from official sources and recent traveller reports, cross-checked against each other, and dated so you know how fresh it is. Last checked 21 October 2026. Prices and rules change, so always confirm on the official site before you book.

Hours	Up 9 am to 4 pm, down 9:20 am to 4:30 pm
Closures	High winds, thunder, maintenance around February and July
Shoes	Good walking shoes for the summit
Time needed	2.5-3 hours

Miyajima Ropeway: Fares, Queues and the Hike to Mount Misen

How busy is the Miyajima Ropeway?

Fares and reservations

The route up and the summit hike

Best (and worst) times to go

Plans by visitor type

Miyajima day

Families and limited mobility

Getting there

Practical info

Mistakes to avoid

Is the Miyajima Ropeway worth it?