Miyajima Ropeway
Ascend Mount Misen via a unique two-stage ropeway for breathtaking 360-degree views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better views
Miyajima Ropeway
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend Mount Misen via a unique two-stage ropeway for breathtaking 360-degree views of the Seto Inland Sea.
"Amazing experience, such a fun 1-2 hour adventure with amazing 360 degrees views!"
🎯 Buy Round-Trip Tickets
Save time and money by purchasing a round-trip ticket at the entrance machine. It's easy to navigate!
☀️ Check the Weather
Visibility is crucial for the summit views. A clear day makes the panoramic scenery truly spectacular .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Summit Views
Mount Misen Summit
360-degree vistas of the Seto Inland Sea and surrounding islands. Unforgettable on a clear day!
Two-Stage Gondola Ride
Ascent to Mount Misen
A unique journey involving two different gondola types, offering a fun and scenic climb.
Optional Mountain Hikes
Mount Misen trails
Explore serene mountain paths and discover hidden shrines for a more active adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Go Early!
Clear Skies are Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Buy Round-Trip Tickets
Save time and money by purchasing a round-trip ticket at the entrance machine. It's easy to navigate!
☀️ Check the Weather
Visibility is crucial for the summit views. A clear day makes the panoramic scenery truly spectacular.
🚶♀️ Consider Walking Down
If you enjoy hiking, walking down offers a different perspective and saves on the return fare.
🚽 Use Summit Restroom
Facilities on Miyajima Island are limited. The restroom at the summit is convenient and recommended.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Buy Round-Trip Tickets
Save time and money by purchasing a round-trip ticket at the entrance machine. It's easy to navigate!
☀️ Check the Weather
Visibility is crucial for the summit views. A clear day makes the panoramic scenery truly spectacular.
🚶♀️ Consider Walking Down
If you enjoy hiking, walking down offers a different perspective and saves on the return fare.
🚽 Use Summit Restroom
Facilities on Miyajima Island are limited. The restroom at the summit is convenient and recommended.
🚎 Take the Transit Bus
The walk to the ropeway station can be steep. The transit bus is a good option to save your energy for the mountain.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Miyajima Ropeway for its stunning panoramic views and enjoyable two-stage gondola ride, calling it a fun and memorable adventure. While the experience is highly rated, some note that clear weather is essential for optimal views and that the gondolas, though safe, are a bit dated. Going early is strongly recommended to avoid crowds.
"Wonderful experience! This was a super fun adventure lasting about 1–2 hours. First, you take a smaller gondola (seats about six people, ride takes around 10 minutes), then transfer to a larger standing gondola (fits around 20 people, ride takes about 6 minutes). At the top, you’ll arrive at a 360-degree viewing platform with stunning panoramic views.
Be sure to go on a clear day—visibility makes all the difference. Tickets are purchased from a machine at the entrance. It’s easy to figure out, but make sure to select a round-trip ticket. It was 1,000 yen per person for the round trip.
Although the setup clearly prepares for long lines, we went on a weekday around 10 AM and were finished by 11 AM. It wasn’t crowded at all—just a short 10-minute wait for each gondola, and no wait at all on the return trip. That said, it can definitely get busy, so go early to beat the crowds!
You can also hike to nearby shrines if you’re up for it, but we chose to skip the hike and explore elsewhere instead.
There is a restroom at the top—highly recommend using it, as bathrooms on the island are limited and hard to find.
A great outing for families! The gondolas felt safe and secure. They are a bit older but seem well maintained."
Nevaeh Townsend
"Nice views and well operated. Be sure to go earlier in the day. They won't tell you you're going up too late to enjoy the hikes and views for long before they shut it down at 4:30 pm."
Scott Hume
"Amazing experience, such a fun 1-2 hour adventure. You go up one gondola first (seats six maybe takes 10 minutes) then need to wait and switch to a bigger gondola (standing 20 maybe takes 6 minutes) and then you get to an amazing view platform with 360 degrees views.
Go on a clear day otherwise you won’t be able to see. You buy tickets from machine at the entrance. Easy to navigate. Make sure you get a return ticket. Was 1000 yen per person return.
They are set up for long lines, we were there on a weekday around 10AM and were done by 11AM. Many people stay longer and spend more time at the view point. You can also do a hike up a mountain to some shrines but we decided to pass and do other things instead.
This place definitely gets crowded, and we could tell based on the amount of lines they had set up. We did not experience any large lines, maybe 10 minutes to get on the first gondola and another 10 minutes for the second gondola. Return there was no wait.
Go early before the crowds!
There is a washroom at the too, I recommend to use it as there was few washrooms on the island and they are hard to find.
Great activity with kids. We felt safe and secure, the gondolas are definitely old but seem to be well maintained."
Shawn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station (approx. 25 mins). From there, it's a short walk to the ferry terminal. You can take a ferry to Miyajima Island, and then either walk or take a local bus to the ropeway station.
Yes, a transit bus runs to the ropeway station. It's recommended to take it as the walk up can be steep and narrow.
Yes, using your IC card for the ferry can save you time waiting in line for tickets.
The train ride to Miyajimaguchi takes about 25 minutes, followed by a ferry ride of about 10 minutes. So, the total travel time is roughly 35-45 minutes, not including waiting times.
The ropeway station is located on the western side of Miyajima Island, at the base of Mount Misen. It's a walk from the ferry terminal, or you can take a local bus.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A round-trip ticket for the Miyajima Ropeway typically costs around 1,000-1,100 yen per person. Single tickets are also available if you plan to hike down.
Tickets can be purchased from machines at the ropeway entrance. If you miss the main ticket office, there's another machine at a shop just before the transit bus stop.
The ropeway typically operates until around 4:30 PM. It's advisable to go earlier in the day to ensure you have enough time to enjoy the hikes and views before closing.
Advance booking is generally not required, but buying tickets in advance can help you avoid queues at the station, especially during peak times.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available, but purchasing a round-trip ticket is generally more economical than two single tickets.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The journey involves two stages. The first gondola ride takes about 10 minutes, and the second, larger gondola ride takes about 6 minutes. The total ascent time is around 16-20 minutes.
At the summit, you'll find a 360-degree viewing platform offering stunning panoramic views. You can also find restrooms and access points for hiking trails to nearby shrines.
Yes, the ropeway is considered a great activity for families. The gondolas feel safe and secure, and it's an enjoyable experience for kids.
Yes, there are hiking trails to the summit of Mount Misen. However, the climb can be steep and challenging, so the ropeway is a good option to save energy.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to hike. Layers are recommended as the temperature can vary at higher altitudes. Sun protection is also advisable.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit viewing platform offers incredible panoramic shots. During the ascent, the changing scenery provides great opportunities. Capture the unique two-stage gondola system itself.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful for photography. Golden hour can create stunning shots of the islands and sea.
Yes, you can take photos from inside the gondola, but be mindful of reflections on the windows and the movement of the gondola.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on photography for personal use. However, always be respectful of other visitors and any posted signage.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the panoramic views. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant shots of the islands. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on windows and enhance sky colors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When exploring Miyajima Island, keep an eye out for the friendly wild deer, but be cautious and avoid feeding them. The island offers a mix of cultural sights and natural beauty that can engage children. Consider a shorter hike or focus on the main attractions to keep younger ones from getting too tired. Staying overnight can also make the experience more relaxed for families, allowing for a less rushed exploration.
🚶 Budget Travelers
On Miyajima Island itself, look for local eateries offering affordable options like street food or bento boxes. While some attractions have entrance fees, simply wandering the island, observing the floating torii gate, and interacting with the wild deer are free activities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Miyajima Ropeway Journey
Planning your ascent is key to a smooth experience. Tickets are purchased from machines at the entrance, and it's advisable to buy a round-trip ticket to save time and money. While the infrastructure is in place for long lines, visiting on a weekday morning around 10 AM can mean minimal waiting times.
For those seeking a more active experience, hiking trails lead to the summit. While the ropeway saves time and energy, the hikes offer a chance to explore the natural beauty of Mount Misen more intimately. However, be prepared for a challenging climb unless you're an experienced hiker.
Maximizing Your Miyajima Island Visit
Beyond the ropeway, exploring the island's cultural and culinary offerings is a must. Sample local specialties like oysters and Momiji Manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes).
Practical tips from fellow travelers include using your IC card for the ferry to avoid ticket lines
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit