Shishiiwa Observatory
Where the Inland Sea unfolds beneath Miyajima's sacred peak
Perched at the upper terminus of the Miyajima Ropeway, Shishiiwa Observatory offers one of the most sweeping panoramas in western Japan. From its deck, the Seto Inland Sea stretches away in a mosaic of islands and shimmering water, with the rooftops of Itsukushima Shrine's precinct visible far below. The observatory also marks the start of the final approach to Mount Misen's 535-metre summit: a roughly 30-minute walk that passes the Misen Hondo hall and the Reikado, home to a sacred flame said to have burned for centuries.
When to go
The observatory is open around the clock, so early risers can catch the deck in near-solitude before the ropeway's first cars bring the day's visitors. Autumn's maple colours and spring's haze of cherry blossom both add drama to the seascape; clear winter mornings tend to offer the sharpest visibility across the islands.