⛰️ Mount Misen Summer Survival Guide

#summervacay Here’s your ultimate **Mount Misen summer hiking itinerary**, blending sacred trails with heat-beating strategies on Miyajima Island: *"Where ancient pilgrimage meets ocean breezes"* #### **🌞 Why Hike in Summer?** ✅ **Summit temps** 8-10°C cooler than sea level ✅ **Hydrangea blooms** (mid-June to July) along trails ✅ **Sunset views** until 7:30pm (August) ✅ **Sacred caves** with natural cooling --- ### **🗓️ Half-Day Itinerary (Heat-Smart Route)** #### **⏰ 6:00 AM - Dawn Ascent (Recommended)** - **Momijidani Trailhead** (shadiest route) - Stop at **Daisho-in Temple** for morning prayers - Reach **Reikado Hall** by 7:30am - see eternal flame #### **❄️ 9:00 AM - Summit Cool-Down** 1. **Misen Hondo** - Temple with sacred spring water 2. **Shishi-iwa Observatory** - 360° island views 3. **Kuguri-iwa Cave** - Natural stone refrigerator #### **🍱 11:00 AM - Mountain Eats** - **Misen Shukubo** (temple lodge): - Shojin ryori Buddhist cuisine (reserve ahead) - Try *sudachi* citrus tofu #### **🚡 Afternoon Options** - **Ropeway descent** (¥1,000 one-way) + free shuttle bus - **Kayak tour** to cool off in the harbor --- ### **📌 Summer Pro Tips** - **Essential Gear**: - UV parasol (rent at ropeway station) - Electrolyte tablets (sold at Momijidani shops) - **Wildlife**: Morning deer sightings near Fudoin - **Hidden Spot**: **Tenjiku Cave** - secret meditation grotto - **Danger Zones**: Avoid unshaded Daishoin Trail 11am-3pm **"The eternal flame at Reikado - burning since 806 AD - was the original flame for Hiroshima's Peace Memorial."**