The Miyajima Ropeway is a direct way to the miracle spots “Mt. Misen” enjoyed by God naturally.     Kobo Daishi, the founder of Misen, and Taira-no-Kiyomori at the highest of his prosperity in Itsukushimajinja Shrine ---. Great historical figures attracted to Miyajima with Misen as its deity are introduced here.     One of Japan's representative priests and the founder of Shingon Sect. In 806 when Kobo Daishi visited Miyajima on his return trip home from Tang, the history of Misen as a hallow ground started. As a result, the summit area is dotted with a number of Buddhist temples even now, including Misenhondo hall and Reikado hall where Daishi is believed to have performed his religious training. One legend suggests that Daishi himself gave the mountain name of Misen after Mt. Shumisen in China similar in shape.   Photo credit: Daishoin Temple     The most famous figure associated with Itsukushimajinja Shrine. Taira-no-Kiyomori deepened his faith in Miyajima after promoted to Akino-kami, a local lord, and contributed greatly to the prosperity of Miyajima such that he constructed Itsukushimajinja Shrine in the form of Shinden style and at the same time introduced the culture of Kyoto into Miyajima, while on the other hand, he himself kept ascending as the head Heike clan. Islanders also feel strong attachment to Kiyomori and constructed Kiyomorijinja Shrine in 1954 to commemorate the 770th anniversary of his death.   Photo credit: Rokuharamitsuji Temple     The warring lord, which Chugoku districts can be proud of, became dominant in the wake of the Battle of Itsukushima (1555). An already-59-year old “late blooming resourceful general” took this opportunity of being a victor to overcome Bocho (Yamaguchi Prefecture) at the onset, and gradually exhibited full command over the Chugoku district. He was also noted for his living faith in deity and believed to have contributed to the construction/reconstruction of Itsukushimajinja Shrine through various donations.   Photo credit: Mohri Museum.     Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the most renowned wartime lords, dropped round Miyajima on his expedition to Kyushu and constructed a great scripture house (Senjokaku) dedicated to the souls of war-dead warriors. Although the ceiling boards, front entrance, etc., were left unfinished due to the death of Hideyoshi, the house was designated as a cultural asset of national importance together with the Gojunoto(Five-Storied Pagoda). Thus, Hideyoshi is one of the historical figures deeply associated with Miyajima, as exemplified by the Acala (Fudo) enshrined in Daishoin Temple on the occasion of sending troops to Korea.   Photo credit: Hideyoshi-Kiyomasa Memorial Hall, Nagoya     He was said to have great faith in Sankido Hall and frequented the hall. In addition, he so admired the view from the summit that he improved the trail up the mountain through the donations of 7,000 yen at that occasion, saying, “The true value of the No. 1 of the Japan's three most beautiful spots is in the view from the top.” This phrase has also been preserved as an epitaph inscribed on a large natural stone located in the precincts of Daishoin Temple. Incidentally, the wording of tablet put up on Misenhondo Hall is the original handwriting of Ito Hirobumi.   This photo is presented under license of NDL's home page. * Any copy and reprint of the photos shown in this page require prior consent from each control organization.