On the Miyajima temple island it is possible to climb to the summit of the island (Mount Misen, 535 meters) partly using ropeways. Two different ropeways have to be used, but it is a fast and efficient, let alone spectacular way to reach the top of the island. It is also possible to walk to the top (but this takes quite a few hours and is virtually impossible with a small child.)
It is possible to take a free shuttle bus from (almost) sea level near the harbor, to the Ropeway station or you can walk up in 10 minutes. Trolleys for children are not allowed in the ropeways so in case you take the bus you can just as well leave it at the bus stop (the shop next to it will take it). If you walk to the ropeway station they will hold your trolley there.
There were some queues at the ropeways, but in typical Japanese style they dissolved very fast. From the final ropeway station there is a walk of 1 km to the top (with 100 m elevation). Note that in the beginning you are actually walking down before climbing up. Slightly disconcerting.
Our little son of 2 years of age walked some of the time, but he got tired. It was a little hard to carry him but my wife and I took turns. He was very popular with the other (Japanese) climbers and were greeted with ‘Konichiwa’ at least a 100 times.
Just before the summit you can visit the Misen Hondo Main Hall (shrine). There are small deer’s every ware and some insist quite a lot on eating your snacks.
The view from the top is spectacular and you can see the entire Hiroshima bay area and to Shikoku Island. When we were there the Misen Observatory at the top was under reconstruction and could not be accessed.
I can highly recommend this trip!
The video contains stills and HD video.