Nature Spots in Hiroshima Area

  • Okunoshima Island
    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima Pref. Takeharashi Tadanoumichou
    A small island four kilometers in circumference located within the boundaries of Setonaikai National Park. Known as Rabbit Island due to the 1,000 wild rabbits which inhabit it, Okunoshima is visited by large numbers of domestic and international tourists seeking to be soothed by the sight of these cute bunnies. There are also many rabbit-themed statues on the island which make for popular photo spots. At the same time, the island was the location of a poison gas plant operated by the former Imperial Japanese Army during World War II, and today many remnants of the army's facilities still stand. The Okunoshima Poison Gas Museum presents materials from that time period in an effort to convey to current generations the terror of war and the importance of peace.
  • Ikuchi-jima Island
    Travel / Tourism
    Setoda Town, Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture
    Ikuchi-jima Island, one of the Geiyo Islands, is an island that boasts the largest production of lemons in Japan, and where cultivation of citrus fruits is prosperous. There are many places of interest such as The Hill of Hope, a garden made of chalk marble, Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art and Bell Kant Hall, where musicians renowned in Japan and overseas are invited to have concerts. Sightseeing by cycling is also recommended as there are many flat roads.
  • Sandan-kyo Valley
    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima ken Yamagata gun Aki Ota-cho
    The Sandan-kyo Valley is a long ravine in Akiota Town, Yamagata County, Hiroshima Prefecture, which cuts along the Shibaki River. It has been designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty. Visitors will be able to enjoy the magnificent scenery with some places resembling Japanese gardens or landscape paintings with the trees and waterfalls coloring the gorge and the emerald green of the water creating a spectacularly beautiful valley picture. Especially worth seeing are the so called five big sights comprising the Kuro-fuchi Pool, the Sarutobi, the Nidan-no taki and Sandan-no-taki (Two Step and Three Step Falls), and the Mitsutaki Falls. Sandan-kyo Valley is a place visited by many tourists especially during the autumn when the leaves are changing color. Visitors can enjoy walking along the promenade, taking a riverboat or even have a go at some kayaking.
  • Innoshima Island
    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima Prefecture Onomichi City
    This is the birthplace of Murakami Navy that boasted power in the Seto Inland Sea from the Nanboku-cho period to the civil wars period. Many historical sites remain such as Innoshima Suigun Castle and Konrenji Temple, housing the Navy tomb. On the other hand, it is also known as the island of Go because it is the home of Honinbo Shusaku, a Go player who represents Japan. Materials relating to Honinbo Shusaku and Go are exhibited at the Honinbo Shusaku Go Memorial Hall.
  • Mount Misen
    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima Pref. Hatsukaichishi Miyajimachou
    It is a mountain in the center of Miyajima Town in Hatsukaichi City. It is the highest peak in Itsukushima (Miyajima), and it has been the object of worship for a long time. It is believed that the mountain was first used by Kobo Daishi in 806. Miyama Shrine is near the summit of the mountain, Daisho-in in the foothills, and Itsukushima Shrine at the base. The view from the mountaintop overlooking the opposite shore is famous for having once being praised by Hirofumi Ito. There are several hiking trails where historical sites and cultural properties are scattered, and you can choose a course to suit your physical strength and available time.
  • Chono Falls (Nachi Falls)
    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima prefecture Shobara-shi Nishijo-machi
    Waterfalls in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. It is located behind the mountain on which Kumano Shrine stands and can be reached by going through the temple grounds and then taking the nature trail that leads up to Mt. Ryozan. The five stages of the falling water resemble the tail of a long-tailed fowl, leading to the waterfall’s name of Chono Falls or “Bird Tail Falls”, in contrast to Shimane’s Torikami Falls or “Rising Bird Falls.”
  • Taishakukyo Gorge
    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima prefecture Shobara-shi Dongcheng-cho/Kamishi Takahara-cho
    A gorge 18 kilometers long straddling the towns of Tojo and Jinsekikogen in Shobara City Hiroshima Prefecture. The gorge is one of the major scenic features making up Hiba-Dogo-Taishaku Quasi-National Park. It is also a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty. The beautiful gorge follows the flow of the Taishaku River. Some of its many highlights include limestone caves created through erosion, a giant natural stone bridge, and various curiously shaped rocks and boulders. The manmade Lake Shinryu is surrounded by the beauty of fresh verdure in spring and gorgeous fall foliage in autumn, and you can also enjoy the scenery from on the lake via a pleasure cruise.
  • Sensui-jima Island
    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima Pref. Fukuyamashi Tomochou Ushiroji
    Sensui-jima Island is nearly a symbol of Tomonoura. It is an island with “enough beauty to intoxicate a hermit”, as suggested by its name, and it has indeed entranced many. You must see the Goshikiiwa (five-colored rock), the only one in Japan. The whole island is popular as a power spot, said to be the island where the seven deities of good fortune dwell.
  • Setoda Sunset Beach
    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima Pref. Onomichishi Setodachoutarumi
    This beach is located in the Seaside Sport Park in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, and has almost 800 meters of white sand beach along with crystal clear waters, leading it to be chosen as one of Japan’s top 88 beaches. There are shower facilities, locker rooms and restaurants on site. The beach is a famous location to watch the sunset and draws large crowds. It is open from July to August every year.
  • Kozan Lavender Hill
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    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima Pref. Seragunserachou Bessako 794-9
    This is a great flower-viewing garden for enjoying flora in all four seasons—poppies in spring, lavender in summer, and cosmos in fall. It features a café and herb garden as well, so you can partake of lavender ice cream and fresh herbal tea.

    ラベンダーが見納めの時期に行きました。ドライフラワー用に1人100本までラベンダーを持ち帰ることが出来ました。しかし炎天下で、まだ綺麗な状態の花を探す作業は結構大変でした。最盛期に来たいです。

  • Osaki-Shimojima Island
    Travel / Tourism
    Toyotomachi, Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture
    This is an island located in the center of the Seto Inland Sea. The Mitarai district flourished as an accommodation port from the Edo period to the early Showa period, and the elegant townscape of the Edo period still remains. Also, the cultivation of oranges is prosperous. Ocho Orange, a special product of Osaki Shimojima Island, is very sweet and popular nationwide.
  • Mukaishima Island
    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima Pref. Onomichishi Mukaishimachou
    Mukaishima Island is easy to get to on the Shimanami Kaido Expressway, and is located just across the Onomichi Channel from Onomichi. Flower cultivation prospers on the island including at the Mukaishima Island Orchid Center and visitors can enjoy beautiful flowers every season. Also, visitors can enjoy fig picking at one of the leading Mancho Farms in Japan.
  • Etajima Island
    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima Pref. Etajimashi Etajimachou
    An island in the Seto Inland Sea, which is a 30-minute ferry ride from Hiroshima City. You can visit the former Naval Academy and Mt. Hodaiyama, and try locally raised chickens and oysters in the island’s restaurants. The island draws many tourists with its cafes, where you can leisurely pass the time while looking out over the beautiful sea.
  • Mt. Shirataki
    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima Pref. Onomichishi Innoshimashigeichou
    It is a rocky mountain 226.9 meters above sea level that is located in Innoshima in Onomichi City. It is known to be one of the foremost viewpoints among the Shimanami Sea Route, and from the top of the mountain there is a 360-degree outlook to the Innoshima-ohashi Bridge and surrounding islands. Also on the top of the mountain is the Kannon temple built by Yoshimitsu Murakami, the 6th generation owner of the Innoshima Murakami Navy. The 700 stone figures of Buddha made by Denroku Kashihara, the founder of the Ikkankyo religion and his disciples are a highlight.
  • Haji Dam (Yachiyo Lake)
    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima Pref. Akitakatashi Yachiyochouhaji 1194-1
    A dam in Akitakata City, Hiroshima Prefecture. It was built to supply fresh water for Hiroshima City and the Geiyo Islands, and is an indispensable part of Hiroshima City’s water supply. Yachiyo Lake, formed when the dam was built, has been chosen as one of the top 100 Dam Lakes in Japan. This place is famous for its cherry blossoms and is visited by many people. There are also plenty of shops in the park during the cherry blossom season.
  • Mt. Noro (Mt. Zendana)
    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima Pref. Kureshi Hiromachi
    This mountain in Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture stands at 839 meters. The mountain draws large numbers of tourists every year with its variety of outdoor leisure activities including mountain climbing and camping, its famous locales for watching cherry blossoms and autumn colors, and its famous historical locations such as Noro-jinja Shrine and Kobo-ji Temple. The Sazanami Skyline road takes you to the Jumonji Rotary near the top of the mountain, and you can either choose the Dondon Mountain Climbing Course or the Kabuto Boulder Course to finish the ascent.
  • Tomonoura Beach
    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima Pref. Fukuyamashi Tomochou Ushiroji Senzurushima Tanoura
    "This port town is located on the southeastern edge of the Numakuma Peninsula. It is characterized by the many historical sites, shrines and temples that dot the area. You can see the Ota Family Residence, a nationally-designated Important Cultural Property, and Enfukuji Temple, which was used as a dorm for the Kishu clan when negotiating after the sinking of the Iroha-maru at the end of the Tokugawa period (1853-1867). In addition, there are many restaurants where you can enjoy dishes such as ""chirimen"" and specialty sea bream cuisine, and souvenir shops selling specialty products such as homeishu, traditional medicinal liquor. It is also known as the location of the movie ""The Wolverine"" starring Hugh Jackman."
  • Katsurahama Beach
    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima Pref. Kureshi Kurahashichou
    This sandy beach in Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture, is used as a swimming area during the summer. Its beautiful scenery made an appearance in the 8th century Manyoshu collection of poetry and has been selected for both Japan’s top 100 beaches and Japan’s top 100 scenes of white sand and green pines. There is also a nearby stone monument dedicated to the Manyoshu. The beach draws many tourists.
  • Mukunashi Dam (Hakuryu Lake)
    Travel / Tourism
    Hiroshima Pref. Miharashi Daiwachouwaki
    This freshwater lake is in Mihara City, Hiroshima Prefecture was formed after the Mukunashi Dam was built in 1969 and draws its name from the legendary story related to Mukunashi River. Just upstream, you’ll find the Lake Hakuryu Sports Village with the Hakuryu Dome, baseball field, and tennis courts. There are also other ways to pass the time including the lakeside Roadside Station Yogansu Hakuryu and a resort center.
  • Nanaura Beach
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hiroshima Pref. Kureshi Yasurachouato
    This beach front is in Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture. From this sandy beach with gentle waves, you can look across the water to the far shores of islands in the Seto Inland Sea including Toyoshima island and Kamagari island. This beach always draws crowds of swimmers during the summer season. There are a cafe in the area as well as BBQ spots along the beach where you can enjoy BBQ with making reservations in advance.

Hiroshima Areas

around-area-map

There is more than meets the eye awaiting any Hiroshima-bound traveler. Kicking off in Hiroshima city, the Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Castle, and Shukkeien Garden offer a couple of days of exploring; however, the real beauty lies along the southern coast of the prefecture. There, a series of islands spreads across the Seto Inland Sea: from the mysterious sea-submerged Great Torii Gate at Miyajima Island to the first half of the islands that connect Honshu to Shikoku via six spectacular suspension bridges.

Hiroshima Photo Album

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