How to Choose from Hiroshima's 10 Best Scenic Spots
Deciding which views you want to see first makes it easier to plan a comfortable itinerary, even across this large prefecture.
Coastal scenery, island trips, mountaintop panoramas, and gorge walks each call for different clothing and transportation, so it's important not to cram too much into a single day.
Choose Your Favorite Scenery: Sea, Islands, or Mountains
If you want to see an iconic view on your first trip to Hiroshima, Miyajima is a great choice, while Tomonoura and Onomichi are ideal for those who enjoy strolling through the atmosphere of port towns.
Those who want to walk in nature can consider Sandankyo Gorge (Sandan-kyo) and Taishakukyo Gorge (Taishaku-kyo), while anyone hoping to look down on the city and sea from above can consider Mount Haigamine and Mount Noro (Norosan).
Compare the Scenery at Each Spot
The table below briefly organizes the scenery, area, and type of traveler best suited to each scenic spot.
| Spot | Scenery | Area | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miyajima / Itsukushima Shrine | Shrine and sea | Hatsukaichi | First-time visitors to Hiroshima |
| Mount Misen | Islands and mountains | Hatsukaichi | Nature walkers |
| Tomonoura | Port and islands | Fukuyama | Town strollers |
| Senkoji Park | Onomichi Channel | Onomichi | Cityscape lovers |
| Okunoshima | Island and sunset | Takehara | Island-hoppers |
| Mount Fudekage / Mount Ryuo | Island-dotted sea | Mihara | View seekers |
| Taishakukyo Gorge | Gorge and lake | Shobara / Jinsekikogen | Landform fans |
| Sandankyo Gorge | Waterfalls and streams | Akiota | Hikers |
| Mount Haigamine | Port and night view | Kure | Night-view lovers |
| Mount Noro | Sea view from the summit | Kure | Drivers |
Group Your Route by Area
Combining nearby areas—such as Miyajima and central Hiroshima, Onomichi and Tomonoura, Mihara and Takehara, the mountains of Kure, and the Shobara and Jinsekikogen area—helps keep travel time to a minimum.
Some spots are easy to reach by public transportation alone, while mountainous areas are easier to explore by car, so check the information provided by transit operators and local governments before you set out.
Enjoy Miyajima's Stunning Scenery Where Sea and Faith Meet
On Miyajima, you can enjoy both the sight of the seaside shrine buildings and the island-dotted sea viewed from the island's mountain.
It takes about 30 minutes by train from central Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi and about 10 minutes by ferry from there, making it a scenic spot that's easy to reach by public transportation alone.
Even on the same island, the atmosphere changes greatly between the shore and the summit, so comfortable walking shoes and a schedule with plenty of time are recommended.
1. Miyajima / Itsukushima Shrine: A Seaside Shrine That Changes with the Tides
The vermilion shrine buildings, the great torii gate, Mount Misen behind them, and the Seto Inland Sea come together in a view that is one of Hiroshima's most iconic.
With the ebb and flow of the tide, the shrine appears to float on the water at high tide, while at low tide the seabed emerges and you can walk close to the great torii, so the mood of your photos changes depending on when you visit.
You can check that day's tide levels in advance using tide tables from sources such as the Miyajima Tourist Association, so choose your visiting time to match the scene you're after.
Since the shrine is also a place of worship, avoid blocking the walkways to take photos, give priority to worshippers, and view it quietly.
2. Mount Misen: Sweeping Views of Giant Rocks and the Islands of the Seto Inland Sea
Mount Misen on Miyajima is a sacred peak about 535 meters high, and beyond its forests and giant boulders, it offers wide views of the islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea.
From Momijidani Park at the base, you can take a series of ropeways up to Shishiiwa Station, but from there it's about a 30-minute walk one way along a mountain trail to the summit.
Because this is mountain walking rather than seaside sightseeing, prepare non-slip shoes, water, and clothing suited to the weather.
Even if you use the ropeway, you'll need to continue on foot around the summit, so it's important to enjoy the hike within your own physical limits.
Scenic Spots Overlooking the Port Towns and Islands of the Seto Inland Sea
In eastern Hiroshima Prefecture, there are places where you can enjoy not just the sea but also port-town rooftops, narrow straits, bridges linking the islands, and the wakes of passing boats, all as a single scene.
After taking in the view from above, heading down into the town makes it easier to feel the connection between the scenery and daily life.
3. Tomonoura: Calm Views of the Port Town and Sensuijima
Tomonoura, in Fukuyama, is a place where you can enjoy both a townscape that has long flourished as a tide-waiting port and sea views dotted with Sensuijima and Bentenjima.
In 2018, a story themed on port-town culture was recognized as a Japan Heritage story, and the atmosphere of this historic port still remains strongly today.
Viewed not only from the waterfront but also from temples, shrines, and higher ground, the shape of the harbor, the rooftops of the houses, and the arrangement of the islands take on a three-dimensional quality.
The narrow lanes also include residents' living spaces, so don't enter private property and walk without obstructing cars or bicycles as they pass.
4. Senkoji Park: A Sweeping View of the Onomichi Channel and the Hillside Town
From Senkoji Park in Onomichi, you can look down over the Onomichi townscape, the Onomichi Channel, Mukaishima, and the boats coming and going.
You can also reach the summit by the Senkozan Ropeway from near Onomichi Station, and the park is colored by cherry blossoms and autumn leaves in season.
Beyond the views from the observation points, the moments when the scenery opens up as you walk the slopes and alleys are part of Onomichi's distinctive charm.
In residential areas, keep your voice down and avoid photographing doorways and windows up close, and stroll with consideration for people's daily lives.
5. Okunoshima: The Island-Dotted Beauty of the Seto Inland Sea Awaiting You on an Island Walk
Okunoshima in Takehara is an island within Setonaikai National Park where you can view the surrounding islands from the coastline and observation points, reachable in about 15 minutes by ferry from Tadanoumi Port.
The island, about 4.3 kilometers in circumference, is home to around 700 rabbits, and travelers from Japan and abroad visit to enjoy its bright island scenery.
Beyond natural scenery, there are also places that convey the island's history, and at the Ministry of the Environment's Okunoshima Visitor Center (free admission) you can learn about its nature and the story of the island.
Observe the island's rabbits according to the official rules: don't touch them, don't feed them on the roads, and take any leftover food back with you.
6. Mount Fudekage and Mount Ryuo: Islands and Bridges Viewed from Above
Mount Fudekage (Fudekageyama, about 311 meters) and Mount Ryuo (Ryuozan, about 445 meters) in Mihara are viewpoints where you can enjoy the overlapping islands of the Seto Inland Sea from above.
The island-dotted scenery seen from here is said to be the finest in the Seto Inland Sea, and the whole area is part of Setonaikai National Park.
On clear days you can see far into the distance, and the color of the sea, the silhouettes of the islands, and the bridges and passing boats come together into a single scene.
The condition of the mountain roads may change due to weather or construction, so even if you go by car, check local traffic information before setting off.
Explore the Scenic Gorges of the Chugoku Mountains on Foot
Hiroshima is strongly associated with the sea, but its northern and western areas also offer mountain scenery formed by rock faces, waterfalls, streams, and lakes.
In the gorges, footing and trail conditions directly affect your safety, so it's important to check official information before focusing on the scenery.
7. Taishakukyo Gorge: Landform Scenery Shaped by Onbashi and Lake Shinryu
Taishakukyo Gorge (Taishaku-kyo), about 18 kilometers long and straddling Shobara and Jinsekikogen, was formed by the erosion of limestone, and you can enjoy different scenery along the streams of Kamitaishaku and around Lake Shinryu (Shinryu-ko).
Onbashi, a natural bridge designated a National Natural Monument, is one of the largest of its kind in Japan, and observing this landform—shaped over a long span of time together with its cave openings—deepens the impression of your mountain walk.
On the man-made Lake Shinryu, you can view the gorge's cliffs and oddly shaped rocks up close from sightseeing boats or kayaks, and looking up from the water offers a different sense of power from the view on land.
The autumn leaves are generally at their best from early to mid-November, and since rocks and tree roots can make footing unstable on the walking paths, choose comfortable shoes and obey the no-entry signs.
8. Sandankyo Gorge: A Ravine of Waterfalls and Deep Pools
In Sandankyo Gorge (Sandan-kyo) in Akiota, forest-lined streams, rock faces, waterfalls, and deep pools continue one after another, and the scenery changes the more you walk.
It is a National Special Place of Scenic Beauty about 16 kilometers long, dotted with highlights such as Sandan Falls and Kurobuchi.
At spots like Kurobuchi you can view the scenery from a ferry boat, but since operations change with the weather and water levels, checking before you go is essential.
The autumn leaves are generally at their best from late October to mid-November, and since sections of the walking paths may be closed, follow the accessible routes indicated by the site managers rather than making your own judgment on the spot.
Stunning Views of Town and Sea from the Mountains of Kure
From the mountains around Kure, you can take in not only the islands of the Seto Inland Sea but also the harbor, the shipyards, and the lights of the city.
The way natural scenery overlaps with the industrial landscape of a port town is a charm different from that of Miyajima or Onomichi.
9. Mount Haigamine: Overlooking the Lights of Kure Port and the City
Mount Haigamine (Haigamine) is about 737 meters high, and from its observation point you can take in wide views of Kure's cityscape, the boats moving in and out of the harbor, the shipyards, and the islands of the Seto Inland Sea.
Near the summit are the remains of a former Imperial Navy anti-aircraft gun battery, and the observation point has been selected as one of Japan's 100 best night views.
By day the layout of the town and sea is easy to make out, and as the sun sets, lights spread along the coastline, giving the same place a completely different look.
The mountain road grows dark at night, so if you're uneasy about driving or walking, don't push yourself—choose to visit during daylight hours.
10. Mount Noro: Gazing at the Seto Inland Sea from a Highland
Mount Noro (Norosan), about 839 meters high, is a mountain within Setonaikai National Park and a scenic spot in Kure where you can survey the island-dotted sea from viewpoints such as the Kabutoiwa Observatory.
On clear days you can see as far as the bridges of the Shimanami Kaido and the mountains of Shikoku, and because there is little surrounding light, it's also suited to stargazing at night.
Around the summit, forests, rocky scenery, and walking spots are scattered about, so you can enjoy not only sea views but also the nature of the highland.
Visibility and driving conditions change with fog, rain, and winter road surfaces, so check the weather and road information and travel with plenty of time to spare.
How Hiroshima's Scenery Changes by Season and Time of Day, Plus Photography Etiquette
Even at the same place, how a view appears changes greatly with the season, weather, tide level, and time of day.
Rather than aiming for one particular scene, accepting the natural conditions of the day makes it easier to adapt when you need to change your plans.
Comparing the Scenery by Season
The following table summarizes the differences in scenery that stand out in each season.
| Season | Scenery to look for | Key preparations |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) | Cherry blossoms and sea views | Prepare for temperature swings |
| Summer (June-August) | Blue sea and fresh greenery | Beat the heat |
| Autumn (October-November) | Autumn leaves in the gorges | Check for crowds |
| Winter (December-February) | Clear distant views | Check road surfaces |
The autumn leaves at Taishakukyo and Sandankyo gorges are generally at their best from late October to mid-November, and parking lots and public transportation tend to be crowded during this period.
Make the Most of Morning, Midday, and Evening
In the morning the light is soft and towns and mountains are often relatively quiet, making it ideal for those who want to take in the scenery at a relaxed pace.
During the day it's easier to check your footing and trail signs, making it well suited to travelers walking gorges and mountain paths.
If you're aiming for the evening or night views, check your return transportation, the darkness after sunset, and the operating status of facilities and transit in advance.
What to Keep in Mind When Taking Photos
Even at scenic spots, consideration for worshippers, residents, wildlife, and other travelers is essential.
Use the following table as a guide and check your surroundings before taking photos.
| Place | What to do | What to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Temples and shrines | Give priority to worshippers | Blocking the walkways |
| Residential areas | Walk quietly | Entering private property |
| Observation decks | Take turns | Crossing the railings |
| Nature trails | Stay on marked paths | Picking plants |
| Islands with animals | Keep your distance | Chasing them |
Useful Access and Practical Information for Touring Hiroshima's Scenic Spots
Hiroshima's scenic spots are a mix of places close to the city and mountainous areas, so choosing the right means of transportation is the key to a comfortable trip.
Miyajima, Onomichi, Tomonoura, and Okunoshima are easy to visit by public transportation using a combination of rail and ferry, while mountainous areas such as Taishakukyo Gorge, Sandankyo Gorge, and Mount Noro can be toured more efficiently with a rental car.
Choosing Between Public Transportation and a Car
From Hiroshima Station, local train lines run toward Miyajima and Onomichi, and Tomonoura can be reached in about 30 minutes by bus from Fukuyama Station.
The mountainous areas of Shobara, Jinsekikogen, Akiota, and Kure have some routes with few services, so a rental car is the practical choice for touring mountaintop viewpoints and gorges.
Ferries, ropeways, and river ferry boats may change their timetables with the season and weather, so check each operator's schedule before you set out.
Facilities Overseas Travelers Should Check
At major sightseeing destinations such as Miyajima and Onomichi, you can pick up multilingual brochures at tourist information centers, and major stations and ports are equipped with signage and public restrooms.
On the other hand, gorges and mountaintop viewpoints have limited restrooms and shops, and some places have weak mobile reception, so bring drinks, cash, and offline maps.
Opening hours, barrier-free access, and Wi-Fi availability at each facility may change, so check the official websites for information before visiting.
Summary: Tour Hiroshima's Sea, Islands, and Mountains at a Comfortable Pace
Hiroshima's stunning scenery ranges widely, from the seaside views of Miyajima, the port towns of Onomichi and Tomonoura, and the island-dotted seas of Okunoshima and Mihara to the gorges of Taishakukyo and Sandankyo and the mountaintop viewpoints of Kure.
Rather than trying to see everything in one trip, choose the scenery you want to prioritize—coast, islands, gorges, or summits—and combine nearby areas for a more relaxed journey.
Weather, tide levels, and the status of walking paths, roads, ferry boats, and public transportation all change, so check official information before you set out, and enjoy Hiroshima's scenery while prioritizing safety and respecting local communities.
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