Hiroshima viewpoints - Mount Futaba (Futabasan)

Japan's most iconic symbol, the torii gate "floating" in the sea, is on the island of Itsukushima just off the coast of Hiroshima. So obviously I wanted to see it, but as it turned out, it was under renovation at the time, all scaffolded up. I still had time after exploring most of the main sights in Hiroshima, so I decided to go for a hike. The tourist office suggested Mount Futaba (Futabasan), located near the JR Station, with a silver stupa on top of it. It was an easy, short hike, passing several torii gates and some shrines. You have a partial, but nice view of Hiroshima from the top. Then, along the top through the forest, you can reach the stupa, known as the Peace Pagoda. Standing above a cemetery, you have a wider view of the city from here. You can also see the bay with some of the islands, including Itsukushima which I had to skip.
Trail map
1. Entry to the temple compound, trailhead; 2. Temple; 3. Shrine; 4. Top, military ruin; 5. Peace Pagoda; 6. Cemetery.
Other hikes and viewpoints in Hiroshima: Hijiyama Park and Ogonzan (Mount Ogon).
Hike in photos




























