A collaboration of cherry blossoms and the beautiful Seto Inland Sea

Enjoy the breathtaking Tashimabi view of many islands sprawled across the Seto Inland Sea, as seen through the cherry blossoms at Hirakiyama Park (Ehime)

The Seto Inland Shimanami Kaido is a 70km bridge route that connects Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture on the mainland with Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture in Shikoku. The varied-shaped bridge, which meanders across six large islands in the Seto Inland Sea, can be crossed by foot or bicycle (rental from 1000 yen with 1000 yen deposit). At Hakata Island – one of the islands on the route – is Hirakiyama Park, where you can climb to the viewing platform at the top of the mountain there and enjoy a breathtaking view of the many islands accentuated by cherry blossoms. It’s a superb location for enjoying the beauty of the Seto Inland Sea, particulary the spectacular view of the arched bridge connecting Omishima Island and Hakata Island.

Hirakiyama Park
Address
Ikata, Hakata-cho, Imabari City, Ehime [Map]
Cherry blossom
Approx. 1000 trees
Full bloom
Early April
Light up
Early-to-mid April, 18:30-22:00
Parking
150 cars
Access
Take a bus from JR Imabari Station to Hakata Island BS bus stop, then transfer to another bus and get off at the Kumago bus stop; it’s about 20 minutes’ walk from there.
Contact
Citizen’s Service Section, Hakata Branch, Imabari City Hall
TEL
+81-897-72-1500
URL
Website

MAP

Immerse yourself in the spring scenery of cherry blossoms coloring the Seto Inland Sea at Senkoji Park (Hiroshima)

Looking out onto the Seto Inland Sea is Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture, which is also called the “town of hills” for its many stone steps and narrow alleyways that create a nostalgic atmosphere of the charming Japanese townscapes from olden times. Onomichi has also been used as a location for numerous Japanese films and anime. Situated on the top of a low hill and expanding to halfway down it is Senkoji Park, where you can enjoy a sprawling view of Onomichi City, Mukaishima Island and the misty mountain ranges of Shikoku Island as seen through the cherry blossoms in spring; the serene scenery will truly enhance your travel experience in Japan. As the cherry blossoms’ petals flutter and fall, many people also enjoy strolling through the “Path of Literature” that has 25 stone inscriptions scattered around it featuring excerpts from works of authors and poets who have been inspired by Onomichi.

Senkoji Park
Address
19-1 Nishi-Tsuchido-cho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima [Map]
Cherry blossom
Approx. 1,500 trees
Full bloom
From late March to early April
Light up
Paper lantern illumination: From mid March to mid April, 18:00-6:00 (the next day)
Parking
70 cars (600 yen/day)
Access
Walk for around 15 minutes from JR Onomichi Station to reach the Mt. Senkoji Ropeway Sanroku (base) Station. Then ride the ropeway from there for around three minutes and get off at the Sancho (top) Station; the park is right there.
Contact
Onomichi City Tourism Section
TEL
+81-848-38-9184
URL
Website

MAP

(This information is as of March 2018)

Features

Wake-cho in southeastern Okayama Prefecture is a town with a rich natural environment nurtured by the Yoshii River. It is dotted with tourist spots that garner attention from within Japan and abroad, such as Katatetsu Roman Kaido, a popular cycling and walking road, and Fuji Park which has the largest variety of wisteria in Japan. RELATED ARTICLES
WAKE
Wake-cho in southeastern Okayama Prefecture is a town with a rich natural environment nurtured by the Yoshii River. It is dotted with tourist spots that garner attention from within Japan and abroad, such as Katatetsu Roman Kaido, a popular cycling and walking road, and Fuji Park which has the largest variety of wisteria in Japan.
The Night-time Food & Drinks Guide is a free pamphlet available in Takamatsu City with maps that features the best dining in the area. Check out the detailed information on the cafes, bars, restaurants, udon shops, and more recommended by the editors. RELATED ARTICLES
Night-time Food & Drinks Guide
The Night-time Food & Drinks Guide is a free pamphlet available in Takamatsu City with maps that features the best dining in the area. Check out the detailed information on the cafes, bars, restaurants, udon shops, and more recommended by the editors.
Onomichi is a quaint town located along the Seto Inland Sea in eastern Hiroshima Prefecture. Onomichi was certified as as Japanese Heritage on 2017. The town extends from the mainland across some of the neighboring islands.Small ferries operate between the downtown area and the nearby islands, adding to Onomichi's nostalgic port town atmosphere. RELATED ARTICLES
ONOMICHI
Onomichi is a quaint town located along the Seto Inland Sea in eastern Hiroshima Prefecture. Onomichi was certified as as Japanese Heritage on 2017. The town extends from the mainland across some of the neighboring islands.Small ferries operate between the downtown area and the nearby islands, adding to Onomichi's nostalgic port town atmosphere.

Themes

Japan's one and only enclosed sea, the Seto Inland Sea. It contains over 700 islands, each with a culture and cuisine blessed by mountains and sea. It's so beautiful that some call it "the Aegean Sea of the East." RELATED ARTICLES
SETO INLAND SEA
Japan's one and only enclosed sea, the Seto Inland Sea. It contains over 700 islands, each with a culture and cuisine blessed by mountains and sea. It's so beautiful that some call it "the Aegean Sea of the East."
As an island nation, unique cultural forms have developed in Japan. Traditional Japanese homes, where you can experience the earth and wood beloved of old Japan, are on trend worldwide. Enjoy these somehow comforting and soothing spaces. RELATED ARTICLES
JAPANESE TRADITION
As an island nation, unique cultural forms have developed in Japan. Traditional Japanese homes, where you can experience the earth and wood beloved of old Japan, are on trend worldwide. Enjoy these somehow comforting and soothing spaces.
Western Japan has mesmerizing sights you have never glimpsed before,from the islands in the vast waters of the Seto Inland Sea to the ancient castles rising into the sky and rivers that will make you sense eternity. RELATED ARTICLES
AMAZING VIEWS
Western Japan has mesmerizing sights you have never glimpsed before,from the islands in the vast waters of the Seto Inland Sea to the ancient castles rising into the sky and rivers that will make you sense eternity.
Western Japan is dotted with spiritual “power spots”, including the Shikoku pilgrimage ("Ohenro") of 88 sacred sites, and Itsukushima Shrine, a religious center and UNESCO World Heritage Site. RELATED ARTICLES
SPIRITUAL JOURNEYS
Western Japan is dotted with spiritual “power spots”, including the Shikoku pilgrimage ("Ohenro") of 88 sacred sites, and Itsukushima Shrine, a religious center and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There is nothing better than sampling the local seasonal flavors and specialties of a region. There are so many kinds of local cuisine Western Japan. Be sure to taste the foods beloved by locals when you take a trip RELATED ARTICLES
LOCAL FLAVORS
There is nothing better than sampling the local seasonal flavors and specialties of a region. There are so many kinds of local cuisine Western Japan. Be sure to taste the foods beloved by locals when you take a trip
With its warm climate, West Japan has many fruit-producing regions, including Okayama, "the fruit kingdom," famous as the top producer of white peaches and Muscat grapes. You can savor sumptuous sweet treats using lavish portions of seasonal fruit such as parfaits and shaved ice. RELATED ARTICLES
PREMIUM FRUITS
With its warm climate, West Japan has many fruit-producing regions, including Okayama, "the fruit kingdom," famous as the top producer of white peaches and Muscat grapes. You can savor sumptuous sweet treats using lavish portions of seasonal fruit such as parfaits and shaved ice.
The exquisite beauty of the blooming cherry blossoms, and also their transient beauty as the petals fall, has been revered in the literature and aesthetic concepts of Japan since ancient times. Spring in Japan is the perfect time to immerse yourself in its hanami (flower viewing) culture, when friends and family gather under the cherry blossom trees and appreciate the beauty of the flowers while drinking and eating merrily. RELATED ARTICLES
SAKURA
The exquisite beauty of the blooming cherry blossoms, and also their transient beauty as the petals fall, has been revered in the literature and aesthetic concepts of Japan since ancient times. Spring in Japan is the perfect time to immerse yourself in its hanami (flower viewing) culture, when friends and family gather under the cherry blossom trees and appreciate the beauty of the flowers while drinking and eating merrily.
The culture of therapeutic bathing and mind by relaxing in a hot bath amid beautiful ever-changing scenery is a fixture of Japanese culture. The Setouchi region boasts scenic outdoor baths set above sprawling islands. RELATED ARTICLES
ONSEN
The culture of therapeutic bathing and mind by relaxing in a hot bath amid beautiful ever-changing scenery is a fixture of Japanese culture. The Setouchi region boasts scenic outdoor baths set above sprawling islands.
We present to you a collection of short movies filled with stunning western Japan locations that you have almost certainly never seen before. The scenes of Seto Inland Sea islands, beautiful towns and the daily lives of the locals will make you want to book a trip as soon as possible. RELATED ARTICLES
MOVIES
We present to you a collection of short movies filled with stunning western Japan locations that you have almost certainly never seen before. The scenes of Seto Inland Sea islands, beautiful towns and the daily lives of the locals will make you want to book a trip as soon as possible.

Destinations

A peaceful body of water surrounded by Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, the Seto Inland Sea is renowned for its many beautiful islands and scenic views. Known also as the Aegean of the East, it attracts countless visitors from around the world. RELATED ARTICLES
SETOUCHI
A peaceful body of water surrounded by Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, the Seto Inland Sea is renowned for its many beautiful islands and scenic views. Known also as the Aegean of the East, it attracts countless visitors from around the world.
Okayama, the Land of Sunshine, abounds with the blessings of lush mountains and a bountiful sea, the beauty of nature and the crossroads of prominent Japanese historic heritage. Always a key transport hub in the Setouchi region, in recent years it has also become the gateway to the art of the Seto Inland Sea. RELATED ARTICLES
OKAYAMA
Okayama, the Land of Sunshine, abounds with the blessings of lush mountains and a bountiful sea, the beauty of nature and the crossroads of prominent Japanese historic heritage. Always a key transport hub in the Setouchi region, in recent years it has also become the gateway to the art of the Seto Inland Sea.
Hiroshima, the International City of Peace, is known throughout the world for its two World Heritage sites and for being the setting of superb literary works. This is a compulsory stop for connoisseurs from around Japan looking for unique food culture, not least of which are okonomiyaki, said to be Japan's national dish, and oysters. RELATED ARTICLES
HIROSHIMA
Hiroshima, the International City of Peace, is known throughout the world for its two World Heritage sites and for being the setting of superb literary works. This is a compulsory stop for connoisseurs from around Japan looking for unique food culture, not least of which are okonomiyaki, said to be Japan's national dish, and oysters.
Shimane Prefecture is redolent of tradition, boasting a large number of nationally-recognized historical and cultural treasures such as the Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine and Matsue Castle. Its large number of hot springs means it attracts a large number of people seeking healing in body and soul. It is also popular among visitors who can enjoy the fresh seafood from its Japan Sea coast and traditional foods such as soba noodle and Japanese sweets. RELATED ARTICLES
SHIMANE
Shimane Prefecture is redolent of tradition, boasting a large number of nationally-recognized historical and cultural treasures such as the Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine and Matsue Castle. Its large number of hot springs means it attracts a large number of people seeking healing in body and soul. It is also popular among visitors who can enjoy the fresh seafood from its Japan Sea coast and traditional foods such as soba noodle and Japanese sweets.
In the northern part of the prefecture facing the Sea of Japan, there is a beautiful stretch of coastline of the Tottori Sand Dunes and white sand and pine trees while the south is a majestic mountain range including Mt. Daisen, the tallest peak of the Chugoku region. Tottori is therefore an area of natural beauty changing by the season, where delicacies from the sea and the mountains await. RELATED ARTICLES
TOTTORI
In the northern part of the prefecture facing the Sea of Japan, there is a beautiful stretch of coastline of the Tottori Sand Dunes and white sand and pine trees while the south is a majestic mountain range including Mt. Daisen, the tallest peak of the Chugoku region. Tottori is therefore an area of natural beauty changing by the season, where delicacies from the sea and the mountains await.
Kagawa is the smallest prefecture in Japan. It is famous in Japan and abroad for being home to Sanuki udon, one of the “big three” udon noodle varieties, to the point that Kagawa is also known as “Udon Prefecture.” Kagawa is also gaining ground as a leader of Japan’s art culture by serving as the stage for the Setouchi Trienniale, a renowned contemporary arts festival. RELATED ARTICLES
KAGAWA
Kagawa is the smallest prefecture in Japan. It is famous in Japan and abroad for being home to Sanuki udon, one of the “big three” udon noodle varieties, to the point that Kagawa is also known as “Udon Prefecture.” Kagawa is also gaining ground as a leader of Japan’s art culture by serving as the stage for the Setouchi Trienniale, a renowned contemporary arts festival.
Kochi Prefecture is a premier destination for natural beauty, with its dynamic, warm Kuroshio current-bathed coastline, crystal-clear rivers such as the Niyodogawa famous for its “miracle blue” waters, and ample scenic hotspots. It is also popular as a foodie destination, a variety of seafood including skipjack tuna and its delicious sake rice wine. RELATED ARTICLES
KOCHI
Kochi Prefecture is a premier destination for natural beauty, with its dynamic, warm Kuroshio current-bathed coastline, crystal-clear rivers such as the Niyodogawa famous for its “miracle blue” waters, and ample scenic hotspots. It is also popular as a foodie destination, a variety of seafood including skipjack tuna and its delicious sake rice wine.
Many people flock to Ehime prefecture to soothe their mind and body with the healing waters of Japan's oldest hot springs resort Dogo Onsen, and the breathtaking Tashimabi scenery of numerous islands scattered throughout the Seto Inland Sea, as seen from the Shimanami Kaido bridge route connecting six of the larger islands. In addition to these and other attractions, Ehime is also blessed with a warm climate and locally grown citrus fruits, as well as an abundance of seafood sourced from the three coastal waters that surround it. RELATED ARTICLES
EHIME
Many people flock to Ehime prefecture to soothe their mind and body with the healing waters of Japan's oldest hot springs resort Dogo Onsen, and the breathtaking Tashimabi scenery of numerous islands scattered throughout the Seto Inland Sea, as seen from the Shimanami Kaido bridge route connecting six of the larger islands. In addition to these and other attractions, Ehime is also blessed with a warm climate and locally grown citrus fruits, as well as an abundance of seafood sourced from the three coastal waters that surround it.
Tokushima prefecture magnificently captures the beautiful nature and traditional culture of Japan in its many attractions including the Kazura Bashi Vine Bridge, one of the country's three uniquely structured bridges, and the Iya Valley region with its preserved nostalgic rural scenery. A trip to Tokushima will surely be unforgettable as you marvel at the Naruto whirlpool, one of Japan's top three tidal streams, and experience the excitement of the country's hallmark Tokushima Awa Odori Dance Festival. RELATED ARTICLES
TOKUSHIMA
Tokushima prefecture magnificently captures the beautiful nature and traditional culture of Japan in its many attractions including the Kazura Bashi Vine Bridge, one of the country's three uniquely structured bridges, and the Iya Valley region with its preserved nostalgic rural scenery. A trip to Tokushima will surely be unforgettable as you marvel at the Naruto whirlpool, one of Japan's top three tidal streams, and experience the excitement of the country's hallmark Tokushima Awa Odori Dance Festival.