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)
External links
Nearby
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With famous local dishes such as Sanuki udon and Kagawa-style chicken drumstick, and a wide range of lovingly-made traditional handcrafts that make excellent souvenirs, the city is well worth visiting.
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Seasons
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.
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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.
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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.
