Located in the northern part of Hiroshima Prefecture, the Shobara, Miyoshi, and Geihoku area is an attractive tourist destination that combines rich nature, history, and culture. The area is home to many mountainous areas and spectacular natural scenery, allowing visitors to enjoy beautiful seasonal scenery and distinctive local culture. With numerous spots scattered throughout the area where you can enjoy outdoor activities to the fullest, this area is recommended for those who want to refresh themselves in the midst of nature. We hope you will use this article as a guide to visit the nature-rich sightseeing spots in northern Hiroshima Prefecture and create unforgettable travel memories.
Click here to learn more about Hiroshima.
Sightseeing Spots
Sandankyo Gorge (三段峡)
Sandankyo Gorge is one of the most famous gorges in Japan. In the 16-km-long gorge, visitors can enjoy nature to the fullest amidst beautiful greenery and water. The beauty of the fresh greenery in spring and the autumn leaves in fall is a work of art created by nature itself. It is the only canyon in Japan where you can see not only the beauty of the canyon but also a wide variety of plants, old trees, and giant trees from the walking trail.
Mt. Shinnyu (深入山)
Mt. Shinnyu is a gently sloping, beautiful mountain surrounded entirely by grasslands. It is a mountain that offers a wide range of hiking opportunities for both beginners and experienced climbers. At the summit, a 360-degree panoramic view awaits you. It takes about one hour to reach the summit, making it relatively easy to enjoy nature. There are lodging facilities and campgrounds nearby, making it possible to get in touch with nature in earnest.
Taishakukyo Gorge (帝釈峡)
This scenic spot has been selected as one of the 100 most scenic spots in Japan, and is visited by many tourists throughout the year. Especially popular is the season of autumn leaves. There are numerous bridges in the area, and visitors can admire the collaboration of nature with the colors and shapes of each bridge. Another very popular activity is a sightseeing tour of Shinryu Lake, a long, narrow lake in Taishakukyo Gorge. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the valley in each of the four seasons. Roofless open boats equipped with high-power engines are also available for those who want to experience nature more fully. Kayaking and Segway experiences are also available, mainly on lakes and rivers.
Bihoku Hillside Park (国営備北丘陵公園)
Bihoku Hillside Park is a vast park where visitors can enjoy nature in all four seasons. The tulips and nemophila in the spring, sunflowers in the summer, and cosmos in the fall, all blooming all over the plaza, make you want to take pictures of them. A variety of athletic activities and sports, such as cycling, golf, canoeing, and tree climbing, can be enjoyed by adults and children alike.
Miyoshi Mononoke Museum (三次もののけミュージアム)
Miyoshi Mononoke Museum is a museum dedicated to Japanese yokai (Japanese folk monster) and folklore. The town of Miyoshi, where the museum is located, is the setting for yokai tales that have been handed down over a wide area of Japan from the Edo period to the present day. Here, visitors can explore the world of yokai, which are deeply rooted as part of traditional Japanese culture. The museum has a variety of yokai exhibits and introduces visitors to yokai and their stories through ancient picture scrolls and artwork. It is a very unique museum and a must-see for anyone interested in Japanese culture.
Miyoshi Winery (三次ワイナリー)
This is a place where visitors can enjoy carefully selected wines made from locally grown grapes. The winery handles everything from cultivation to harvesting and winemaking. In addition to a wine store, barbecue garden, and café, there is also a factory where visitors can observe the wine-making process. It is a place where visitors can enjoy a tour, shopping, and dining at their leisure.
