“Are those mountains?” asked a young boy, tugging at his father’s sleeve. They stood on the city streets, dwarfed by the urban landscape, yet the boy’s gaze was fixed on the distant peaks just visible on the horizon. That, my friends, is Mt. Fujigamaru. It’s one of several peaks in a range that locals playfully call the “Ushita Alps” but its official name is the “Heavenly Gods Mountain Pass.” Now, you might be surprised to learn that Mt. Fujigamaru and its neighboring peaks offer a challenging seven-kilometer hike that begins just a short walk from here. It’s true! Imagine, a true mountain trek without ever leaving the city limits. The trail is surprisingly pristine and sees little foot traffic even from locals, making it a hidden gem for those seeking a moment of peace amidst the urban hustle. The path will lead you through dense foliage past remnants of Hiroshima’s history like the Tosaka castle ruins atop Ushita-yama. From there, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city spreading out beneath you. You can even spot landmarks like the Peace Tower rising in the distance, a silent reminder of the resilience of Hiroshima. The trek up Mt. Fujigamaru is not just a physical journey, but a historical and spiritual one.
芸州廿日市御本陣旧跡
“A castle built on the plain?” you might ask. “Isn’t that a bit…exposed?” And indeed, the Hiroshima Gokoku Jinja, the