Standing here, at the foot of 海見山 (Kaikenzan), can you feel a subtle shift in the air? It’s a blend of tranquility and a somber reminder of nature’s raw power. 海見山, which translates to “Sea View Mountain,” might seem unassuming at a height of 69.9 meters, yet it holds a commanding presence on the landscape between Hiroshima City and Kitahiroshima Town. Don’t be fooled by its current peaceful façade. 海見山 has witnessed history unfold from a front-row seat. The mountain’s slopes, while gentle on the eastern side, drop sharply on the west, a testament perhaps to the powerful forces that have shaped this land. 海見山 stands as a silent sentinel, its roots intertwined with the very fabric of this region. Once, perhaps, it offered panoramic vistas of the Seto Inland Sea. Today, though, the view is obscured, a reminder that nature, like time, is constantly evolving. This mountain, you see, is more than just a geographical landmark. It’s a living testament to Hiroshima’s resilience, a quiet observer of the city’s rebirth and growth.
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