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HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Mitarai's Hill Overlooking History Park
An impressive panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea from the Hill Overlooking History Park in Kure City
Kure City
The Hill Overlooking History Park boasts a spectacular 360-degree view of the Seto Inland Sea. Located in Mitarai in Kure City on Osaki Shimojima Island, one of the seven islands connected by the Tobishima Kaido bridges, the park stands on a hill where you can gaze across the islands dotting the sea. You can also see the long Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge on the Shimanami Kaido route in the distance and the beautiful contrast of the sea and mountains of Shikoku.
Designated as one of the Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings, Mitarai prospered in the Edo period (1603-1867) as a port town where people used to wait for a good tide and wind for sailing. The area served as an important stop for maritime transportation such as the kitamaebune, merchant ships that sailed between northern Japan and Osaka from the Edo period to the turn of the 20th century.
While you can walk up to the top of the hill, you can take a medium-sized bus to the park too for an easier option. Citrus fruits, the local specialty, grow on the side on the way during its season. Enjoy the changing scenery that the place has to offer, depending on the season.
How to get there
By Public Transportation: From JR Hiroshima Station take an Akiji Liner rapid train bound for Mihara and get off at JR Kure Station (about 30 minutes) or JR Hiro Station (about 45 minutes). Then take the Tobishima Liner bound for Yutaka or Toyohama from JR Kure Ekimae bus stop (in front of JR Kure Station) or Hiro Ekimae bus stop (across the road from JR Hiro Station).
By Car: 1.5 hours from Kure IC on the Hiroshima-Kure Road. Free parking for approximately 10 vehicles.
Mitarai, Yutakamachi, Kure-shi, Hiroshima-ken
