Mt. Hino is located in Oasa-cho in the Geihoku region. Some 450 years ago, Motoharu Kikkawa, the second son of the great warlord, Motonari Mori, built a castle on the top of this mountain. ( Hiroshima Castle was originally built by the grandson of Motonari Mori in 1591). From Nakayama, Chiyoda-cho, Mt.Hino would be about a one and a half-hour ascent. Up at the old castle site, the 360-degree panoramic view of the Chiyoda-Oasa area is truly spectacular.

In mid-May, a rice planting festival is held in a rice field in this area. This is a local traditional event where residents wish for a rich harvest and farmers are entertaining. Oxen can be seen all dressed up and parading in various formations on the muddy rice field. Then lines of women young and old, bare feet but garbed in beautiful traditional yukatas, would plant rice seedlings in unison to the rhythm of the male drummers behind them. It is, indeed, quite entertaining and an excellent photo opportunity of traditional Japanese culture.

◆Getting there

Go by car if possible. Take the Chugoku Expressway and get off at the Chiyoda exit. Then take Route 261 to Nakayama, Chiyoda-cho. Follow the signboard that reads "火の山城跡" which means the old castle site of Mt.Hino.

◆Suggested Schedule

Hiroshima(8:10)===(Chugoku Express Way )===Chiyoda===(Rte.261)===

===Nakayama(9:30)----Mt. Hino(11:00-11:45)----Nakayama(12:30)===

===(Rte.261)===Oasa Narutaki,Rice planting site(13:00-15:00)===(Rte.261)===

===Chiyoda===(Chugoku Express Way)===Hiroshima(16:30)