Mt. Hiyama is located on Kurahashi-jima, the largest island in Hiroshima Prefecture. From the Uwaki Pass, a one-hour ascent to Mt. Hiyama or "fire mountain" will lead you to be greeted by 88 stone Buddhist images on the trail. The origin of the mountain's name, it is said, came from naval forces lighting signals at the top in old times. At the summit there sits a huge boulder. From there a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea is really breathtaking.

Taking a different path down the mountain is well recommended. The descent would lead you past some mikan (Japanese oranges) orchards to Katsuragahama beach where there are rows of beautiful green pine trees. At the beach, you can take a rest, bask in the sun, and enjoy watching the

waves. Be sure to patronize the little store just on the side of the road and say hi to the friendly elderly lady. Then a visit to the Nagato Shipbuilding History Museum at one end of the beach is well worth the time. The main exhibit is a replica of the Kentoshi-sen which was the ship for the Japanese envoys who crossed the ocean to China in the 7th to 9th century to learn about the Chinese legal system and culture. It is said that this is the place the original ship was built.

�ŸGetting there

Take a one-hour bus ride bound for Kurahashi Muroo from Kure Station and get off at the Kurahashi Nishichu bus stop. Walk for 10 minutes back up the road and to the right to the Uwaki Pass on an old paved road. From there, it is a one-hour ascent to the top.

�ŸSuggested Schedule

Hiroshima Station(8:46)===(Kure Line)===Kure Station(9:49)===

===(Bus)===Kurahashi Nishi Jr.High(10:49)---Uwaki Pass(11:00)---

---Mt. Hiyama(12:00-13:00)---Katsuragahama Beach(14:00-15:30)===

===(Bus)===JR Kure Station(16:57)===(Kure Line)===JR Hiroshima Station(17:22)