Mt. Hodai is located at the northern tip of Nomi Island which is famous for raising flowers, especially chrysanthemums with its mild climate. It is also well known for producing oysters along with other Hiroshima Bay areas.

This mountain's name means "gun battery", and there are remains of old gun positions on the summit of the mountain that are said to be the largest ones in Japan in the Meiji era. At the beginning of this century, Japan had often had wars with neighboring countries. A railroad track to Hiroshima from the east was laid and then was stretched to Hiroshima Ujina Port so as to function as an important military center. At that time, it is said that the relationship between Russia and Japan was deteriorating, and this gun position was constructed to block Russian fleets from entering Hiroshima Bay, but it was never fired, and was abandoned in 1919.

The trail to the top of the mountain from Mitaka Port is mostly paved. The varied views of the Seto Inland Sea from the winding trail to the top are really enjoyable. A panoramic view from the summit of the mountain which is preserved as a relaxation forest is also breathtaking.

◆Getting there

Take a 40 minutes ferry ride for Mitaka port from Hiroshima port. From there walk west for 30 minutes to Minoh. There is a signboard that reads "砲台山森林公園" which means Hodaiyama forest park. Turn left to a paved road to the mountain there. It will take 1.5 hours to the mountaintop.

◆Suggested schedule

Hiroshima Port(8:55)===(Ferry)===Mitaka Port(9:35)-----Minoh----

----Mt.Hodai(12:30-13:30)----Mitaka Port(15:55)===(Ferry)===

===Hiroshima Port(16:35)