The 374-meter-high Mt.Matsukasa, situated in Higashi Ward about nine kilometers northeast of Central Hiroshima, is a popular hiking spot with a convenient distance from the railway stations.
There is a temple named Matsukasa Kannonji on the hill of the mountain. The principal image of the temple is Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, whom local people have had faith in for a long time. The temple is surrounded by a grove of huge trees such as Japanese cedars and cypresses. They are designated as precious natural monuments by Hiroshima City. On the grounds of the temple are the main hall along with the bell tower, the stone lanterns and so on. There is also cold spring water that moistens visitors' thirst. You will be able to fill your water bottle full.
The view from the mountaintop is great. If the weather is good, you can see the shining Inland Sea beyond western Hiroshima City under the blue sky.

◆Getting there

From Hiroshima Station, take a 15 minutes train ride on the Geibi Line, and get off at Yaguchi Station, from which take a 1.5-kilometer walk toward Hiroshima on the road to Oda-Kyoenji bus stop, then enter the trail to the mountain.
The map of around the entry point of the mountain.

◆Suggested Schedule

Aki-Yaguchi Sta.(10:15)---Oda Kyoenji Temple(10:40)---
---Nakaoda ancient burial mounds---
---Matsukasa Kannonji Temple(11:40-12:30)---
---Look out platform(12:35)---
---Mt.Matsukasa(13:05-13:20)---
---Matsukasa Kannonji Temple(14:00)---
---Water Falls at Konpira Shrine---Hesaka Sta.(14:35)