The 889-meter-high Shiraki mountain is the highest one in Hiroshima City, and stands in Asakita Ward, 25 kilometers northeast from downtown Hiroshima.

At the foot of the mountain, 70 meters above sea level, is the JR Shiraki-yama station on the Geibi Line, which was fondly named after this popular mountain.

Mt.Shiraki is only half the height of the 1,712-meter Mt.Daisen in Tottori Pref., but there is not much difference in the actual altitude between the two mountains, because the foot of Mt. Daisen is already around 800 meters above sea level.

Mt.Shiraki attracts many hikers all year round, especially for those who want to climb up higher mountains like the 1,712-meter Mt.Daisen or 3,000-meter class mountains in the Japan Alps.

Among them is an 80-year-old man who recently celebrated his 1,000th ascent. To achieve this remarkable feat, he has kept climbing for 23 years. During the last one year, he made 80 ascents. He says he always carries a 10-kilogram backpack, and walks up to the mountaintop for 1.5 hours without a break, an hour faster than the ordinary climbing time. Can you believe it?

It will be a bit hard to ascend it for those who are not strong hikers, but it is worth conquering. The panoramic view of 360 degrees from the summit is breathtaking, if the weather is good.

�ŸGetting there

Take a train on JR Geibi Line and get off at Shirakiyama Station. From the station, it is a 2.5-hour ascent to the mountain top.

�ŸSuggested Schedule

JR Hiroshima Station(7:55)===(Geibi Line)===Shirakiyama Sta.(8:35)---

------Mt.Shiraki(11:30-13:00)-----Shirakiyama Sta.(15:02)===

===(Geibi Line)===Hiroshima Station(15:35)