Mt. Sokayama

Mt. Sokoyama rises from the hills behind Hiroshima city and offers a straightforward forest hike with a summit reward of open views across the Seto Inland Sea. The main trail starts from the Gion or Yaguchi area and climbs through cedar, oak, and bamboo over about two hours to the 599-meter peak. The panorama from the top takes in the island-dotted sea on clear days, with Miyajima's outline visible to the southwest. The trail is well-marked and popular with Hiroshima residents on weekends as an accessible day hike from the city. The descent via an alternate route adds variety and passes a small shrine on the lower ridge.