Hatsukaichi and Oono Natural Park: Enjoying Nature and Gourmet at the Gateway to Miyajima

Across the water from the World Heritage island of Miyajima lie verdant countryside and a calm sea. Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima is known as the gateway to Miyajima (Itsukushima), but the Oono district within the city holds much appeal not to be overlooked, from nature and traditional crafts to gourmet. Venturing here alongside a Miyajima visit lets you touch the nature of the Seto Inland Sea and local life at a relaxed pace.

Highlights

Hatsukaichi City encompasses Miyajima-guchi, from which ferries depart for World Heritage Miyajima, making it the gateway to the island. While many tourists cross to Miyajima, rich nature, history, and culture live on in the city. Hatsukaichi is also known as the "birthplace of the kendama": in 1921, production of the "Nichigetsu Ball," close to the modern kendama, began here. Local industry rooted in woodturning technique, along with traditional crafts such as Miyajima woodwork, also thrives.

The Oono district spreads out green and abundant. In particular, Imose Falls, deep behind Ogashira Shrine, is known for its refreshing scenery where the male and female falls stand side by side, a beloved local spot. Hillside viewpoints overlooking the Seto Inland Sea and walking paths are maintained, and strolling while gazing at Miyajima across the water is exceptional. You can refresh yourself in gentle, peaceful nature that hardly feels close to the city.

Seasonal Enjoyment

The area can be enjoyed year-round, but winter, when oysters are in season, and the comfortable spring and autumn are recommended. Imose Falls is popular as a spot for fresh greenery and summer coolness, its rushing water carrying a sense of relief from the heat. Autumn foliage is another draw. Gazing at the island's silhouette across the seasons from the opposite shore, paired with Miyajima, is also a pleasure.

Access and Practical Information

JR Sanyo Main Line Ono-ura Station and Miyajima-guchi Station serve as bases. Imose Falls is about a 20-minute walk from Ono-ura Station, or about one minute by car from the Ono IC on the Sanyo Expressway. From Miyajima-guchi Station, the ferry terminal for Miyajima is close, making it easy to combine with island sightseeing. From Hiroshima Station, allow around 30 minutes on the local line. Oyster direct-sale shops, eateries, and momiji manju shops are dotted about.

Practical Travel Notes

A half-day plan stopping in the Oono area before or after Miyajima is recommended. Around Imose Falls the ground can be wet and slippery, so comfortable walking shoes are reassuring. In winter, savoring grilled oysters at an oyster hut is a Seto Inland Sea staple, and direct-sale shops offer fresh oysters at reasonable prices. Budgets center on transport and meals, making this an area suited to those who want to relax away from Miyajima's crowds.

A Word of Advice

Rather than being satisfied with World Heritage Miyajima alone, turn your eyes to Hatsukaichi across the water for fresh discoveries. Combining souvenirs unique to the birthplace of the kendama, the coolness of Imose Falls, and local oyster cuisine adds real depth to a Miyajima trip.

📚 Sources

The information in this article is organized from tourism details published by the city of Hatsukaichi and the Hatsukaichi tourism association, along with public guidance provided by the operators of each hot-spring facility. Reception hours and fees for day-use bathing can be checked through each facility's official information. Fees, hours, and access may change, so please always confirm with official sources before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About 1 to 2 hours for a day-use bath, or roughly half a day combined with nearby sightseeing.
• What to bring: Prepare cash for bathing fees and towel rental; bringing a towel and a change of clothes makes the visit comfortable.
• Getting around: Some facilities are more convenient to reach by car, so check access methods in advance.
• Suggested route: After relaxing in the hot spring, extend to sights within Hatsukaichi or toward Miyajima to enrich the trip.
• A note on use: To avoid busy periods, weekdays or early daytime hours are recommended.

Practical Information for Your Visit

Ono Nature Observation Forest

• Address: 2723 Ono Yagusa, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
• Opening hours: 9:00-16:30
• Closed: Mondays (the following day when Monday is a public holiday) and the New Year period (December 28 to January 4)
• Access: About 20 minutes by car from JR Onoura Station
• Highlights: Grounds of about 32 hectares. A colony of benimansaku (Disanthus cercidifolius), a prefecturally designated natural monument, with autumn colours from late October to early November, plus forest green tree frogs and scarlet dwarf dragonflies

Imose Falls (behind Odo Shrine)

• Address: Ono Takinoshita, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
• Access: Very close to the Ono IC on the Hiroshima-Iwakuni Road
• Note: At the male falls you can play in the water right up to the base of the cascade, but the rocks are wet and slippery, so watch your footing

If you are crossing to Miyajima

• Miyajima visitor tax: Since October 1, 2023, a tax of 100 yen per person per visit is required when travelling to Miyajima by boat (500 yen per person if you pay for a full year at once). As a rule, the ferry companies collect it by adding it to the boat fare
• Who is exempt: Students (university students excluded) visiting as part of school education such as a school excursion, together with their teachers and attendants, and holders of a rehabilitation certificate, a mental disability certificate or a physical disability certificate

Note: Admission fees and parking for Ono Nature Observation Forest and Imose Falls are not published officially.

(Sources: Hatsukaichi Tourism Association official website, Ministry of the Environment "Nature Observation Forests", Hatsukaichi City official website)