Miyoshi and Shobara: Enjoying Fog, Hibagon, and Thousand-Year Cherry Blossoms in the Depths of the Chugoku Mountains

Miyoshi City and Shobara City in northern Hiroshima Prefecture are basin towns spread across the valleys of the Chugoku Mountains. Miyoshi City sits at the rare confluence of three rivers, the Basengawa, the Saijogawa, and the Gonokawa, and is famous for the morning fog that forms from autumn into early spring. It is about 90 minutes from central Hiroshima by highway bus, and a deep world of mythology, nature, and dreamlike scenery unlike any city awaits.

Highlights

The signature sight of the Miyoshi Basin is the Sea of Fog, when fog rising from the rivers blankets the entire valley. From the observation deck built on Takataniyama (elevation about 490 meters), you can look down on the fog spreading like a sea of clouds, a scene loved by photographers as a symbol of Miyoshi tourism. The fog shifts moment by moment with the sunrise, making each morning a one-of-a-kind view.

In the mountains around Miyoshi and Shobara, sightings of an unidentified creature called Hibagon were reported one after another in the 1970s, becoming a nationwide topic. Today it survives as a friendly mascot and a regional tourism symbol. Hibayama in Shobara City is a sacred mountain said in Japanese mythology to be where the goddess Izanami sleeps, and ancient trees and large cherry trees scatter across the surrounding slopes, creating dreamlike scenery in spring.

Taishakukyo Gorge in Shobara City is a scenic canyon designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty as the Chugoku region's finest gorge landscape. With attractions such as the natural stone bridge Onbashi and Lake Shinryuko, which can be toured by pleasure boat, it is especially beautiful in the fresh green of early summer and the autumn foliage.

Seasonal Enjoyment

The Sea of Fog tends to appear on cold early mornings around September to November after radiative cooling, and autumn is considered the prime season. The old cherry trees and the blossoms of Hibayama peak in April, while the autumn colors of Taishakukyo peak around November. Because each season shows a completely different face, it is best to choose your timing according to what you want to see.

Access and Basic Information

The base is Miyoshi Station on the JR Geibi Line, about 90 to 100 minutes from Hiroshima Station (Shinkansen exit) by highway bus. The Sea of Fog observation deck on Takataniyama is about 15 minutes by car from Miyoshi Station. Since the spots, including Taishakukyo and Hibayama, are scattered over a wide area, touring by car is the practical choice. Footing can be poor at the observation deck and along the gorge trails, so wear sturdy walking shoes.

Practical Travel Notes

To chase the Sea of Fog, aim for an early autumn morning when the previous day was clear and the morning brings a hard chill with no wind. Prepare a headlamp and warm clothing so you can arrive at the deck before sunrise while driving in the dark. Allow half a day to a full day to combine the Sea of Fog with Taishakukyo. Nearby indoor options include the Miyoshi Mononoke Museum, enjoyable even in rain. Mornings and evenings in the mountains are sharply cold, so a layer you can put on keeps the trip comfortable.

A Word of Advice

Because the Sea of Fog is a natural phenomenon, whether it appears is up to luck, and staying several days raises your odds. Even without it, the very air of these mountain villages is the heart of the journey. In Miyoshi and Shobara, where mythology and humor live side by side, discover another face of Hiroshima.

📚 Sources

The information in this article is organized from tourism details published by the local municipality and Hiroshima Prefecture, along with published guidance on this noted cherry-blossom spot. Bloom status, peak timing, and whether there are light-ups can be confirmed through the regional tourism association and public information. Fees, hours, and access may change, so please always confirm with official sources before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About 30 to 60 minutes to view the blossoms and stroll around; allow extra time to enjoy it slowly.
• What to bring: Viewing is mainly outdoors, so wear comfortable shoes and seasonal clothing, and bring water to be safe.
• Getting around: The area can be crowded at peak bloom, so early hours or public transport are recommended.
• Suggested route: Stroll the rows of cherry trees and noted spots, then extend to nearby highlights to enjoy the seasonal scenery.
• A note on viewing: Peak bloom shifts from year to year, so check the bloom status before visiting.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Viewpoints for the sea of clouds: Mount Takatani (490 m above sea level) in Awaya-cho, Miyoshi City is the best-known vantage point, and a live camera is installed at its observation deck. The sea of clouds can be seen in the early morning from September to March, and it is said to occur most frequently from late September to November
• Parking at Mount Takatani: The observation deck parking area holds only about 10 cars. In the best season people arrive to secure a spot while it is still dark, so it is safest to get there early
• Yumoto Koichi Memorial Japan Yokai Museum (Miyoshi Mononoke Museum): Open 9:30-17:00 (last admission 16:30), closed as a rule every Wednesday (the following day when Wednesday is a public holiday) and over the New Year period. Admission is 1,000 yen for general visitors
• Taishakukyo Gorge: A gorge about 18 km long straddling Tojo-cho in Shobara City and Jinsekikogen-cho in Jinseki District, and the principal scenic area of Hiba-Dogo-Taishaku Quasi-National Park. It features Onbashi, a natural stone bridge, and Shinryuko, an artificial lake
• Taishakukyo sightseeing boat (Lake Shinryuko): In 2026 the boats operate from March 20 to November 30. You can enjoy about 40 minutes on the water in a tatami-matted cabin, for 1,800 yen for adults, 900 yen for elementary school students, and free of charge for children below elementary school age
• Access restrictions: As of July 14, 2026, the area around Onbashi (from the north side of Onbashi to Shunuribashi) is closed due to falling rocks

(Sources: Miyoshi Tourism Promotion Organization (Miyoshi DMO), Mount Takatani; Yumoto Koichi Memorial Japan Yokai Museum official website; Shobara Kanko Navi (Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization), Taishakukyo Gorge; Taishakukyo Yuransen Co., Ltd. official website)