5 Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in Toyoshima – Explore the Bounty of Land and Sea in Toyoshima, Kure City, Hiroshima

Toyoshima, which joined Kure City in 2005, is an island known for cultivating mikan (mandarin oranges) and lemons. Although there is a mountain called Takaozan, the island is surrounded by the sea, offering abundant seafood as well as mountain produce. On the flatlands, mikan and lemon cultivation also allows you to enjoy a variety of sweets. Here are five recommended tourist spots in Toyoshima.

1. Jumonjiyama Park Observation Deck – A Planetarium-Like Night View

The Jumonjiyama Park Observation Deck is located within Jumonjiyama Park. Its unique circular structure—with almost no walls—offers a 360-degree panoramic view.

You can reach the observation deck by car, and there’s free parking available. However, the road leading there is narrow and lined with dense trees, making it somewhat dim even during the day and so tight that cars can barely pass each other. It might feel a bit intimidating the first time you drive there, but after about a 30-minute drive you’ll see a small sign for the observation deck. Although it is part of a park, the actual structure is an 8-meter-high dome-shaped observation platform.

Despite its somewhat lonely ambiance, the view from here is spectacular. Look for the granite directional markers on the deck. At night, you can enjoy a starry sky as beautiful as a planetarium.

2. Toyoshima Bridge – Essential for Reaching Toyoshima

Toyoshima is part of Kure City, but since it is actually an island, you must cross a bridge to get there. The Toyoshima Bridge, completed in 2008, connects Kure’s Kamagari-cho with Toyohama-cho.

With a total length of 903.2 meters and a height of 109.5 meters, this impressive bridge features a roadway 9.85 meters wide (with a 6-meter carriageway) and a pedestrian path about 2 meters wide. The clearance beneath the bridge is approximately 50 meters, allowing large cargo ships to pass underneath easily.

Locally known as "Abi Bridge," Toyoshima Bridge is indispensable for accessing the island, and its views are breathtaking. From the bridge, you can enjoy the vibrant blue of the sea and sky, the lush green of the surrounding trees, and the sky-mint color of the bridge itself.

3. Kukai Observation Deck – Nestled on the Island’s Highest Peak

The Kukai Observation Deck is situated atop Takaozan, the highest mountain on Toyoshima. The observation deck is accessible via a well-maintained walking path, making it a pleasant hiking destination.
On your way up, you’ll pass by a small ski slope with turf that leads you to the deck. Once you arrive, you’ll find a staircase that leads up to a central bell housed within a small pavilion.

From here, the view is simply breathtaking: on clear days, you can see the entire Seto Inland Sea surrounding the island. The area around the walking path is adorned with various flowers and trees, ensuring that the journey up the mountain is delightful in every season. Free parking is available nearby, so you can also drive up if you prefer.

4. Toyohama’s Holt Tree Cluster – A Natural Monument

Toyohama’s Holt Tree Cluster is designated as a natural monument by Hiroshima Prefecture. Located about 400 meters south of Toyoshima Port, this area is filled with tropical evergreen trees known as Holt trees. The largest tree boasts a trunk approximately 2.3 meters in diameter. In addition to Holt trees, the cluster features many other trees typical of the Seto Inland Sea region, such as camphor, chinquapin, and various types of sweet and mouse-plum trees.

Depending on the season, you may see these trees in full bloom or adorned with small red fruits. The name “Holt” is said to have originated from the resemblance of the tree’s leaves and fruit to olives, leading early traders to refer to it as a Portuguese tree, which eventually evolved into the name "Holt."

5. Yumiko Waterfall – Inscriptions on the Rock Face

Yumiko Waterfall is located about a 30-minute walk from Toyoshima Port. Although the waterfall itself is modest in size—approximately 25 meters high and 4.5 meters wide—what makes it a unique attraction is the presence of seal carvings (tenkoku) on the rock surfaces.

These carvings, resembling stamped seals, are rare and intriguing, making a stop at the waterfall an excellent opportunity to enjoy negative ions and search for these mysterious inscriptions.

There are also restaurants and eateries near Yumiko Waterfall, so you can take a break and enjoy a meal after your stroll.

◎ Summary of Recommended Tourist Attractions in Toyoshima (Kure City)

Although Toyoshima is officially part of Kure City, it is an island and must be reached by crossing the Toyoshima Bridge—an attraction in itself.

Despite its modest size, Toyoshima boasts rich natural beauty, with Takaozan providing stunning mountainous views and a bounty of both marine and mountain delicacies.

Whether you’re here to explore the planetarium-like night views at Jumonjiyama Park Observation Deck, admire the panoramic scenery from the Kukai Observation Deck, or simply enjoy the unique natural monuments and cultural heritage, Toyoshima offers a delightful escape for one day or more. If you have the chance to visit Kure City, be sure to step off the beaten path and discover the charm of Toyoshima.

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