Top 7 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Kurahashi – A Hidden Gem for Sightseeing!

Kurahashi, located at the southernmost tip of Hiroshima Prefecture, was once an independent town before being merged into Kure City in 2005. This scenic island is surrounded by the sea and boasts three major mountains—Mount Takeura, Mount Hi, and Senbondake—offering breathtaking natural landscapes.
Kurahashi is a paradise for seafood and fresh mountain produce, making it a perfect destination for food lovers. The island is home to several famous attractions, drawing large crowds, especially during holidays. While there are no train lines on the island, it is accessible by bus and car, making it convenient for travelers.
Despite its tranquil atmosphere, Kurahashi offers a variety of must-visit tourist spots. If you're planning a trip to Kure City, take the time to explore this charming island.
Here are the top 7 recommended tourist destinations in Kurahashi!

1. Katsuragahama Onsenkan – A Hot Spring Retreat with a Nearby Campground

Katsuragahama Onsenkan is a relaxing hot spring facility, perfect for travelers looking for a complete getaway. Aside from its rejuvenating onsen, the facility also features sports facilities and a campground, making it an all-in-one leisure destination.
For those who consider hot springs an essential part of their journey, Katsuragahama Onsenkan offers a luxurious bathing experience. One of its highlights is the ability to enjoy different water qualities in the indoor and open-air baths. The open-air bath provides a sense of freedom and is classified as a Weak Radioactive Sodium Chloride Hot Spring (isotonic, neutral, and low-temperature).
The indoor bath, on the other hand, is categorized as a Sodium Chloride Hot Spring (hypotonic, mildly alkaline, cold mineral spring). Visitors can feel the difference on their skin, offering a unique experience. The facility has multiple baths on the 1st and 3rd floors, with alternating schedules for men and women each week.

2. Ondo Ferry – Japan’s Shortest Regular Ferry Route

Ondo Ferry is a historic ferry service that connects the Ondo-no-Seto Strait and has been in operation since the Edo period. Despite its long history, it holds a unique record as Japan’s shortest regular ferry route, spanning just 120 meters. The ride is over in a flash, but if you get the chance, experiencing the shortest ferry ride in Japan is a must!
While Ondo-no-Seto is a well-known sightseeing spot, it is also a vital transportation route for locals. Many residents rely on the ferry for their daily commute to work and school. This local charm adds to the uniqueness of the experience.
As the ferry crosses the strait, you might feel the waves from large passing ships, adding a thrilling touch to the ride. Unlike standard ferry services, there is no fixed timetable—the ferry runs on demand, reflecting the warm hospitality of the local community.

3. Gather Useful Information at Ondo Tourism and Cultural Center Uzushio Before Exploring

Ondo Tourism and Cultural Center Uzushio is an essential stop for visitors looking to explore Ondo, providing valuable sightseeing information. Beyond that, this four-story facility offers various attractions that make it a must-visit before starting your trip. Inside, you’ll find a restaurant serving delicious local dishes, spaces for art and music appreciation, and areas where visitors can experience and learn about Ondo’s history.
Seasonal events are held regularly, making it a great place for tourists of all ages to participate in local activities. If your timing is right, you might even catch a special event! For travelers craving fresh seafood, head to the fourth floor, where you can enjoy dishes made with locally sourced ingredients and seafood from Ondo. Private rooms are also available, making it a great dining spot for visitors.
With so many attractions in one place, it's worth checking everything out before setting off on your adventure in Ondo!

4. Before Exploring, Gather Information at Ondo Tourism and Culture Hall Uzushio

Ondo Tourism and Culture Hall Uzushio is an essential stop for gathering valuable travel information before starting your sightseeing in Ondo. More than just an information center, this four-story facility offers a variety of experiences, making it a great first stop on your trip. Inside, you can enjoy delicious local cuisine, appreciate art and music, and learn about history through immersive exhibits.
Seasonal events are held throughout the year, providing visitors with a chance to participate in unique cultural experiences. If your timing is right, you may even catch one of these special events.
For those looking to enjoy fresh seafood, the fourth floor is the place to go. Here, you can savor dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, including fresh seafood from Ondo. Private rooms are also available, making it a great choice for tourists seeking a comfortable dining experience.
With so much to see and do, it’s worth checking out everything this facility has to offer before you begin exploring Ondo.

5. Takagarasu-dai Observatory – A Scenic Spot in a Hilltop Park

Takagarasu-dai Observatory is located within Seto Park, offering breathtaking panoramic views from an elevation of 200 meters above sea level. As the highest point in the park, the observatory provides stunning vistas of the Ondo Bridge and the surrounding seascape. Simply gazing at the ocean is soothing, but visitors can also enjoy seasonal flowers blooming around the area. This location is also historically significant due to its connection to Taira no Kiyomori, a famous samurai of the Heian period, and features a statue of him performing the legendary sun-summoning ritual.
During spring, the park is adorned with cherry blossoms and azaleas, while autumn transforms the landscape with red maple leaves and vibrant fall foliage. Many photographers visit to capture the beauty of the changing seasons. The observatory is easily accessible by bus, taking approximately 30 minutes from Kure Station, making it a convenient destination for travelers.

6. Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force 1st Service School – A Historic Site on the Grounds of the Former Naval Academy

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) 1st Service School is located on the historic site of the former Imperial Japanese Naval Academy. Visitors can take a guided tour for free, making it an attractive destination for travelers. However, tours are available at four designated times per day, and visitors must register for one of these slots. For individual travelers or groups of up to 19 people, same-day registration is allowed, and no prior reservation is required. However, groups of 20 or more need to book in advance. The admission process is hassle-free, as no ID verification is required.
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, and visitors must complete the entire course as leaving midway is not permitted. The JMSDF 1st Service School has been conducting these tours since 1960, and more than 4.5 million people have visited so far. If you're looking for an informative and memorable experience, this tour is an excellent choice.

7. A Place Visited by a Famous Writer: Eiji Yoshikawa Literary Monument

Eiji Yoshikawa is well-known as a literary master, particularly for his novel Shin Heike Monogatari (The New Tale of the Heike). During his research for the book, he visited Ondo and was deeply moved by the historical significance of the place. He inscribed his thoughts on a stone shaped like Mount Fuji with the phrase, "Kimi yo, konjaku no kan ikaga", which translates to "How do you feel about the past and present, my friend?"
Today, this monument, known as the Eiji Yoshikawa Literary Monument, stands alongside a round-shaped stone that is also steeped in legend. You can visit it in Ondo-no-Seto Park, a great spot for a leisurely stroll while exploring the scenic surroundings.
The site offers free admission, and a spacious parking area is available, making it a hassle-free destination. If you're driving, it takes approximately 25 minutes from the Kure IC on the Hiroshima-Kure Road.

◎ Conclusion

If you're visiting Kurahashi, be sure to stop by this must-visit historical spot. From famous attractions to hidden gems, Kurahashi offers unique and memorable experiences that you won’t find anywhere else.
Enjoy delicious local cuisine, relax in an onsen (hot spring), and take in the beauty of this charming destination. If you're planning a trip to Hiroshima, consider adding Kurahashi to your itinerary!

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Top 7 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Kurahashi – A Hidden Gem for Sightseeing!