Morning Hiking Tour: Mt. Futaba & Hiroshimas History

Set out on a serene morning hike through Hiroshima’s natural wonders and uncover its rich history. This guided tour whisks you through tranquil forests, sacred shrines, and the iconic red torii gates leading to Mt. Futaba’s breathtaking vistas. After the trek, savor a bento breakfast and an open-air tea ceremony that offer a glimpse into Japan’s revered traditions. With a small group size, this personalized experience promises an immersive exploration of Hiroshima’s captivating landscapes and cultural heritage. Where will this journey take you next?

Key Points

• A private hiking tour focused on exploring Hiroshima’s sacred sites and summiting Mt. Futaba for panoramic city views.
• Convenient meeting point at Hiroshima Station with a guided journey through peaceful forests to visit shrines and over 100 red torii gates.
• Inclusion of a special bento breakfast at Okugu Shrine and participation in an open-air tea ceremony.
• Limited to a maximum of 6 travelers for a personalized experience, with insurance coverage and a non-refundable tour policy.
• Confirmation provided within 48 hours, subject to availability, with dietary accommodations and weather-related cancellation management by the tour operator.

Tour Overview

The Morning Hiking Tour: Mt. Futaba & Hiroshima’s History is a private trekking adventure focusing on Hiroshima’s sacred sites.

Hikers meet their guide at Hiroshima Station for easy access, then embark on a journey through quiet forests, visiting shrines and seeing over 100 red torii gates.

The highlight is summiting Mt. Futaba, which offers panoramic views of Hiroshima City.

Along the way, participants enjoy a special bento breakfast at Okugu Shrine and take part in an open-air tea ceremony.

This tour is limited to 6 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

Itinerary Highlights

Hikers meet their guide at Hiroshima Station, making for easy access to the starting point.

The tour then takes them through quiet forests, where they visit shrines and see over 100 red torii gates.

The highlight is summiting Mt. Futaba, which offers panoramic views of Hiroshima City.

Along the way, hikers enjoy a special bento breakfast at Okugu Shrine and participate in an open-air tea ceremony.

This private trekking tour provides a personalized experience, with a maximum of 6 travelers.

The itinerary highlights include:

1. Hike through peaceful forests
2. Visit shrines and see 100+ red torii gates
3. Summit Mt. Futaba for stunning city views
4. Savor a bento breakfast and join an open-air tea ceremony

Meeting and End Point

Participants meet their guide at Hiroshima Station, located in the Matsubarachō area of Minami Ward.

They’ll follow the Northern exit on the 2nd floor and look for the Asageshiki sign to find the meeting point. The tour begins here and ends right back where it started.

This convenient location makes it easy for guests to access the tour and return to their accommodations after the hike. Participants should plan to arrive on time, as the tour will depart promptly and won’t be able to wait for latecomers.

Once everyone’s gathered, the guide will lead the group on an unforgettable journey through Hiroshima’s sacred sites.

Inclusions

This tour includes a variety of amenities to enhance the hiking experience.

The tour fee covers the services of a knowledgeable guide, a special bento breakfast to enjoy at Okugu Shrine, and insurance coverage for the participants.

Plus, travelers will have the opportunity to partake in an open-air tea ceremony, providing a culture during the hike.

The tour is limited to a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

These inclusions make this morning hiking tour a well-rounded and enriching activity for visitors to Hiroshima.

Additional Information

Confirmation for this tour is provided within 48 hours, subject to availability.

It’s not wheelchair accessible, but it’s close to public transportation. Those with back problems or serious medical conditions shouldn’t book this tour.

Kids 0-5 can join for free. Dietary accommodations are available for food allergies, halal, vegetarian, and vegan diets.

Contact the tour operator for any weather-related cancellations. There are no refunds for cancellations, as this is a non-refundable tour.

This guided hiking experience offers a personalized adventure to explore Hiroshima’s sacred sites and natural beauty.

Exploring Mt. Futaba

As hikers ascend the winding trails of Mt. Futaba, they’re rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Hiroshima City.

The trail takes them through a serene forest, past intricately carved shrines, and up to the summit where they can:

1. Gaze out over the sprawling cityscape below
2. Spot the iconic A-Bomb Dome and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
3. Take in the majestic sight of the Seto Inland Sea in the distance
4. Snap photos to capture the stunning natural beauty surrounding them

The hike up Mt. Futaba offers a unique blend of Hiroshima’s history, cultural heritage, and stunning natural landscapes.

Visiting Hiroshima’s Sacred Sites

What makes the sacred sites of Hiroshima so captivating for visitors? From quiet forests to towering red torii gates, these historical wonders offer a glimpse into Japan’s spiritual heritage. Participants on the Morning Hiking Tour will visit several sacred shrines, including the serene Okugu Shrine where they’ll enjoy a traditional breakfast and open-air tea ceremony.

Site	Significance	Highlights
Okugu Shrine	One of Hiroshima’s oldest Shinto shrines	Breakfast, tea ceremony
Red Torii Gates	Symbolic entry to sacred spaces	Over 100 gates along hiking trail
Mt. Futaba Summit	Panoramic views of Hiroshima City	Peaceful forests, tranquil shrines

This tour provides an immersive experience, allowing travelers to connect with Hiroshima’s rich cultural and spiritual traditions firsthand.

Participating in the Tea Ceremony

After seeing the serene shrines and forests of Hiroshima, participants on the Morning Hiking Tour will have the chance to experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

This open-air tea ceremony is a highlight of the tour, allowing visitors to:

1. Observe the precise, graceful movements of the tea master as they prepare and serve the matcha green tea.

2. Learn about the history, etiquette, and symbolism behind this centuries-old practice.

3. Savor the earthy, frothy tea while taking in the natural surroundings.

4. Participate in the ceremony themselves, gaining a deeper appreciation for this cultural tradition.

Since You Asked

What Is the Difficulty Level of the Hiking Tour?

The hiking tour is suitable for most visitors, though it’s not recommended for those with back problems or serious medical conditions. The trail can be moderately challenging, with some steep sections, but it’s manageable for those in decent physical shape.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

The tour itinerary doesn’t mention any specific restroom facilities, but it’s likely there’ll be opportunities to use restrooms at the shrines and other stops along the way. Participants can ask the guide about restroom access during the hike.

Can I Join the Tour With My Young Children?

Yes, children aged 0-5 can join the tour for free. The tour offers a personalized experience with a maximum of 6 travelers, and can accommodate dietary needs like vegetarian or halal options.

Is There an Option to Extend or Customize the Tour?

The tour operator offers customized options to extend or modify the itinerary. Travelers can discuss their interests and needs with the guide to personalize the experience beyond the standard tour program.

What Should I Bring With Me for the Hiking and Tea Ceremony?

Wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring a small backpack with water, snacks, and sun protection. The tour includes a special bento breakfast and an open-air tea ceremony, so dress casually and appropriately for the activities.

The Sum Up

This morning hiking tour offers a unique opportunity to learn about Hiroshima’s rich history and natural beauty. Explore the serene forests of Mt. Futaba, visit sacred shrines, and witness the iconic red torii gates. Cap off your adventure with a delightful bento breakfast and an authentic tea ceremony, all while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views. An unforgettable experience for nature and culture enthusiasts alike.