Rent a Car and Go for the Spectacular View Produced by Countless Islands in Setouchi

The Seto Inland Sea or “Setouchi” (瀬戸内) is so beautiful that it is sometimes called ‘Oriental Aegean Sea’. At the end of the Edo Period (1603 – 1868), geographers from overseas described the landscape as the most beautiful one in the world. There are several places where you can admire the spectacular scenery of the countless islands in Setouchi, and one of which is Sunami (須波) area in Mihara City (三原市) that is only one and a half hour drive from the center of Hiroshima. Why don’t you rent a car and go for a one-day road trip for breathtaking views of the beauty created by the countless islands?

Enjoy the spectacular view of “Setonaikai National Park” from the peaks of “Mt. Fudekage” and “Mt. Ryuo”

The best of the best views in Setouchi can be enjoyed from the top of ‘Mt. Fudekage’ (筆影山) which is a part of “Setonaikai National Park” (瀬戸内海国立公園). The name of the mountain Mt. Fudekage is said to have been given by Sanyo Rai (頼山陽, 1780 – 1832), a Confucian scholar and poet in the late Edo Period, because the shape of the mountain reflected on the sea surface looks like a calligraphy brush. The overlooking view of countless islands of various sizes floating in the ocean is the signature scenery in Setouchi. It is also a place where you can appreciate the colors of nature that keep changing throughout the seasons, such as the lovely light pink of the cherry blossoms that come to be in full bloom in spring and the fantastic white of sea fog in winter. Especially, you will definitely fall in love with the contrast of the shining gold of the ocean colored by the setting sun and the mystical shapes of islands at dusk. In case you desire a more scenic view, head to the top of ‘Mt. Ryuo’ (竜王山) and you’ll get to enjoy another breathtaking view produced by seven out of ten bridges of Shimanami Kaido (しまなみ海道) linking the mainland and Shikoku through islands in Setouchi.

Opening Hours	Opened All Year Round
Address	Sunamicho and Okiuracho, Mihara City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Access	One and a half hour drive from Hiroshima Washington Hotel
URL	https://visithiroshima.net/things_to_do/sports_and_activities/trekking/mt_fudekage.html

Have a leisurely walk on a beautiful beach in “Sunami Seaside Park”

“Sunami Seaside Park” (すなみ海浜公園) is the place to visit if you like to have a cozy time on a beautiful beach. Since the park is maintained as a recreation zone, visitors can enjoy the beautiful park in their ways such as playing with sand and walking around in nature. Although the park itself is relatively small and is loved by mainly among locals, thanks to the location that is a bit away from downtown Mihara, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the coastal scenery in peace and calm. When hearing the sound of the waves and walking on the white beach while enjoying the aroma of the ocean delivered by the sea breeze, the time passing very slowly will ease your mind and soul. On the other hand, there is a slope up to the sandy beach, and wheelchairs can be rented for free. In addition, as the on-site parking lots are free, you definitely want to stop by.

Opening Hours	9:00AM – 5:00PM Opened All Year Round
Address	1-7-1 Sunaminishi, Mihara City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Access	An hour and 20-minute drive from Hiroshima Washington Hotel
URL	https://www.city.mihara.hiroshima.jp/soshiki/25/121846.html

A glass-walled restaurant located literally by the ocean, “Ristorante Zona Fortunato”

Care to try the unique taste of Hiroshima while admiring the spectacular view of Setouchi? Then you can’t miss “Ristorante Zona Fortunato” (リストランテ・ゾーナ・フォルトゥナート). The ocean-facing side is glass-walled and you can enjoy the magnificent view from all the seats. The signature menu is ‘Omakase Lunch’ (おまかせランチ), which is a lunch plate offering seafood and locally harvested vegetables such as Setouchi octopus, Hiroshima oysters and Setouchi beef. You can also enjoy your choice of special drink and dessert for an additional 150 yen. Lemon squash or lemonade made from pesticide-free Setouchi lemon syrup, and fresh juice blended with seasonal citrus ia truly recommended. Take a luxurious lunchtime all in where you can enjoy the beauty of landscape created by islands seen layered and the gastronomy of Hiroshima with all your senses.

Opening Hours	11:00AM – 5:00PM / Closed on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Address	At Sunami Seaside Park, Sunaminishi, Mihara City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Access	An hour and 20-minute drive from Hiroshima Washington Hotel
URL	https://tabelog.com/en/hiroshima/A3404/A340303/34001062/