A stay in Sera can focus on nature, pilgrimage traditions, or regional history. The 今高野山緑地環境保全地域 in 甲山 covers 20.47 hectares. Around 龍華寺, groups of old cedars stand with trunk diameters at breast height of more than one meter. There are also stands of evergreen oaks and deciduous forests with elms, keyaki, and Japanese hornbeams. The tree species and forest types give the landscape a distinctive character.
Forest Landscapes and Pilgrimage Trails
In the area around the historic 今高野山 site, the 八十八ヶ所巡り遊歩道 offers a walking and pilgrimage route. The trail gives your stay a different perspective from observing the tree species: it connects a walk with a pilgrimage tradition. You can choose between exploring the forest features and taking a pilgrimage-themed walk.
Legends and Cultural Properties
According to tradition, 今高野山 is a Buddhist sacred site founded by 弘法大師空海 in 822. Its 1,200th anniversary was celebrated in 2022. The founding of 龍華寺 is also attributed to 弘法大師, but is said to have taken place during the Heian period. The dates are therefore given as both a specific year and a historical period.
At 丹生神社 is a 獅子頭 from the Kamakura period, designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Nearby, the ruins of 今高野山城 lie on the border between 甲山 and 東神崎. This medieval castle site features the striking rock formation カブト岩, also called エボシ岩, as well as several levels of 貼郭 and smaller 帯郭. The historic points of interest range from religious traditions and a cultural property to a castle site with named features.
Regional History and a Break
At the foot of 今高野山 in 甲山 is the 大田庄歴史館. It preserves numerous materials and cultural properties related to the rise and decline of 大田庄. Unlike the traditions surrounding the sacred site and temple, its focus is on the history of this region. The café 雪月風花 福智院 is housed in a restored Edo-period inn and serves Japanese tea and sweets after a walk. This makes a break part of a visit to a place with a tangible history.
Getting There and Visitor Parking
From the 甲山営業所 bus stop, 今高野山 is about a five-minute walk away. The ピースライナー express bus runs from Hiroshima, and a local bus runs from Onomichi. Check current timetables separately if you plan to travel by bus. The 今高野山観光客駐車場 visitor parking lot is free and has space for 33 cars and two buses. Check the latest parking information before setting out. The bus and visitor parking lot offer different travel options.
Discover more destinations: Miyoshi, Fukuyama, Kurogawa, Higashihiroshima, Hatsukaichi, Fuchū, Hiroshima, Kure
For the full travel overview: Hiroshima Prefecture.
