Morning Hike on Hiroshima's Mt. Futaba & Outdoor Tea Ceremony | Sweeping Views and Forest Bathing with Asageshiki

"Asageshiki": Walking Hiroshima in the Morning

Mt. Futaba, the setting for Asageshiki, is a lush green mountain located just a short distance from Hiroshima Station.

Although it sits right beside the city centre, one step onto the mountain reveals shrines, torii gates, and paths lined with trees.

Walking with a guide through the crisp morning air, you'll trace both the history and the natural landscape of Hiroshima.

Starting the Hike at Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine

Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine, visited on the tour, could be called the gateway to Mt. Futaba.

This historic shrine has watched over the city since the Edo period. You'll take in the stone steps, the main hall, and other architecture as your guide shares the stories behind them.

Rather than simply climbing a mountain, you learn about Hiroshima's history first and then step into nature — that's what makes Asageshiki so interesting.

Through the Red Torii Gates of Kinko Inari Shrine and onto the Mountain Trail

Continuing on from Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine, you'll reach a path lined with the torii gates of Kinko Inari Shrine.

The sight of vermilion torii layered against green foliage is one of the most memorable moments of the Mt. Futaba hike.

More than 100 red torii gates are said to stand around Kinko Inari Shrine, and beyond them the proper mountain walking begins.

Hiking Mt. Futaba Through Dappled Sunlight

Past the torii gates, you'll follow the wooded trails of Mt. Futaba.

There's so much greenery that it's hard to believe you're just minutes from the city centre, and the way the forest changes with the seasons and the hour is part of the pleasure.

This isn't a demanding climb — it's a relaxed hike where you take your time enjoying nature and history alongside your guide.

To the Summit: The Peace Pagoda and Views over Hiroshima

At the top of the trail, you'll arrive near Mt. Futaba's Peace Pagoda (Bussharito, a Buddhist relic stupa).

Beyond the white pagoda, the city of Hiroshima spreads out below — a satisfying reward for the walk up.

From the summit you can see across the city and out to the Seto Inland Sea, and on clear days as far as Miyajima.

Forest Bathing to Restore Body and Mind

Asageshiki isn't only about walking the mountain — time is also set aside to simply be present with nature in the forest.

Turning your attention to the light filtering through the trees, the breeze, and birdsong, you'll experience something quite different from hurried sightseeing.

Hiroshima's official tourism information also lists forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) as one of the components of this tour.

An Outdoor Tea Ceremony Surrounded by Nature

One of the experiences that defines this tour is "nodate".

Nodate is the Japanese tea tradition of preparing and enjoying matcha outdoors.

Surrounded by the trees of Mt. Futaba, you'll taste matcha whisked by your guide.

Unlike the quiet formality of a tea room, here the mountain air, the sound of the trees, and the Hiroshima scenery all become part of your bowl of tea.

A Quiet Morning Made Possible by Small Groups

Asageshiki is a guided tour that walks the mountain in small groups.

Unlike large-group sightseeing, you can listen to your guide, pause in the forest, and enjoy Mt. Futaba at an unhurried pace.

The fact that you can escape the bustle of the city while staying close to Hiroshima Station is another appeal. Official tourism information lists it as a tour for 1–6 participants.

Who This Experience Suits Best

1. Those wanting something a little different in Hiroshima

You'll encounter the city and its history from a perspective quite unlike the standard stops such as the Atomic Bomb Dome or Miyajima.

1. Those who want nature and Japanese culture in one go

Tasting matcha while feeling the trees and the breeze is quite different from a tea room ceremony — and it's what makes this experience special.

1. Those who want to make the most of their mornings while travelling

Finishing in about three hours, it's easy to combine with the rest of your Hiroshima sightseeing.

If you'd like to compare other tea ceremony experiences, our comparison of 8 recommended tea ceremony experiences in Japan breaks down the differences in area, content, and duration.

Things to Check Before Booking

• Meeting time and place on your chosen date
• Tour duration
• Languages the guide can accommodate
• What's included in your chosen plan
• Whether breakfast is provided
• Minimum participant age
• Clothing such as comfortable walking shoes and long trousers
• Items to bring, such as drinks and a hat
• Whether the tour runs in rainy weather
• Accommodation of food allergies
• Latest prices and availability

According to Asageshiki's official information, the tour lasts about three hours and is open to participants aged 6 and over. Comfortable walking shoes, long trousers, and drinks are recommended. There are also policies for cancellation due to rain, so please check the booking page for the latest details.

Summary

Asageshiki on Hiroshima's Mt. Futaba is a roughly three-hour guided tour that takes you past Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine and Kinko Inari Shrine, up the mountain to sweeping summit views, through forest bathing, and finally to an outdoor tea ceremony.

Even though it begins close to Hiroshima Station, the scenery transforms dramatically in a short time: an approach lined with torii gates, wooded mountain trails, and views over the city and the Seto Inland Sea.

Instead of just looking at famous sights, you walk through nature, learn about Hiroshima's history, and finish with a restorative bowl of matcha.

Why not begin your day in Hiroshima with a morning like this?