Miyoshi and Shobara: Enjoying Fog, Hibagon, and Thousand-Year Cherry Blossoms in the Depths of the Chugoku Mountains

Miyoshi City and Shobara City in northern Hiroshima Prefecture are basin cities in the Chugoku Mountains. Miyoshi City is at the confluence of the Bassen River, Saijo River, and Gonokawa River, famous for "morning fog" occurring from autumn through winter.

Miyoshi's Morning Fog and Sea of Fog

In the Miyoshi Basin on October-November mornings, fog rising from three rivers covers the entire basin, creating a fantastical landscape like a "sea of fog." The sea of fog viewed from the observation deck is extremely beautiful, becoming a signature Miyoshi tourism attraction.

Hibagon Legend

In the mountains around Miyoshi and Shobara cities, sighting reports of an unidentified creature called "Hibagon" (Hiba Gon — Japan's Bigfoot) occurred in succession in the 1970s. Now characterized as a mascot, it is beloved as a regional tourism symbol.

Shobara City, Hibayama Thousand-Year Cherry Blossoms and Mythology

Shobara City's "Hibayama" is said in Japanese mythology to be the mountain where Izanami sleeps. Ancient trees and large cherry trees over one thousand years old are scattered throughout the surrounding area, creating fantastical scenery in spring.

Taishakukyo Gorge and Scenic Spots

Shobara City's "Taishakukyo Gorge" is designated as a National Scenic Beauty as the Chugoku region's premier gorge scenery.

Access

From JR Geibi Line Miyoshi Station by foot and bus to each spot. About 1.5 hours from Hiroshima Station by highway bus.