Noroyama

Mount Noro, located within Setonaikai National Park in Kure City, boasts an elevation of 839 meters, making it the highest peak along the Setouchi coast. The well-maintained Sazanami Skyline driving course leads to the summit, and the Kabuto Rock Observatory, a few minutes' walk from the parking lot next to the Mount Noro Visitor Center, offers panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea's numerous islands. On clear weather conditions, views all the way to Shikoku's Ishizuchi mountain range make this a scenic spot representative of the national park.

This sacred mountain is said to be where Kobo Daishi (Kukai) underwent rigorous training in his youth. The surrounding area is dotted with mystical spots, including the "Megalith Road," where megaliths are piled one upon the other, and the "Gankai," where countless boulders cover the slopes. The power of nature and the weight of history intertwine, creating a solemn atmosphere.

The mountain is rich in expression throughout the seasons, with cherry blossoms and azaleas in the spring and the vibrant autumn foliage that covers the mountaintop in autumn captivating visitors. If you want to feel closer to nature, we recommend staying at Noro Kogen Lodge or the vast Noro Mountain Campground. In summer, the temperature is about 5 degrees cooler than in the city, making it a comfortable summer resort, and you can also enjoy a star-filled sky at night and a fantastic sea of clouds in the early morning. Also, the Ice Pond, which was once an ice mining site, is a great photo spot that reflects the surrounding trees like a mirror. This beautiful scenery is also a highlight.