Traverse Mt. Gongen and Mt. Abu (Hiroshima Pref.）

Traverse Mt. Gongen and Mt. Abu (Hiroshima Pref.）



About Mt. Gongen and Mt. Abu




Mt. Abu is located in Asaminami ward and Asakita ward of Hiroshima city.

When hiking from Asaminami side, the closest stations are either Midori station (JR) or Bishamondai station (Atramline). We can also hike from Asakita side, and the closest station would be Akikameyama Station (JR).


At the starting point of the hiking trail, there are shrine called Bishamon-do, where enshrines Bishamonntenno, one of the god of the 'Seven Lucky Gods'. 'Seven Lucky Gods' are very poplar among Japanese, and it is believed that each god have the unique power to avoid unfortunate things and events or attract the luck. 

Ebisu (恵比寿): the God of success in business (The country of origin is Japan)
Fukurokuju (福禄寿): the God of wisdom, luck, and longevity (The country of origin is China)
Hotei (布袋): the God of happiness, contentment, and good fortune (The country of origin is China)
Juroujin (寿老人): the God of longevity (The country of origin is China)
Bishamonten (毘沙門天): the God of war and victory (The country of origin is India)
Daikoku (大黒): the God of commerce, agriculture, and prosperity (The country of origin is India)
Benzaiten (弁財天): the Goddess of financial fortune, music, and art (The country of origin is India)

About the hiking trail


 

  • Distance of the trail: 6.6km
  • Cumulative elevation difference: 779m
  • Total time: 3h17m (Rest 35m)
  • Calories consumed: 1715kcal
  • Date: 8 May 2022
The starting point of the trail is from the Bishamon-do shrine. There are parking space in front of the Bishamon-do shrine where 7~8 cars can be parked.

The distance of the course is not so long, but after we hike up to the top of Mt. Gongen (396m), we have to hike down to Torigoshi mountain pass  (294m), and then hike up to the summit of Mt. Abu. This going up and down makes the trail a bit though course.

However, the condition of the path are good and easy to walk. Also, trees growing along the path gives us nice shades to avoid the heat from the sun.

We can see a nice view from the summit of Mt. Gongen and Mt. Abu. 

Hiking to the summit

This was the 6th hiking of the mountain hiking club. 

There were 6 members in all, and 2 of them were first time to join the hiking.

The gate for entrance of the shrine. The vermilion color looks nice in the surrounding trees and forests.

Nio guardians protecting both side of the gate. Vert cool!

Many lanterns along the path to the main shrine.

The main shrine of Bishamondou.

There were many good points which had an excellent view! 

The summit of Mt. Gongen. Took about thirty minutes from the starting point. We can also come here by car.

We could see the Mt. Aratani, the west side of Mt. Gongen.

Parking space near Mt. Gongen. 10 minutes walk from the summit.

There was a warning sign of bears showing up. In Hiroshima, Asian black bear can be spotted in rare occasions in rural area, like in north part of Hiroshima.

I have hiked mountains for 7 years but never seen one, luckily.

The shade from the trees along the path provided us comfortable condition to walk.

View from Mt. Abu. 

There was an open space and we were able to enjoy the nice view.

It took about 1h30m to get to the summit. I thought it was perfect distance and we had a great time.
Location: 日本、広島県広島市

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