Witness Cherry Blossoms In Bloom And Other Amazing Scenery In Shiudeyama, Kagawa

Take a shuttle bus to Shiudeyama during cherry blossom season

Shiudeyama is a mountain on a peninsula area in the western outskirts of Kagawa Prefecture. It takes only about 50 minutes to get there from the highway of the Seto Inland Bridge. Once you pass the winding roads of the slopes on Prefectural Highway 232, you will reach the free parking area. It is usually a convenient drive. However, as per 2019’s cherry blossom season (from around March 30th to April 7th, but is subject to change depending on the blooming), you will not be allowed to drive to the area between 8am to 7:30pm. If you are driving, you can find free parking at the fishing harbor (with 200 spaces), or at Oohama Elementary School (with 150 spaces), or you can simply come by shuttle bus (¥200 or around 18 USD one-way).

Operating hours for the shuttle bus are subject to change due to the blooming conditions of cherry blossom season, so please be sure to confirm the latest information. If you are taking a bus or train, you can take the Takuma Line Community Bus from JR Takuma Station. Or, if you get off at Oohama by taking the Takuma Sanno Bus Line, you can walk towards the fishing harbor and then take the shuttle bus. It is a quick 15-minute hike from the parking lot to the observation deck at the summit. Since the walkways are well-maintained, you do not have to dress for a hike, but we recommend you wear shoes that are comfortable to walk in.

A great spot for photographers to hang out

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Shiudeyama is a famous spot for photographers to practice their craft. Many photography enthusiasts even use high-grade equipment during the cherry blossom season. These shutterbugs take full advantage of the area, not only taking pictures from the observation deck but also in up close at the forest area. Many wonderfully-shaped trees line the area, so it is a great spot for flower viewing. Since the weather at the summit can easily change and turn cold, we recommend you dress warmly. We also recommend you bring a raincoat or any piece of clothing and equipment that can protect you from the rain.

Enjoy the cherry blossoms of the Seto Inland Sea’s Islands from the Observation Deck

Once you reach the summit of Shiudeyama, you can find yourself at the Observation Deck. Nearby, you can see an exhibit dedicated to olden Shiudeyama, which displays pottery made from clay and stone from 2,000 years ago. There is also a café where you can treat yourself to some sweets, drinks, and a light meal while enjoying the scenery from the windows.

The view from the Observation Deck is truly remarkable–the numerous islands of the Seto Inland Sea in the east, and the Chugoku region in the west! Between the two, the east will catch your eye a little more, with the pink tones of the cherry blossoms mixing in with the blue sea as well as the panoramic view of the islands weaving together.

The Shiudeyama Exhibit Hall and Café Corner

Address: 451-1 Oohama Otsu Takuma-cho Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture

Phone number: 0875-84-7896

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily and ntrance closes at 4:30pm)

Open until 6:00pm from June to August, and until 4:00pm from December to February

Closed between December 29 to January 3 due to holiday

A scene of mystique wrapped in fog

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Shiudeyama is 352 meters (1154 ft) above sea level. Fog tends to get in the way of your view from the scenery deck. While it may change the mood, you may find that the foggy atmosphere could be enjoyable, and even a beautiful scene in its own way. When it gets foggy, the pink tones of the cherry blossoms turn lighter, as if you are looking at an Indian-ink painting. Once you are surrounded by fog, the cherry blossoms seem like something plucked out of a dream.

A sunset you cannot miss

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While you can get a day’s worth of enjoyment from the pink colors of the cherry blossoms mixed with the blue sea, the evenings also provide an amazing atmosphere. You can get a romantic blend of the silhouettes of the trees set against the sky further deepening in red. This also signals the day’s end. For cherry blossom season, the last shuttle bus for Oohama’s Fishing Harbor departs at 5:00pm.

During the evening, you can enjoy the scenery of the sunset on the west side as you observe the peaceful Seto Inland Sea. Once you see the cherry blossoms and the sea turn orange, you should immediately head down the mountain before it gets dark. While you may be reluctant to leave this spectacular view, be reminded that the last shuttle bus from the summit leaves at 6:45pm.

Since hydrangea season is also wonderful, we recommend you visit Shiudeyama in both the spring and summer!

Shiudeyama Summit Observation Deck

Address: 451-1 Oohama Otsu Takuma-cho Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture

Phone number: 0875-56-5880 (Office of the Mitoyo City Bureau of Tourism)

Annual Cherry Blossom Viewing Season: End of March to the Beginning of April

Shiudeyama's unforgettable views

Take a visit to this beautiful destination that is steadily getting more recognition–and for good reason. It is certain you won’t leave Shiudeyama without having seen some of the most breathtaking sights of your life. From the cherry blossoms and hydrangeas in bloom, the amazing blue hues of the Seto Inland Sea, the foggy summit, and the gorgeous sunsets, Shiudeyama will surely make its mark on you.