Hiroshima: Mt. Futaba Hike & Open-Air Tea Ceremony Views

Summary

Morning hike through Hiroshima shrines forest trails & tea on the mountain

You’ll climb through rows of bright red torii gates on Mt. Futaba, learn small rituals from a local guide, and sip fresh matcha during an open-air tea ceremony overlooking Hiroshima and Miyajima. It’s peaceful, sometimes challenging (those stairs!), but full of gentle moments you might not expect.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway up the steps of Kinko Inari Shrine when I realized how quiet everything felt — except for our shoes crunching on gravel and the faint sound of someone sweeping at the shrine below. Our guide, Emi, laughed when I paused to catch my breath (500 steps is no joke before breakfast), and pointed out how the sunlight made the red torii gates almost glow against the green. She told us to look for tiny fox statues tucked along the path — I only spotted two, but apparently there are dozens.

The air on Mt. Futaba was cool, even though it was already getting warm down in Hiroshima city. At one point we stopped under a cedar tree and Emi explained how this whole forest is considered sacred — she even showed us how to do a quick bow at a little altar, which I probably messed up but nobody seemed to mind. There was this moment right near the top where you could see all of Hiroshima spread out below, with Miyajima floating way off in the haze. I didn’t expect to feel so peaceful just standing there.

After that came the tea ceremony — nodate, Emi called it — outside at Okumiya Shrine with that big view behind us. She whisked matcha in these heavy bowls and handed them around while explaining each step (I tried copying her movements; pretty sure my hands were shaking from both nerves and caffeine). The matcha tasted grassy and bitter, but somehow sweeter up there in the breeze. We sat quietly for a minute after, just listening to birds and distant city sounds drifting up. Kind of wish I could bottle that feeling.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Morning hike and tea ceremony

• Meet and tour guide introduction
• Visit Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine
• Hike 500 steps at Kinko Inari Shrine
• Enjoy panoramic mountain views
• Relax with forest bathing
• Experience open-air tea ceremony
• Tour ends at Hiroshima Station

Top questions

How many steps are there on the Mt. Futaba hike?

You’ll go up about 500 steps during the hike through Kinko Inari Shrine on Mt. Futaba.

Is pickup included for this Hiroshima hiking tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at Hiroshima Station for the start of the tour.

What time does the Mt. Futaba hike start?

You can join at 7:30am, 10:00am or 1:00pm depending on your booking.

Is this day trip suitable for all fitness levels?

The hike involves 500 steps but is suitable for most fitness levels; not recommended for those with spinal or heart issues.

Do you visit any shrines during this hiking tour?

Yes, you’ll visit Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine and Kinko Inari Shrine as part of the route.

Is lunch included in this tour?

No lunch is included; however, you will enjoy matcha tea during an open-air tea ceremony at the top.

How long does this Hiroshima hiking tour last?

The tour lasts about 3 hours from meeting at Hiroshima Station to returning there at the end.

Are children allowed on this Mt. Futaba hike?

Yes, children ages 0-5 can participate for free with an adult booking.

What’s included

Your morning includes a guided hike up Mt. Futaba with stops at Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine and Kinko Inari Shrine, an open-air matcha tea ceremony performed by your local guide at Okumiya Shrine with city views, plus insurance coverage throughout your walk before ending back at Hiroshima Station.