Mt. Shirataki

In short

Mt. Shirataki is a 226.9-meter-high mountain located in Shigei-cho in the northern part of Innoshima Island, and is one of the island's representative scenic viewpoints. It is also part of Setonaikai National Park. A Kannon-do hall stands at the summit, and stone Buddha statues called the "Gohyaku Rakan" line the approach and the summit area.

• ​The Stone Statues of the Gohyaku Rakan​​: In the late Edo period, a local man named Kashihara Denroku and his disciples spent over three years carving them. It is said that the statues were completed around 1830. Approximately 700 stone statues actually line the mountain
• ​Views from the Summit​​: You can overlook the Innoshima Bridge and islands of various sizes floating in the Seto Inland Sea. It is a spot where you can enjoy "tatobi," the scenic beauty of overlapping islands
• ​A Key Stronghold of the Murakami Suigun​​: Murakami Yoshimitsu of the Murakami Suigun navy, who established his main castle in Aoki on Innoshima Island, is said to have made Mt. Shirataki a key defensive stronghold and built a Kannon-do hall on the mountain ridge

History and Highlights

​Mt. Shirataki​ is a 226.9-meter-high mountain located in Shigei-cho in the northern part of Innoshima Island, and is one of the island's premier scenic viewpoints. It is also part of Setonaikai National Park.

Murakami Yoshimitsu of the Murakami Suigun navy, who established his main castle in Aoki on Innoshima Island, is said to have made Mt. Shirataki a key defensive stronghold and built a Kannon-do hall on the mountain ridge. A Kannon-do hall still stands at the summit today, surrounded by numerous stone Buddha statues, including the Shakyamuni Triad.

In the late Edo period, a local man named Kashihara Denroku and his disciples spent over three years carving stone Buddha statues based on the religious teachings he founded. It is said that the statues were completed around 1830. Although they are referred to as the "Gohyaku Rakan" (Five Hundred Arhats), approximately 700 stone statues actually line the approach and the summit area.

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​The Stone Statues of the Gohyaku Rakan​​: From the approach to the summit, numerous stone Buddha statues line the slopes and nestle among large boulders. Each statue has a different posture and facial expression, making it a great experience to pause and compare them as you walk. The view of the sea and islands spreading out beyond the stone statues is also unique to this mountain.
• ​Views from the Summit​​: From the summit, you can overlook the Innoshima Bridge and islands of various sizes floating in the Seto Inland Sea. It is a spot where you can enjoy "tatobi," the scenic beauty of overlapping islands.
• ​Sunsets and Seasonal Scenery​​: The mountain is also known for its sunsets, when the sun sinking into the sea lights up the islands. Visitors can also enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage in fall.

Walking Tips

A parking lot is located at the mountain's eighth station, from which it takes about 10 minutes on foot to reach the summit. Since you will be walking along mountain paths, please wear comfortable walking shoes. There is also an observation rest area at the top of the mountain where you can take a break while taking in the views. It takes about 10 minutes by car from the Innoshima-kita Interchange on the Shimanami Kaido to the parking lot. If you would like to learn more about the history of the Murakami Suigun, consider also visiting Innoshima Suigun Castle, another spot located on Innoshima Island.