About
View from Hinoyama Park observation deck looking south toward Moji and the Kanmon Bridge. Photo by Soramimi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
CRITICAL CLOSURE - OCTOBER 2025 VISIT NOT POSSIBLE
Hinoyama Park (火の山公園) sits atop Mount Hinoyama at 268 meters elevation in Shimonoseki, part of the Setonaikai National Park. However, the park is closed through October 31, 2025 due to the "Hikari no Yama (Light of the Mountain) Project" renovation work. 🔗
The Hinoyama Parkway access road has been closed since March 1, 2025, preventing all vehicle access to the summit during the planned October 30 visit date. The ropeway service was also discontinued on November 10, 2024, with replacement facilities not scheduled until fiscal year 2026 or later. 🔗
Cultural & Historical Significance
Established as an urban planning park in 1948 and incorporated into the Setonaikai National Park in 1956, Hinoyama has offered panoramic views of the Kanmon Strait for nearly seven decades. 🔗
The site carries deep historical significance as a military fortification. During the Meiji era, the Choshu domain established an artillery battery here, and giant nineteenth-century cannons are still displayed in the park as remnants of the old defense installations. The park overlooks the historic Dannoura battlefield where the Battle of Dan-no-ura was fought in 1185, marking the end of the Genpei War and establishing the first samurai government in Japan. 🔗
Visiting Information
Current Status
CLOSED TO VISITORS - OCTOBER 2025
- Parkway Closure: Hinoyama Parkway closed March 1 - October 31, 2025 🔗
- No Vehicle Access: All car access to summit blocked during renovation
- Ropeway Discontinued: Cable car service ended November 10, 2024 🔗
- Walking Trail Status: Unknown if hiking access permitted during construction
Normal Access (When Open)
- By Car: 15 minutes from Shimonoseki IC via toll-free Hinoyama Parkway 🔗
- From Main Route: Approximately 10-minute detour from Chugoku Expressway
- Parking: 270 car spaces and 8 bus spaces available (free) 🔗
- Walking Trail: 60-minute hike from base to summit (when permitted) 🔗
Future Reopening
Light Mountain Project (Hikari no Yama):
- New Hinoyama Ring Observatory: Fiscal 2025 (April 2026+) 🔗
- Pulse gondola and indoor facilities: Fiscal 2026 (April 2027+) 🔗
- Additional facilities: Athletic areas, campgrounds, multi-level parking
The Experience (When Reopened)
Panoramic Views: The 268-meter elevation provides commanding 360-degree vistas encompassing the Kanmon Strait, Seto Inland Sea, and Sea of Japan. The observation deck captures both the Shimonoseki cityscape and Moji across the strait, with the 1,068-meter Kanmon Bridge spanning the waters. 🔗
Historical Fortifications: Explore remnants of Meiji-era military installations, including preserved artillery pieces and gun emplacements from the Choshu domain's coastal defense system. 🔗
Night View Experience: As a registered Japan Night View Heritage site, Hinoyama offers exceptional after-dark viewing. The illuminated Kanmon Bridge reflected in the strait waters creates what locals describe as a "ten million dollar view." 🔗
Practical Visiting Tips
Alternative Kanmon Strait Viewpoints (October 2025)
Since Hinoyama Park is closed during the planned visit, consider these accessible alternatives:
- Mekari Parking Area Observatory: Observation deck on Kyushu Expressway with sunset views of Kanmon Bridge and strait
- Dannoura Parking Area: Honshu side expressway observation deck (downbound only)
- Kaikyo Yume Tower: 153m observation tower with 360-degree views (¥300 with passport discount)
- Mojiko Retro Observation Room: 103m tower in Kitakyushu with strait panoramas (¥300 admission)
- Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel: Unique undersea crossing experience (780m walk, 15-20 minutes, free)
Future Visit Planning (Post-October 2025)
When the park reopens:
- Arrive 1 hour before sunset for golden hour photography
- Stay after dark for illuminated bridge views
- Weekday mornings typically quietest
- Free admission and parking make this budget-friendly
- Bring windbreaker - winds can be strong at 268m elevation
- Stay on designated paths due to wildlife (wild boars present)
Route Integration
October 30, 2025: This location cannot be included in the route due to closure. Use alternative Kanmon Strait viewpoints listed above.
Future Reference: When reopened, Hinoyama would serve as an ideal morning or late afternoon stop when traveling the Kanmon Strait crossing, offering panoramic context before or after the bridge/tunnel crossing experience.
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/kinosaki-to-fukuoka-main-route/hinoyama-park-observatory.md