The Hill of Hope

The Hill of Hope, known in Japanese as Miraishin no Oka, is a striking white marble garden located within the grounds of Kōsan-ji Temple on Ikuchijima Island in Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture. The temple itself was founded in 1936 by industrialist Kōzō Kosanji as a dedication to his late mother, who he honored by entering the priesthood and constructing this elaborate temple complex over 30 years. The temple belongs to the Hongan-ji school of Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism and covers approximately 50,000 square meters, with many structures modeled after Japan's most famous historic temples and shrines.

The Hill of Hope was designed and created over 16 years by sculptor Itto Kuetani, who works primarily in Italy, and was completed in October 2000. The garden spans over 5,000 square meters and incorporates approximately 3,000 tons of white Carrara marble imported from Italy. The theme centers on familial ties and represents a peaceful world filled with hope for the future. The pure white marble aesthetic evokes comparisons to the Greek island of Santorini, creating an unexpected Mediterranean atmosphere in the Japanese Seto Inland Sea.

Visitors experience the dramatic contrast between traditional Japanese temple architecture and the contemporary marble sculptures scattered throughout the garden. Notable features include the Tower of Hope and the Sky Cat sculpture, which frame panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The garden's monuments achieve harmony with the natural environment through thoughtful integration with the island's terrain.

The Kosanji Museum displays works collected by Kōzō Kosanji throughout his lifetime, including Important Cultural Properties and works by famous modern Japanese artists, housed in pavilions called Hohozo, Sohozo, and Kongo Gallery. The Choseikaku Villa, built in 1927 as a retreat for Kosanji's mother, showcases a Japanese-Western hybrid design and is registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property.

The temple is accessible by ferry from Onomichi Port in front of Onomichi Station to either Sawa Port or Setoda Port on Ikuchijima Island, with the journey taking approximately 40 minutes and departing roughly 9 times daily. From Setoda Port, the temple is about a 15-minute walk. Alternatively, visitors can take a bus from JR Onomichi Station, approximately 1 hour to the Kosanji Temple stop, or drive about 13 minutes from the Ikuchijima Minami Interchange on the Shimanami Kaido expressway.

Admission costs ¥1,400 for general admission, ¥1,000 for college and high school students, and is free for children in junior high school and younger. Groups of 20 or more receive discounted rates of ¥1,200 for adults and ¥800 for students. The Choseikaku Villa requires a separate ¥200 admission fee. The site accepts electronic money and credit cards at reception, the gift shop, and Café Cuore.