Guide
Mirai no Kokoro no Oka (Hill of Hope) is a massive white marble garden located in Setoda, Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture. Spanning 5,000 square meters with elevation changes of up to 25 meters, the garden is constructed entirely from Carrara marble, sourced from the famous quarries of Italy. This space was meticulously crafted by the sculptor Kazuto Kuetani over a 12-year period starting in 1988. More than just a garden, it is designed as an 'environmental sculpture' meant to harmonize with natural light, wind, and the surrounding landscape, inviting visitors to become part of the living environment.
The creation of this garden is a testament to the passion of Kazuto Kuetani. Through his work in Carrara, Italy, Kuetani dedicated his life to environmental sculptures that utilize the unique characteristics of natural stone. The massive amounts of Carrara marble used here were transported via container ships to bring this vision to life. The project has international recognition, including awards in the urban landscape category and official permission from Italian cultural authorities. It represents a unique cultural fusion where Japanese religious architectural motifs meet the stone-working traditions of Italy.
The garden features various monuments, plazas, and pathways of different scales. The texture of the white marble, which glows brilliantly under the sun, is a mesmerizing sight. Key structures include the 'Tower of Light,' related to the Buddhist concept of the Twelve Heavenly Generals, as well as high vantage points offering sweeping views. Because the sculptures are designed to interact with the environment, their appearance changes constantly depending on the angle of the sunlight. The striking contrast between the pure white marble and the calm, blue scenery of the Seto Inland Sea creates a one-of-a-kind visual experience.
The expression of the garden changes with the seasons and the time of day. During bright daylight hours, the white marble reflects the sun, creating a dazzling, brilliant white glow. In the late afternoon, the setting sun casts deep, dramatic shadows across the monuments, highlighting their sculptural forms. Throughout the year, the changing colors of the Seto Inland Sea sky and the surrounding seasonal vegetation add vibrant layers of color to the white landscape. Visiting during times of shifting light is highly recommended to witness the changing textures of the stone.
Visitors can do more than just look; you can experience the tactile presence of the marble and the space itself. The creator's wish was for people to feel a sense of unity with nature while walking through the sculptures. Wandering through the paths and feeling the flow of the wind and the texture of the stone provides a meditative experience that is quite different from daily life.
The Hill of Hope is located within the grounds of Kosanji Temple Museum. The surrounding area features various traditional Japanese structures, such as five-story pagodas and ceremonial gates, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Japanese religious aesthetics. The area is also a beautiful part of the Seto Inland Sea region, offering a peaceful atmosphere typical of the local coastal landscape.
As the garden features significant elevation changes and marble paths, we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Since it is an outdoor environment, please prepare for the weather. While English signage and guidance are available, please check the official website for the latest information. As this is a cultural and artistic space, please maintain a respectful and quiet atmosphere while enjoying the sculptures.