Guida
The Hill of Hope is a grand white marble garden located in Setoda, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, spanning 5,000 square meters with elevation changes of up to 25 meters. Every piece of marble used is sourced from the famous Carrara quarries in Italy. This monumental project was crafted by the sculptor Kazuto Kuetani over a period of 12 years, beginning in 1988. Designed to harmonize with natural light, wind, and the surrounding scenery, this space is more than just a garden; it is an 'environmental sculpture' where the observer becomes part of a living, breathing landscape.
The creation of this garden is a testament to the passion of Kazuto Kuetani. Through his work in Carrara, Italy, Kuetani made it his life's work to create environmental sculptures that leverage the unique characteristics of natural stone. The Hill of Hope was realized by transporting vast quantities of Carrara marble via container ships, a process that took many years from initial concept to completion. The project also holds international significance, having received recognition in the field of urban landscape and gaining permission from Italian cultural authorities. It represents a unique fusion of Japanese spiritual-inspired forms and Italian stone-working traditions.
The garden is dotted with monuments, plazas, and paths of varying sizes and shapes. The texture of the white marble, especially when illuminated by the sun, is a mesmerizing sight that draws visitors in. Key structures include the 'Tower of Light,' which relates to the Buddhist concept of the Twelve Heavenly Kings, as well as elevated viewpoints offering panoramic views. These monuments are designed to change their expression every moment based on the angle of light and shadow. The striking contrast between the pure white marble and the tranquil blue scenery of the Seto Inland Sea creates a visual experience found nowhere else in the world.
The Hill of Hope reveals different faces depending on the season and time of day. During the bright daylight hours, the white marble reflects the sun, creating a dazzling, brilliant white landscape. In the late afternoon, as the sun begins to set in the west, the monuments cast deep, dramatic shadows that add a sense of mystery and depth. Throughout the seasons, the changing colors of the sky and the surrounding vegetation provide a beautiful backdrop to the white garden. Visiting during times of shifting light is highly recommended to appreciate the three-dimensional texture and sculptural depth of the art.
Visitors are encouraged to do more than just look; you can feel the texture of the marble and truly immerse yourself in the space. The creator's wish was for people to walk through the space and expand their imagination in harmony with nature. Walking through these sculpted landscapes allows you to experience the space as a physical entity. Feeling the flow of the wind and the stillness of the stone provides a meditative experience that is quite different from daily life.
The Hill of Hope is located within the grounds of the Kosanji Temple Museum. The surrounding area features various structures inspired by traditional Japanese architecture, such as five-story pagodas, ceremonial gates, and chapels, allowing visitors to experience Japanese religious and cultural aesthetics. The area is also part of the beautiful Seto Inland Sea region, where you can enjoy the unique local atmosphere and coastal scenery.
Because the garden features significant elevation changes and marble paths, we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. As this is an outdoor environment, please prepare for the weather. While there may be English signage, it is helpful to be prepared for local-style interactions. As this is a cultural and artistic space, please maintain a respectful and quiet atmosphere to honor the sculptures and other visitors.