We had arrived a little too early for check in so we decided to explore the surrounding parks. It was a near perfect weather for hiking/walking. We stumbled without a map onto the climbing trail in Hiramatsu park and decided to follow the pathway just to see where it led. There were clear markers along the sandy pathway. It took us about an hour despite the number of stops to rest and admire the views in between. The path ends at the Shishiwa ropeway station, mid-way to the summit.
We caught the next available cable-car to the Monkey park at the summit (departs every 15 minutes). There, we were greeted by red-faced monkeys huddled together for warmth. Visitors are encouraged to leave their bags in the provided lockers but camaras are allowed. However, feeding the animals are forbidden.
The view from the Monkey park observatory was suppose to include the entire island, even till Hiroshima in the mainland. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate and the sweeping views of the island and beyond was obscured by fog.
We purchase a one-way ropeway ticket from the vending machine at the ropeway station. It costs 1000 yen one way or 1700 yen for a return trip.