※This article was published at July 2015.※



In the town of Setoda on the island of Omishima, sits a beautiful marble sculpture that has an inspiring message behind it.
Now, I am not talking about a small sculpture of a human form.
I am talking about a hilltop covered with 5,000 square meters of dazzling white marble!



The miraishin no oka (未来心の丘), also known as the Heights of Eternal Hope for the Future, is a hilltop sculpture that is accessible only via the Kosan-ji temple.
It is designed by the famous Japanese marble sculptor Kazuto Kuetani, who now lives in Italy.
His greatest accomplishment is his involvement in the creation of a sculpture which now stand in the Papal Audience Chamber of the Vatican.



Aside from the size, the more impressive point is that it was sculpted entirely from marble imported from the mines in Carrara, Italy.
It took some time but was finally completed in October, 2000.
At the topmost of the hill, a centerpiece entitled Tower of Light dominates the landscape.
While the sculpture itself has no religious affiliation to the Kosan-ji temple and is but an art installation, I could not help but feel peaceful while strolling amongst the structures and enjoying the shape and form of each.



A café by the name of Cafe Cuore sits atop the hill next to the Tower of Light.
This café is also made entirely out of marble, and provided me a welcome respite from the heat.
If you are ever in Omishima, do swing by the Miraishin no oka to enjoy some peace and serenity in this impressive structure.

More information on Miraishin no oka:
Address: 553-2 Setodacho Setoda, Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture 722-2411, Japan
Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm (café closes at 4:00pm)
Website: http://www.kousanji.or.jp/hill_of_hope.html

Map: