比治山遊園（遊園地ではない）は、かつて比治山神社の脇から御便殿広場に通じる山道沿いにあった大規模な娯楽施設で、昭和40年代後半まで営業していた、いわゆるレジャー施設の走りです。料亭や娯楽場、大浴場などがあったとされ、戦後の復興期、市民の憩いの場として地元でその名を轟かせていたようです。
Hijiyama Yu-en (not an amusement park) was a large-scale leisure complex located along the mountain path that ran from the side of Hijiyama Shrine up to Gobenden Plaza. Operating until the late 1970s, it was an early example of what we now call a leisure facility. It reportedly housed restaurants (ryotei), entertainment halls, and a large public bath. During the post-war reconstruction period, it appears to have become quite famous locally as a place of relaxation for the citizens.
当時は広島市外でも、可部のジャングル風呂や五日市の楽々園など、遊園地とは一線を画したレジャー施設が各地で営業されていましたが、時代の移り変わりとともにその役割を終え、順次閉園していきました。比治山遊園も例外ではなく、現在は庭園跡が豆腐料理専門の料亭して、娯楽場や大浴場等の跡地が個人の邸宅として、再利用されています。
At the time, even outside of Hiroshima City, similar leisure facilities—distinct from typical amusement parks—were operating in various locations, such as Kabe's Jungle Bath and Itsukaichi's Raku-Raku-en. However, as times changed, they fulfilled their roles and gradually closed down. Hijiyama Yu-en was no exception. Today, the former garden site has been repurposed as a ryotei specializing in tofu cuisine, while the former sites of the entertainment hall and large bath have become private residences.
現在、比治山遊園の面影はほとんど残っていませんが、なんと「激坂」自体は、当時の形で今も残されています。料亭の駐車場で行き止まりとなり、通り抜けることはできませんが、御便殿に向かう立派な石段を壊さずにその脇を通る巻き道とした変わり種「激坂」。短いながらも車のすれ違いが発生する機会も多いと思われますので、アクセスされる際はご注意ください。
Currently, aside from the garden, almost no trace of Hijiyama Yu-en remains. Surprisingly, however, the steep slope itself still exists in its original form. While it dead-ends at the restaurant's parking lot and cannot be passed through, this unique steep slope is a winding path built alongside the impressive stone steps leading to the Gobenden Plaza, purposefully avoiding their destruction. As this short road likely sees frequent opportunities for cars to pass each other, please be cautious when accessing the area.