Onomichi
Onomichi, A Hillside Port Town On The Seto Inland Sea With A Temple Walk, A Long Covered Shopping Street, Ramen Shops And A Ropeway, And The Mainland Starting Point Of The Shimanami Kaido Cycling Road To Shikoku. · Onomichi, Hiroshima
Onomichi is a port town in Hiroshima Prefecture, squeezed between the Seto Inland Sea and a steep hillside of temples, about an hour from Hiroshima on the JR Sanyo Line. Houses, stairways and narrow lanes climb the slope above a channel that separates the town from Mukaishima island, and the old Temple Walk links a long string of temples, often said to be about 25. A ropeway rises to Senko-ji Park for the best view of the strait. Below, a long covered shopping street runs parallel to the shore, and the town is known for its soy-based ramen with pork back fat, for lemons and for seafood. Film fans know it as the setting of Ozu's Tokyo Story. It is also the mainland start of the Shimanami Kaido cycling road to Shikoku. It suits slow walkers, cyclists and photographers, and works as a half day or an overnight stop. It is worth the detour for the hillside and the sea light, and less so if you dislike steps. Hiroshima and Miyajima are separate stops.
Onomichi, Hiroshima, on the Seto Inland Sea, about an hour from Hiroshima by JR Sanyo Line and the start of the Shimanami Kaido, Onomichi, Hiroshima, Japan
The town is open all the time, but temples, small museums and shops mostly keep daytime hours and close around 16:30 to 17:00, and many cafes and galleries close on one weekday - confirm before a long walk. The ropeway to Senko-ji Park runs through the day with a pause for maintenance, and stops in strong wind - confirm times. Onomichi Station is about an hour from Hiroshima on the JR Sanyo Line, and about 20 minutes from Fukuyama; IC cards work on the train and local buses, but small shops and temples want cash. Nothing needs booking for a walk. Book a bike or a bed ahead on spring and autumn weekends, when cyclists fill the town.