Onomichi has a lot of things to do, going up the mountain by a rope way to have a great view, strolling on the path of literature, visiting the shrine and temple with long history, shopping arcade, and more!
Ushitora Shrine : Long History
Ushitora Shrine was built in 806, the oldest shrine in the area, is one of my most favorite spots in Onomichi, Hiroshima! There were some areas where I couldn’t enter, but the atmosphere here is magical in the silence with bird singing.
900 Years Old Tree
I highly recommend checking out the towering camphor tree, which is over 900 years old, and so powerful.
Access to Ushitora Shrine
15 minutes walk from Onomichi station
Senkoji Park : Beautiful View of Islands
Senkoji Park is one of popular sightseeing spots in Onomichi, also known for the beautiful view and cherry blossom (in Spring).
Senkoji Park Observatory – Peak
As soon as you get off the rope way, you can find the observatory. You can either go up by walking or use an elevator. If it’s sunny, you can see the islands in Setouchi from the observatory.
Rope Way
You can go up by the rope way for only 3 minutes. I bought one-way ticket, go up by a rope way, and walk down back.
Senkoji Temple : Over 1200 Years of History
Senkoji Temple was found in 806, which means it has over 1200 years of history! It’s located in the middle of mountain. The view from the temple is great.
Akado – Red Building
The red building called Akado was build in 1686. The color contrast of red building and blue ocean is beautiful.
Mirror Rock
There are many kinds of rocks. There is the one which is called Kagami ishi (mirror rock).
Access to Senkoji Temple
10 minutes walk from Senkoji Park Observatory
Bungaku no Komichi – Path of Literature
Bungaku no Komichi is located between Senkoji park and Senkoji temple. Onomichi is known for the city where authors liked to live before. There are rocks where poems and/or quotes are engraved on the path.
I didn’t think it’s dangerous or hard, but still be careful when it’s wet. I wore a pair of sneakers for this path on this day.
Bungaku no Komichi – Path of Literature
1 minutes from Senkoji Park Observatory or the rope way station
Tenneiji Temple : Pagoda x Ocean View
Tenneiji Temple was build in 1367. There are beautiful arts on Fusuma (door) inside the main building.
3 Layers Pagoda
It was originally 5 layers when it’s build, but changed to 3 layers. You can have a great view of pagoda x ocean view if you walk down from Senko-ji Temple.
500 Rakan Statues
There are 500 Rakan statues that people say you can find a face that is similar to you. All of them were donated within 60 years between 1804-1824 to the early Meiji Period.
Access to Tenneji Temple
- about 20-25 minutes walk from Onomichi station
- 10 minutes walk from Senkoji Temple
Jikoji Temple – Beautiful Hydrangea
You can find the stairs to the temple from the train rail crossing. It’s a bit hard to climb up, however, you can have a nice view. Jikoji Temple is also known as “Ajisai dera” = hydrangea Temple. It was beautiful when I visited.
It’s said that you can get power from the huge stone of Enmeimon Gate. Also it’s popular to make a Nigiri Botoke by grabbing clay by yourself.
Jiko-ji Temple
6 minutes walk from Onomichi station.
Onomichi Main Street Shopping Arcade
There is a shopping arcade called Onomichi main street shopping arcade, starting very close to Onomichi station. One of good things here is that there is a roof, so you can enjoy under the rain.
Yamatoyu – Photospot
It is a restaurant now, once it was a public bath.
Onomichi Roman Coffee
A cafe from Onomichi (they have some branches in Hiroshima), they make each cup of coffee with syphon.
Bakery Koro
Bakery Koro opens from the morning, which is great for breakfast! There is no eat-in space though, you can to-go breads. Their bagel is really good!!
Enjoy Food in Onomichi
Here is another article for the food to eat, restaurant & cafe to go in Onomichi.
Onomichi might not be super famous comparing to Miyajima or Hiroshima city, however, the atmosphere here is very calm and relaxing. It’s worth visiting for a daytrip from Hiroshima, in my opinion.
You have options for what to do in Onomichi, Going up by a rope way to the mountain for the view, enjoying the stroll on the path, visiting shrines and temples, eating some food on the shopping arcade, and more!
