Onomichi City
| The Good | The Not-So Good |
| Great walking route around historic city | Nothing “spectacular” to see |
Onomichi City is famous for its mountain side temple and park, the numerous other temples and access to the famous Shimanami Kaido, which is a special 60km cycle route connecting the main island of Japan to the smaller Shikoku. If you are not about to challenge the cycle route then Onomichi offers plenty to see and do, with a number of places to eat and stay.
The official site has a lot of information including recommended walking routes.
Things to do in and around Onomichi City
Onomichi Temple Walk
Onomichi is famous for numerous temples that can be walked over the course of a few hours. None are particularly special however the walk is pleasant and stops by the Senkouji Ropeway and the footpath to the top of Senkouji Park. The official route is well signposted however there is no English map available online. The Google walking route below approximates the official route. Most of the temples are down small side streets so improvising your route is not a bad thing. There are various recommended walking routes on the official Onomichi site.
Senkouji Park
The park can be access by the ropeway, walking or by car/bus. The walk up is mostly stairs and may be challenging for some (hence the ropeway). However the walk down has fantastic views so is recommended. During your Onomichi Temple Walk you can hop on the ropeway and visit the park, walking down the stairs after to continue on.
There is an observation tower attached directly to the ropeway station. There is also a second observation point located where the old castle was until its demolition in 2020. (map)
You can also walk from Onomichi Station to the park and then down the steep stairs. The walk up from the station is far less challenging and may be a good option. It does miss out on some temples but as the temples are generally unremarkable, missing a few isn’t the end of the world.
https://mt-senkoji-rw.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/parkmap202204.pdf
Senkouji Temple
The main attraction of Onomichi is the hillside temple, Senkouji. You can walk up to the temple or take the ropeway.
Mt. Senkouji Ropeway
A ropeway to avoid walking up to Senkokuji Park. The official site is only in Japanese but English is available elsewhere. A one-way trip is ¥500 and return is ¥700 (half price for children under 11). It runs every 15 minutes from 9:00 to 17:15. There is a special service from 6:30 AM on the first of January so people can enjoy the rising sun.
Shimanami Kaido
A series of bridges connecting 6 islands together allow for cycle (and in theory pedestrian) access from the main island of Honshu to Shikoku, the only location where this is possible. The route is about 70km long and there are two rental systems that allow pick up and drop off at the start and finish, so you don’t have to worry about anything other than following the big blue line painted on the road. Note that as well as the rental fee, each of the 6 bridges has a toll, totally about ¥500.
The route is outlined here. From Onomichi you have to take a short ferry ride at the start to avoid the first expressway bridge which is not bike friendly. After that, a big blue line shows the way from start to finish. The course can by done both ways and there are buses between both ends.
https://www.shimanami-cycle.or.jp/go-shimanami/ (Google Map)
Cheaper, aimed as the more general cyclist, and allows drop off along the way if you get tired. The official site is a bit difficult to navigate due to the mix of Japanese and English, but the starting page is here and lists the 10 pick up / drop off points along the route. The reservations page is here. You pick the start and finish points, although you can also change your mind and drop off midway. Reservations are not required however the “cross bikes” (the proper bikes for a 70km ride) are popular and may be unavailable unless you book in advance.
Note: There are numerous types of bike for rent. The “Electrical assist bikes” are not for the 70km route and must be returned to the same terminal you rented from (they are the same bikes you see parents taking their kids to school on). Choose the “e-bike” for the 70km ride. You can only rent these from the terminal ends and there is a height requirement of 155cm.
https://bicyclerental.jp/en/ (Google Map)
This rental service is run by a private company and the only drop off and pickup are at the start and finish, which means you have to get through the entire 60km yourself. Aimed and more proficient cyclists.
Onomichi Museums
There are a few museums in Onomichi if you are so inclined.
Getting to Onomichi City
Onomichi Station is by the coast however the Bullet Train station, Shin-Onomichi Station, is a 15 minute bus ride away. There are two options depending on where you are coming from.
Travelling from Osaka (Tokyo) to Onomichi
Get a “Sanyo” Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka station and change to the local “Sanyo” line at Fukuyama Station. You can also get a bus from Fukuyama Station to Ononichi Station or a bus from Shin-Onomichi Station. (example travel). Bus travel is not covered by the JR pass and bus travel is also a bit more difficult compared to the train, so the train is recommended.
Travelling from Hiroshima to Onomichi
You can travel by local train on the Sanyo Line to Onomichi Station via Itozaki Station. This is the cheapest option (about ¥1,500) but will take an extra hour compared to the Shinkansen. If you would like to spend ¥5000 yen or have the JR pass, then the faster option is to take the Bullet Train from Hiroshima Station to Shin-Onomichi Station and then a bus to Onomichi Station. (example travel).
INSERT DIAGRAM OF ALL ROUTES
