[Hiroshima/Onomichi] A one-day tour of the spectacular scenery of Onomichi, a city filled with retro charm

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The tour we are introducing this time is...

1-day Tour of Onomichi, A Quaint Town Located Along the Seto Inland Sea

Discover the charm of picturesque Onomichi on this day tour. Start your trip at Senkoji PEAK Observatory and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Seto Inland Sea with its many islands. Next, visit the historic Senkoji Temple. Set on a hillside, the tranquil setting offers a glimpse into the spiritual heritage of the region. Known for its vibrant cherry blossoms in spring and stunning foliage in autumn. Explore the traditional houses hidden along the slopes and find the beautiful pagodas. After lunch at a restaurant recommended by your guide, stroll through the 1400-year-old Jodo-ji Temple, which also featured in Yasujiro Ozu's film Tokyo Story. On the way to the seaside town, you will encounter a traditional inn that also featured in Yasujiro Ozu's film. Stroll through the seaside town, admiring the iron pier and the Seaside Museum with its murals. Finally, visit U2, a retro-modern waterfront complex that combines a hotel, cafe, and cycling base, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the coastal scenery. Experience the beauty and culture of Onomichi at your own pace with the guidance of a knowledgeable guide.

Tour details here

1

Mount Senkoji Ropeway

The Mount Senkoji Ropeway is a tourist attraction in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, where you can enjoy beautiful scenery. The ride takes about three minutes from the foot of the mountain to Senkoji Park at the top of the mountain, offering a spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea and the townscape of Onomichi. At the top of the mountain, you can visit Senkoji Temple and the Literary Path, a spot where you can enjoy a stroll through the scenery of the four seasons and a sense of history.

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2

Senkoji Park/Top Observation Deck (PEAK)

From the 63-meter-long observation deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Onomichi Strait and the cityscape of Japan Heritage. There is also an elevator connected to the ropeway's mountaintop station, so it is safe for strollers and wheelchairs. The long and narrow observation deck is a famous spot where you can enjoy the magnificent view of the Seto Inland Sea islands from any point.

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3

Senkoji Temple

Senkoji Temple is located 140 meters above sea level, halfway up Mount Daiho, overlooking Onomichi Port. It was founded by Kobo Daishi in 806 and is said to have been restored by Tada Manchu. The main hall, with its unusual stage design, is also known as the "Red Hall," and Fumiko Hayashi wrote in her book "Horoyaki" that "the red tower of Senkoji Temple can be seen." The principal image of the temple, the Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva, which is open to the public once every 33 years, is said to have been made by Prince Shotoku and has long been known as the "fire-preventing Kannon" and is known for its miraculous powers in preventing fires. Today, it is visited by many writers and artists as a Kannon who grants wishes. Senkoji Temple, which overlooks the scenic port town, is visited by many writers and artists. Among them, Rai Sanyo wrote in a Chinese poem, "Six years have passed since I came to Senkoji Temple."

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Jodo-ji Temple is said to have been founded by Prince Shotoku in 616. It is also famous as the temple where Ashikaga Takauji prayed for victory during his conquest of Kyushu and the Battle of Minatogawa. The main hall and pagoda are national treasures, the mountain gate and Amida Hall are national important cultural properties, and the entire temple grounds are a nationally designated cultural asset. In the inner garden is the teahouse Rokkian (national important cultural property), which is said to have been moved from Fushimi Castle, and the view of Onomichi from the Okunoin (Jodo-jiyama Observatory) is one of the most representative views of Onomichi.

Onomichi is a small port town facing the Seto Inland Sea. The old stone-paved alleys and slopes continue like a maze, giving off a nostalgic and warm atmosphere. There are many scenic spots surrounded by the sea and mountains, and just taking a leisurely stroll will help you relax. Dotted with retro shops and cafes, and historic buildings that have been used as movie sets, it is a fun town to stroll around. There is also a wide variety of gourmet food, including fresh seafood and Onomichi ramen. It is the perfect place for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a relaxing time and the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea.

The Seaside Museum is an outdoor art spot set up along the beautiful coastline of the Seto Inland Sea. At this museum, where natural scenery and art come together, you can enjoy sculptures and monuments while feeling the sound of the waves and the sea breeze. The artworks scattered along the walking path are the work of local artists as well as other artists from Japan and abroad, and many of them reflect the atmosphere of the sea and port town. With the calm Seto Inland Sea as a backdrop, the open space is a popular healing spot where art and nature come together in harmony. It is a place where you can take a leisurely stroll while taking in the atmosphere of the port town of Onomichi.

4

Onomichi rain 2

Onomichi is the starting point on the Honshu side of the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido cycling road, which overlooks the beautiful islands and sea below. In March 2014, a complex offering a wide range of services, ONOMICHI U2, opened in a great location just a short walk from Onomichi Station along the coast. With a theme of "a small town within a town," the complex includes a hotel that can be used by tourists other than cyclists, a restaurant where you can taste seasonal Setouchi produce, a bakery, a cafe, and select shops. It offers a wide range of fun activities, making it a great choice for solo travelers as well as group travelers.

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