Wondering what to do in Onomichi? This guide will highlight the best things you can do in Onomichi, Hiroshima to give you fun tour ideas!
Onomichi, around four hours away from Tokyo by train, is a well-loved destination in Hiroshima, famous for its cycling trails, the Temple Walk, and the cherry blossom experience. Curious about the best things to do in Onomichi? Here are our top picks!
1. Cycle Along the Shimanami Kaido Route
Onomichi is a promising destination for outdoorsy travelers. Here, there’s the Shimanami Kaido, a 60-kilometer route connecting Honshu island to Shikoku island. As you bike, you’ll pass by a bridge that’ll remind you of the Octávio Frias de Oliveira Bridge in São Paulo, Brazil. Visit the route to enjoy beautiful sceneries of the Seto Inland Sea and small towns.
2. Take a Nature Retreat to Senkoji Temple
Many temples in Japan are built on a mountaintop because this location is believed to make worshippers get closer to the divine. One of such temples is Senkoji Temple, situated on a mountain’s peak. Travelers enjoy the sceneries here as the solemnity blends perfectly with the blue skies, relaxing ocean, and lush green forests.
3. Enjoy the Onomichi Port Festival
Another must-try experience in Onomichi is enjoying its festivals and events, one being the Onomichi Port Festival. Held every April, it celebrates the origins of this port city with processions, dances, and lots of amazing food.
4. Explore Buddhist Hell at Kosanji Temple
Should you wish to immerse deeper into Japanese Buddhist, Kosanji Temple is the place to be. A businessman founded this temple in 1936 as he got inspired by his mother. It took three decades before its construction was finished.
Travelers headed here often feel some déjà vu as its buildings are modeled after Japan’s old temples. Among its highlights is its long cave where you can view a series of images illustrating the tortures sinners will go through in Buddhist hell.
5. Relax at Setoda Sunset Beach
Familiar with the scenes of beautiful beaches in animes? See them come alive such as here at Setoda Sunset Beach. Touted as one of the best swimming beaches in the country, this 800-meter long beach is where you can relax as you view the sunset or lounge at the nearby café. Enjoy the white sands and the thrills of watersports.
6. Neko No Hosomichi, the ‘Cat Alley,’ Is the Purr-Fect Stop
If Catwoman has a resthouse in Japan, it has to be at Neko no Hosomichi, the famous cat alley in Onomichi. For some weird reason, lots of cats linger along the alley. Could it be because of the lucky stone cats around? Probably. About over 1,000 little rocks painted with images of cats are found here.
7. Head to Hirayama Ikuo Museum
The Hirayama Ikuo Museum will give you a breath of fresh air from other popular museums in the world situated within bustling cities. But this, well, it’s by nature. It showcases the works of Hirayama Ikuo, an artist known for depicting themes of peace in his art, having witnessed the dropping of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima in the 1940s.
8. Don’t Miss the Cherry Blossoms at Innoshima Park
Innoshima Park is one of the best spots in Japan for cherry blossoms. Be here in the right season to find their blooms planted along the hiking trail, coexisting with beautiful autumn leaves and azaleas.
9. Hike to Jodoji Mountain
If you’re willing to work on your feet, legs, and knees, a hike to Jodoji Mountain is worth trying. The trail leads you to an observation platform where you can have panoramic views of the area. Be sure to wear proper hiking footwea as the hike takes about 20 minutes.
ALSO READ: FREE THINGS TO DO IN HIROSHIMA
10. Treat Yourself to Delicious Food
After touring Onomichi, the best way to cap it off is to treat yourself to delicious food. The must-try food in this hilly port town are the Onomichi ramen, seafood dishes, and handmade ice cream.
Onomichi is the perfect destination that will introduce you to the other side of Japan beyond the crowds in hyped up cities like Tokyo.
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