Onomichi Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Onomichi, Japan with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to eat & stay and how to get around in Onomichi.


Onomichi Travel Guide - A Comprehensive Guide to Onomichi, Japan

Onomichi is a small port town located in Hiroshima prefecture, in the Chugoku region of Japan. The town is famous for its picturesque streets, shrines, temples, and natural beauty. If you are looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, then Onomichi is the perfect destination.

List of Places to Visit in Onomichi

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Onomichi is a town rich in history, and there are several museums and historical places that you can visit to learn about its past. Some of the must-visit places are:

  • Senko-ji Temple: This is a stunning temple complex, situated on a mountain overlooking the town. The temple is more than 1,200 years old and has several halls, shrines, and pagodas. At the top of the mountain, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the town and the Seto Inland Sea.

  • Onomichi City Museum: Here, you can learn about the history and culture of Onomichi through its art, artifacts, and photographs.

  • Ishibashi Museum of Art: This museum houses a vast collection of Japanese art, including paintings, pottery, and ceramics from the Edo and Meiji periods.

Natural Attractions of Onomichi: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Onomichi is also known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. Here are some of the top attractions worth exploring:

  • Shimanami Kaido: The Shimanami Kaido is a 60 km long toll road that connects Onomichi with six islands in the Seto Inland Sea. The road is popular among cyclists, who enjoy the scenic views of the sea and the islands along the way. You can rent a bike in Onomichi and make your way through the islands.

  • Mt. Takami: If you’re up for a hike, then Mt. Takami is a great option. The mountain is located on the outskirts of Onomichi and offers a stunning panoramic view of the town and the sea.

  • Mukaishima Island: This island is one of the six islands that are connected by the Shimanami Kaido. The island is known for its beautiful coastline, fishing villages, and scenic views.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Onomichi

There are several biking and hiking trails in and around Onomichi that you can explore. Here are some of the popular routes that you can take:

  • Senko-ji Temple Hiking Trail: This hiking trail takes you from the foot of the mountain to the summit of the Senko-ji Temple. It’s a 2 km hike that takes about an hour, and the trail is well-paved and well-marked. The temple is the main attraction, but the hike itself is also beautiful, with several shrines and viewpoints along the way.

  • Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route: The Shimanami Kaido is a popular cycling route that takes you through the Seto Inland Sea. You can start from Onomichi and cycle through the islands, enjoying the scenic views of the sea and the bridges along the way. The entire route is 60 km long and takes about 6-8 hours to complete.

  • Mt. Takami Hiking Trail: This hiking trail takes you to the summit of Mt. Takami, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the town and the sea. The trail is well-marked and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.

Best Things to Do in Onomichi: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking and cycling, there are several other things to do in Onomichi. Here are some of the top activities and tours that you can enjoy:

  • Boat tour of the Seto Inland Sea: You can take a boat tour of the Seto Inland Sea and enjoy the scenic views of the sea and the islands around Onomichi.

  • Visit the Onomichi U2: The Onomichi U2 is a modern shopping and dining complex housed in a renovated warehouse. It’s a great place to shop for local products and souvenirs and enjoy some delicious food.

  • Try Onomichi Ramen: Onomichi is famous for its ramen, and you can try some of the best ramen in the town at the local ramen shops.

Week-Long Itinerary for Onomichi

Day 1: Arrive in Onomichi and explore the town’s local attractions.

Day 2: Visit the Senko-ji Temple and hike the temple trail.

Day 3: Take a boat tour of the Seto Inland Sea and enjoy the scenic views.

Day 4: Rent a bike and cycle the Shimanami Kaido route.

Day 5: Visit the Onomichi U2 and explore the local shopping and dining scene.

Day 6: Hike the Mt. Takami trail and enjoy the panoramic view of the town and the sea.

Day 7: Day trip to one of the nearby towns, such as Hiroshima or Matsuyama.

Food and Drink Scene of Onomichi

Onomichi is famous for its ramen and seafood dishes. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Onomichi Ramen: This is a local specialty that you must try. Onomichi Ramen is a soy sauce-based noodle soup that’s simple yet delicious.

  • Seafood: Onomichi is known for its fresh seafood, including oysters, squid, and fish. You can try these at the local restaurants and marketplaces.

Local Beverages

  • Sake: Hiroshima prefecture is known for its sake, and you can try some of the best sake in Onomichi.

  • Green Tea: Onomichi is known for producing some of the finest green tea in Japan. You can visit the local tea houses and try some of the delicious tea.

Where to Stay in Onomichi: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Onomichi has several accommodation options, ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some of the top options:

  • Onomichi Kokusai Hotel: This is a luxury hotel located in the heart of the town. The rooms are spacious, and the hotel has several amenities, including a swimming pool and a restaurant.

  • Onomichi Guesthouse Zen: This is a budget hostel located in a traditional Japanese house. The rooms are small but clean, and the hostel has a cozy atmosphere.

  • Onomichi Royal Hotel: This is a mid-range hotel located near the Onomichi train station. The rooms are comfortable, and the hotel has several amenities, including a restaurant and a bar.

What to Buy in Onomichi: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Onomichi is known for its local crafts and products. Here are some top souvenirs and products to bring home:

  • Onomichi Ramen: You can buy Onomichi Ramen as a souvenir and take it back home.

  • Green Tea and Tea Ware: Onomichi is known for producing some of the finest green tea in Japan, and you can buy tea and tea ware to take back home.

  • Ceramics and Pottery: Onomichi is known for its pottery and ceramics. You can buy some of the locally made ceramics and pottery as a souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Onomichi

Onomichi is a traditional town where customs and traditions are still prevalent. Here are some of the customs and traditions that you should respect:

  • Remove Shoes: It’s customary to remove your shoes before entering a Japanese house or a temple.

  • Respect Shinto Shrines and Buddhist Temples: When visiting a shrine or a temple, it’s important to respect the customs and traditions. Bowing and clapping are common practices at shrines and temples.

Best Time to Visit Onomichi

The best time to visit Onomichi depends on your preferences. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons to visit if you want to avoid the hot and humid summers and the cold winters.

Do’s and Don’ts of Onomichi

Do:

  • Try Onomichi Ramen: Onomichi is famous for its ramen, and you must try it when visiting the town.

  • Respect Local Customs and Traditions: It’s important to respect the customs and traditions of the town when visiting.

Don’t:

  • Don’t Litter: Littering is not tolerated in Onomichi, and you can be fined for doing so.

  • Don’t Talk Loudly in Public: It’s important to maintain a peaceful atmosphere in Onomichi, so avoid talking loudly in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Onomichi

Onomichi is a safe town, and crime rates are low. However, it’s important to take the usual precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Health in Onomichi

Onomichi has several medical facilities, including hospitals and clinics, where you can receive medical treatment if needed. Make sure to carry your medical insurance card with you.

Getting to Onomichi: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Onomichi

The nearest airport to Onomichi is Hiroshima airport, which is about an hour’s drive from the town.

Bus Stations Near Onomichi

Onomichi has several bus stations that cater to local and regional buses. The Onomichi bus terminal is located near the Onomichi train station, and you can take buses to other towns and cities in the area.

Other Options

You can also reach Onomichi by train. There are regular trains from Hiroshima, Matsuyama, and other nearby cities.

How to Get Around in Onomichi

The best way to get around in Onomichi is on foot, as most of the attractions are within walking distance from each other. You can also rent a bike to explore the town and its surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Onomichi: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Onomichi is a great base for exploring Hiroshima prefecture and other nearby areas. Here are some of the nearby destinations and excursions that you can take:

  • Hiroshima: Hiroshima is a city with a tragic past, but it’s now a lively and vibrant city with several tourist attractions, including the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Hiroshima Castle.

  • Matsuyama: Matsuyama is a city located on the island of Shikoku, known for its hot springs and the beautiful Matsuyama Castle.

  • Okayama: Okayama is a city located near Onomichi, known for its beautiful Korakuen Garden and the Okayama Castle.

Conclusion

Onomichi is a hidden gem that’s worth exploring for its natural beauty, history, and culture. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape or a cultural adventure, Onomichi has something to offer for everyone. Plan your trip in advance with our comprehensive travel guide, and make the most of your visit to this beautiful town in Japan.

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