Onomichi is a quaint port town in Hiroshima Prefecture known for historical temples, cats, cycling and its literary roots. The city consists of the hilly mainland and some of the neighbouring islands in the Seto Inland Sea connected by Shimanami Kaido, one of the world’s best bike routes.
While it is possible to take a day trip to Onomichi from Hiroshima, Okayama or Kurashiki, I found many things to do in Onomichi City while researching for my solo trip to Japan. Plus, I wanted to cycle one of the most popular bikeways, so I decided to spend a few days in Onomichi and it absolutely did not disappoint.
So if you want to get off the beaten path in Japan and explore a scenic town with lots of culture, good food and exciting day trips, then you have to visit Onomichi. The city has so much to offer, and I will show you all the everything I know in my solo Onomichi Japan guide.
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Onomichi Japan Guide: what you need to know
Before you visit Onomichi, take a look at my post on everything you need to know before going to Japan. I included a lot of information including how to get around Japan and other travel tips.
Here are a few additional travel tips that you may find useful for visiting Onomichi City:
- Onomichi is a safe city for solo female travellers. I wandered the city day and night, and even biked halfway across the Shimanami Kaido, feeling completely safe.
- ICOCA is the prepaid IC card for Hiroshima Prefecture. It is a rechargeable smartcard where you can take public transportation including buses, trains and etc. It is useful to have for going to Onomichi and taking day trip to Okunoshima Rabbit Island or other destinations.
- For those visiting Onomichi as a day trip, there are coin lockers at the train station and across the street from the south exit.
- Plan your visit to Onomichi with the following festivals and events:
- Cherry blossom season (late March to early April) – see over 1500+ cherry blossom trees in full bloom at Senkoji Park
- Onomichi Port Festival (mid-April) – celebrating Onomichi’s origin as a port city with a procession, dances, and good food.
- Onomichi Sumiyoshi Fireworks Festival (last Saturday in July) – annual fireworks at the harbour
- Onomichi Lantern Festival (early October) – see over 30,000 paper lanterns scattered throughout the Onomichi City.
How to travel to Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
Plane
Onomichi is a small town 40km east of Hiroshima, Japan. The closest airport is Hiroshima Airport. Many domestic and international flights arrive at Hiroshima Airport.
And from Hiroshima Airport, there is a shared taxi service that you must book in advance. It ride is about 60-90 minutes and costs ¥4,000 per person. Check for more information about the shared taxi here.
Train
Onomichi Station is located in the centre of Onomichi City. It is part of the West Japan Railway where passengers can travel east and west of the city on the JR Sanyo Main Line.
If you are travelling by Shinkansen (bullet train), Shin-Onomichi Station is located 3.3km north of the city. The local bus to Onomichi takes 15 minutes.
13 Best Things to Do in Onomichi Japan for Solo Travellers
1. Onomichi Temple Walk
Onomichi was once a shipping hub and many temples were built to commemorate the wealthy merchants during the Edo Period. Today, some of these temples are designated as national historic landmarks.
And you can see many of these temples when you walk the Onomichi Temple Walk. The 2.5km narrow marked path connects 25 Buddhist temples along the hillside town where you can see the old nostalgic residential neighbourhood. Look for:
- Jikoji Temple – visit the hydrangea temple and see the granite entrance gate and nigiri Buddha statues.
- Tenneiji Temple – take a photo of the three-tiered pagoda with an amazing seaside backdrop.
- Taisanji Temple – see the three monkey sculptures who are trying to see, hear and speak.
- Jodoji Temple – see the stone statues during a tour at the oldest temple in Onomichi.
Onomichi Temple Walk starts from the white bridge just north of the Hondori Shopping Arcade. And there are trail maps scattered throughout the temple walk (see below). As long as you follow the signs, you won’t get lost.
2. Neko no Hosomichi (Cat Alley)
If you are a cat person, then this place is for you. Random cats roam Neko no Hosomichi, aka Cat Alley, hence the name. They are quite “friendly.” One of them even jumped on me. But most of them are resting at various spots and give you a funny look as you walk by.
Besides random kitties hanging around the 200m alley, there are over 1,000 fukuishineko, lucky stone cats which are little rocks painted with images of cats. Many of them are at the Fukuishi Cat Shrine and Manekineko Museum. See how many you can find!
3. Senkoji Park
One of the best ways to see Onomichi is by visiting Senkoji Park. You can walk up or take the Senkoji Mountain Ropeway (¥500 one-way or ¥700 round trip, every 15 minutes) up the 144m mountain. I suggest walking up to Senkoji Park. It is not difficult and only takes 15 minutes and you can also see the Cat Alley on the way up.
When you reach the top, make sure to check out these attractions:
- Senkoji Temple – built in 806, the vermilion red Buddhist temple is perched at the edge of the mountain facing the Onomichi Channel.
- Sanjusan Kannon Hall – when you pull the large cherry wood prayer beads, it makes a clicking sound. It is said that the sound can cancels out your worries.
- Rock formations – each rock is given a name. Some notable ones are Meoto Iwa (married couple rock), Tsuzumi Iwa (drum stone) and Tame no Iwa (jewel rock), a sphere rock on top of another giant rock, is said to illuminate the Seto Inland Sea.
- Ishizuchiyama Kusari Shugyo – if you have proper shoes, you can climb up the vertical rock (via chains) and get to the top quicker. ￥100 fee.
- Path of Literature – the path has 25 stone monuments with some portion of famous authors’ work inscribed on the stones.
4. Senkoji Park Summit Observatory
Senkoji Park Summit Observatory is a new structure built at the top of the hill. And when you walk up to the modern concrete observation deck (via the circular walkway or stairs), you can get an excellent view of Onomichi, Onomichi Channel, Mukaishima Island and other islands in the Seto Inland Sea.
Other Onomichi Sightseeing Spots
5. Saikokuji Mountain
Technically this is still part of the Temple Walk, but the hike up the south side of Mount Saikokuji can take a bit of time and energy plus you can continue hiking up the mountain if you are adventurous.
When you hike up from the west side, you will see Misode Tenmangu Shrine first. Then follow the staircase and see Saikokuji Temple and a three-storey pagoda (behind locked gate) at the top. Throughout the hike, you can see lovely views of Onomichi.
FYI – There is a hiking path behind the pagoda. I didn’t venture further as I didn’t have proper footwear. But Maps.me shows a hiking trail that can take you further up the mountain.
On the way down on the east, walk down the stairway between Kongoin and Jizenin so you can get back on the Temple Walk. Make sure to turn around at the Niomon (guardian gate) and see the 2m high straw sandals at the entrance way.
6. Jodoji Mountain
At the east end of the Temple Walk is Kairyuji Temple. And to the left of the temple is the hiking trail up Jodoji Mountain.
Follow the path, up the stone stairway and gradually it turn to a dirt path. The trail will lead you to Jodoji Okunoin Manpukuji and an observation platform at 178m in elevation.
The hike takes 20 minutes or so but make sure to wear good footwear (I wore Birkenstock and it was muddy so I didn’t make it beyond the dirt path).
Things to see around the city of Onomichi
7. Onomichi Hondori Shopping Arcade
You’ll definitely see the entrance of Onomichi Hondori Shopping Arcade when you look for the Temple Walk (which is the white bridge next to the pedestrian street – see photo below).
But you should also spend some time wandering around the long covered pedestrian street. The pedestrian street is actually made of five streets and there are 400 shops (but many of them are closed) spanning over 1.6km.
The retro shopping street used to be the place where locals gather and buy groceries. Today, many of the old-fashioned shops have transformed into cafes, coffee shops, souvenir shops, bike rentals, cultural property, hostel, etc.
One of the more unique refurbished building is Yamatoyu, an izakaya restaurant serving Chinese food that was previously an old public bathhouse. Even if you don’t eat there, peek inside the window and see the restored interior.
8. Learn about Onomichi culture by visiting one of the unique museums
There are many associations with literature, film and art in the city of Onomichi. That’s why there are a few unique museums in the city where you can learn about the cultural side of Onomichi. Many displays are in Japanese but it might still be fun to see.
- Onomichi City Museum of Art (9am-5pm; closed Mondays; varies) – designed by the famous Japanese architect Tadao Ando, the museum has displays of artwork by local and Western artists. Different exhibitions have different admission prices.
- Onomichi Historical Museum (10am-6pm; closed Tuesdays; ￥210) – it was once a bank building but it is now a museum displaying archaeological items and artwork by Onomichi-based artists and writers.
- Onomichi Motion Picture Museum (10am-6pm; closed Tuesdays; ￥520) – get the feel of Onomichi as a movie town and as it appeared on the screen. See props, posters and other materials associated with the movies made in Onomichi.
- Onomichi Seaside Museum of Art (24 hours; free) – see the paintings related to people’s everyday lives and scenery of Onomichi displayed on the seaside promenade.
What to eat in Onomichi: Best Onomichi Food
9. Onomichi Ramen
Onomichi ramen is really famous! The soy sauce-flavoured soup, made from chicken and fish stock, is served with firm, flat wheat noodles topped with pork back fat. Toppings vary but typically include (various amount of) roast pork, bamboo shoots and spring onions.
There are many ramen noodle shops in Onomichi. Here are some popular ones:
- Maruboshi (10:30am-8pm; closed Wednesdays)
- Ichibankan Main Store (11am-6pm; closed Fridays)
- Menya Hibiki (11am-2pm; closed Tuesdays)
- Ramen Matatabi (11:30am-2pm & 6-10pm; closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
- Onomichi Ramen Tani (11am-8:50pm; closed Thursdays)
10. Onomichiyaki
One of the most famous food in Osaka is okonomiyaki (Japanese savoury pancake). In Onomichi, you can try the local version called Onomichiyaki.
The Onomichi-style okonomiyaki has chicken gizzard, deep-fried squid, bean sprouts, cabbage, and Chinese-style noodles. Try the unique savoury pancake at one of these restaurants:
- Poppoya (11:30am-2pm & 5-9pm; closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays)
- Iwabe (11:30am-3pm; closed Wednesdays & Thursdays)
- Ikeda (11:30am-3pm & 5:30-8pm; closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays)
Fun fact – there is a decorative manhole cover featuring Onomichiyaki just across the road from Karasawa Ice Cream. I think it is the only one in the city!
11. Other local food in Onomichi
Besides the famous Onomichi ramen and the unique Onomichiyaki, there are a few more things you should try while in Onomichi:
- Kamaboko – Japanese fish cake made with wild white fish, egg white and seasoning. Great for souvenir or heat it up in the little toaster oven outside the store. Try one at the famous Keima Kamaboko Store (9am-5pm; closed Thursdays).
- Custard pudding – find various pudding flavours at Oyatsu-to-Yamaneko (11am-6pm; closed Mondays). Keep the vintage glass milk bottle as a souvenir after.
- Monaka Ice Cream – ice cream between two wafers. Try one at Karasawa Ice Cream (10am-5:30pm; closed Tuesdays).
- Setouchi lemon – 60% of Japan’s lemons are grown in this region. So expect to find all types of lemon-flavour desserts in souvenir shops and convenience stores.
What to do outside Onomichi: Day trips from Onomichi
12. Shimanami Kaido
People from all over the world travel to Onomichi to cycle the Shimanami Kaido bikeway, one of the best cycle routes in Japan. The cycle route is about 70km and connects six islands in the Seto Inland Sea.
There are various ways to experience Shimanami Kaido. Ideally, it takes two days to bike from Onomichi to Imabari and back. But if you are a beginner cyclist, you can follow my 1-day Shimanami Kaido itinerary that includes biking half of the bikeway and return to Onomichi via a ferry.
13. Okunoshima Island
Okunoshima Island, also known as Rabbit Island, has over 1,000 rabbits roaming freely around the small island. It is said that the island used to have a chemical lab where they made and tested poisonous gas for WWII.
Today, you can explore the hiking trails, see views from the summit, visit the Poison Gas Museum, and see war ruins scattered around the island. And feed many friendly rabbits!
Where to stay in Onomichi City as a solo traveller
It is possible to see most of the attractions listed above in one day. But I highly recommend staying at least one or two nights so you can fully explore Onomichi and also take a 1-day bike ride across Shimanami Kaido.
As for accommodations, there are a few types of accommodations in Onomichi for solo travellers. The budget hostel is in the shopping street and the mid-range hotels are near Onomichi Station. For my last trip, I chose a modern hotel right at the station and I highly recommend it.
- Hotel Beacon Onomichi ($$) – located directly above Onomichi Station, the hotel has several types of rooms. I chose the superior double room and it is spacious and it has a unique sitting area. Check prices & reviews: Agoda or Booking
Is Onomichi worth visiting as a solo traveller
When I was researching for all the places to visit during my one-month Japan trip, I knew I wanted to stop somewhere in Chugoku Region and Onomichi came up on my search. I’m so glad I visit the quaint town because it is everything I wanted and more.
I love travelling off the beaten path in Japan and Onomichi is absolutely worth visiting. Plus, I got to ride a bike over several islands in the Seto Inland Sea and experience Japan’s best bikeway. Both places are high recommended even if you are travelling by yourself.
I hope you will too and find my list of all the best things to do in Onomichi useful for planning your trip to Japan. Let me know in the comments if you like these places or if you found something else that should be part of this list.
Ready to plan your trip to Japan? Here are some of my go-to travel planning resources:
* Book your flight: find flight deals on Skyscanner
* Book accommodation: find the best Japan accommodations on Agoda or Booking
* Buy insurance: Safetywing is my go-to provider for travel insurance, as it covers many things. I will never travel without the Nomad Insurance Package because it protects me against unforeseen events. Get a quote today.
* Order a SIM card: order a SIM card in advance and set up your mobile phone before arriving in Japan.
* Join tours: check Klook or Get Your Guide for the best tours around Japan.
Thank you for reading my solo Onomichi Japan Guide
I have many posts on Japan and you might also like these other posts on solo travel in Japan:
Introduction to Japan
- Solo Travel to Japan: 17 best cities for solo travellers
- Things I wish I knew before going to Japan
- Off-the-beaten-path places in Japan
- One month in Japan: from Tokyo to Hiroshima
Chugoku region
- Naoshima Art Island: 1-day itinerary
- How to spend one day on Teshima Island
- Best things to do in Kurashiki Japan
- Shimanami Kaido Guide: 1-Day Bike & Ferry Itinerary
- Okunoshima Island: 1-Day itinerary on Rabbit Island
- Hiroshima 2-day itinerary
- Day trip to Miyajima from Hiroshima
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Hi, my name is Queenie, and I’ve been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!
