Onomichi, Japan

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Onomichi, Japan

Region: Hiroshima


Geographic Coordinates: 34.416700, 133.200000
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 30.0°C (50°F to 86°F)
Climate: Onomichi has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, and experiences typhoons from August to October.
Population: 130143
Language: Japanese

Onomichi is a charming port town located in the Hiroshima Prefecture of Japan. The town is situated on the Seto Inland Sea and is known for its picturesque views, Historic temples, And quaint streets. Onomichi has a rich history dating back to the 6th century when it was an important port for trade. Today, It remains a popular destination for tourists seeking to experience traditional Japanese culture. One of the main attractions in Onomichi is the Senkoji Temple, Which sits atop a hill overlooking the town and offers stunning panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.

Visitors can take a cable car or hike up to reach this beautiful temple complex that features several buildings and gardens. The temple also has an impressive pagoda that stands at over 40 meters tall. Another must-visit attraction in Onomichi is its famous Cat Alley, Or Neko no Hosomichi in Japanese. This narrow alleyway is home to dozens of friendly stray cats who have become beloved mascots of the town. Visitors can stroll through this charming alleyway while petting and playing with these adorable felines.

Onomichi also boasts several other historic temples such as Jodoji Temple, Saikokuji Temple, And Tenneiji Temple – all within walking distance from each other – making them easy to explore in one day trip around this quaint little town. The Shimanami Kaido Expressway connects Honshu Island with Shikoku Island via six bridges across various islands in between including Innoshima Island which belongs to Onomichi city itself! Cycling along this scenic route offers breathtaking views of both land and sea sceneries making it one of Japan’s most popular cycling routes attracting thousands every year!

Foodies will love exploring Onimochi’s local cuisine such as their famous ramen noodles made from locally sourced ingredients like pork bone broth (tonkotsu), Soy sauce (shoyu), And miso, Which is a fermented soybean paste. The town also boasts several seafood restaurants serving fresh catches from the Seto Inland Sea. Onomichi is a charming and picturesque town that offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Japanese culture. From its historic temples to its friendly stray cats, There is something for everyone in this quaint little port town. Whether you are looking for stunning views or delicious local cuisine, Onomichi has it all!



Important Landmarks

  1. Onomichi Temple Walk
  2. Senko-ji Temple
  3. Onomichi City Museum of Art
  4. Saikoku-ji Temple
  5. Innoshima Bridge
  6. Jiko-in Temple
  7. Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art
  8. Onomichi U2
  9. Tenneiji Temple
  10. Mukaishima Island

Primary Industries

  1. Onomichi is a city renowned for its fishing industry, boasting numerous seafood processing plants and fish markets.
  2. The city’s scenic views and historical landmarks, such as the Senko-ji Temple and Onomichi Castle, have contributed significantly to its thriving tourism industry.
  3. Additionally, Onomichi has significant manufacturing industries (particularly machinery and electronics), agriculture (primarily rice cultivation), and transportation (including shipping).

Noteable History

  1. Onomichi Castle: The castle was built in the 16th century by the Mōri clan and is one of the most notable landmarks of Onomichi.
  2. Shimanami Kaido: The world-famous cycling route that connects Honshu and Shikoku islands passes through Onomichi.
  3. Yasujiro Ozu: One of Japan’s greatest film directors, Yasujiro Ozu, was born in Tokyo but spent his childhood in Onomichi. Many of his movies are set in this town, including Tokyo Story and Late Spring.
  4. Senko-ji Temple: A famous Buddhist temple located on a hill overlooking the city, Senko-ji is known for its beautiful gardens and panoramic views.
  5. Hiroaki Matsuzawa: A famous Japanese painter who was born and raised in Onomichi, Matsuzawa’s artwork often depicts the town’s landscapes and seascapes.
  6. Toshio Shimao: A renowned Japanese author who wrote many novels set in Onomichi, including The Sting of Death which won him Japan’s prestigious Akutagawa Prize.
  7. Peace Pagoda: Located on a hilltop overlooking the city, this pagoda was built to promote peace between nations after World War II.
  8. Setouchi Triennale Art Festival: Held every three years since 2010, this international art festival takes place across multiple islands including some located near Onomichi.
  9. Taisho Roman Street: This street is lined with buildings from the Taisho era (1912-1926) that have been preserved to showcase their unique architectural style influenced by Western culture at that time.
  10. Kosan-ji Temple Museum Complex: This temple complex features over 50 buildings modeled after ancient Japanese architecture from different periods throughout history as well as other countries such as China and Korea.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Senko-ji Temple is a beautiful Buddhist temple that offers breathtaking views of the city and Seto Inland Sea.
  2. The Onomichi City Museum of Art is a modern art museum that features works by both local and international artists.
  3. The Onomichi Literature Museum is dedicated to the literary history of the city, with exhibits showcasing famous writers like Natsume Soseki and Shiga Naoya.
  4. Onomichi U2 is a renovated warehouse complex that now houses various establishments such as shops, restaurants, cafes, and art galleries.
  5. Kosanji Temple is an expansive temple complex with stunning gardens, sculptures, and traditional Japanese architecture.
  6. Jiko-in Temple’s serene atmosphere makes it a popular spot for viewing autumn foliage displays.
  7. Saikoku-ji Temple boasts an impressive five-story pagoda and picturesque scenery.
  8. Mt. Shirataki Observatory Park provides visitors with panoramic views of the city from atop Mt. Shirataki.
  9. The Old Merchant Houses of Onomichi (Onomichi Machiya) are traditional Japanese merchant houses that have been preserved in their original form for visitors to appreciate and learn about their history.
  10. The Onomichi Motion Picture Museum showcases Japan’s cinema history through interactive exhibits for all ages to enjoy!


Sports Teams

  1. Onomichi has no professional sports teams.
  2. Nevertheless, there are numerous amateur sports clubs and teams in the city, such as:
    • Onomichi FC (football/soccer)
    • Onomichi Baseball Club
    • Onomichi Tennis Club
  3. These teams participate in local leagues and tournaments.


Cultural Events

  1. The Onomichi Lantern Festival is a beautiful event that takes place in August. Hundreds of lanterns line the streets, creating a magical atmosphere that’s hard to describe. There’s also a parade of traditional Japanese floats, which is definitely worth seeing.
  2. If you’re a film buff, you won’t want to miss the Onomichi Film Festival. This annual event showcases independent films from around the world and attracts visitors from all over Japan.
  3. Springtime in Onomichi is truly special, especially during the Cherry Blossom Festival in April. This festival celebrates the blooming of cherry blossom trees with food stalls and music performances – it’s an unforgettable experience.
  4. The Shimanami Kaido Cycling Event is perfect for those who love adventure and scenic views! This annual cycling event takes riders across bridges and islands between Onomichi and Imabari – it’s truly breathtaking.
  5. The Onomichi Ushitora Shrine Autumn Festival is another must-see event held in November each year. It features a procession of portable shrines through city streets, providing visitors with an opportunity to witness traditional Japanese culture up close.
  6. For art enthusiasts, there’s nothing quite like the Setouchi Triennale Art Festival held every three years on various islands throughout Seto Inland Sea (including some located near Onomichi). It’s an incredible contemporary art festival that shouldn’t be missed!
  7. The Hiroshima International Animation Festival held biennially every August provides aspiring animators with workshops while animated films from around the world are screened for visitors to enjoy!

Cuisine

  • Onomichi Ramen: This is a type of ramen that is unique to Onomichi and is known for its rich, pork-based broth.
  • Hirayama: This restaurant serves traditional Japanese dishes such as sushi, sashimi, and tempura.
  • Nishikawa Soba: This restaurant specializes in soba noodles made from buckwheat flour.
  • Ueno Okonomiyaki: This restaurant serves okonomiyaki, a savory pancake filled with vegetables and meat or seafood.
  • Komeya: This restaurant serves local dishes made with rice grown in the area such as onigiri (rice balls) and donburi (rice bowls).
  • Shukaen: This restaurant serves kaiseki-style meals featuring seasonal ingredients from the Seto Inland Sea region.
  • Ippuku-tei: This cafe specializes in coffee and sweets made with locally sourced ingredients such as citrus fruits and green tea.
  • Kasaoka Oysters at Miyoshiya: Located near Onomichi, this seafood restaurant is known for its fresh oysters from nearby Kasaoka Bay.

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Senkoji Park – a hilltop park with hiking trails, temples, and scenic views of the city and Seto Inland Sea.
    2. Onomichi City Museum of Art – a museum showcasing contemporary art exhibitions.
    3. Onomichi U2 – a former warehouse converted into a shopping complex with cafes, restaurants, and shops.
    4. Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route – a scenic cycling route connecting several islands in the Seto Inland Sea.
    5. Mukaishima Island Beach Park – a beach park with swimming areas, BBQ facilities, and water sports rentals.
    6. Innoshima Suigun Castle – an ancient castle ruin overlooking the sea.
    7. Onomichi Cinema Street – a street lined with retro movie theaters from the Showa era.
    8. Mt.Tsunematsu Hiking Course – A mountainous area that offers beautiful views of the city below as well as hiking opportunities for tourists who love outdoor activities.

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