Is Onomichi value visiting? The quick reply is sure—after all it’s. Strewn over a hillside above a harbor overlooking Japan’s inland sea, it’s doubtlessly one of many nation’s most stunning cities.
On the similar time, you typically should be in Hiroshima (or, at minimal, Okayama) to be able to go to Onomichi, which is sort of at all times a day-trip vacation spot. Because of this, many vacationers to Japan miss Onomichi solely.
I’m going to imagine, since you Googled this subject, that you’re not less than persuadable about exploring Japan’s southwestern Setouchi area. My hope, by the top of this submit, is that you just’re completely offered on all of the superb issues to do Onomichi!
Why Japanese Vacationers Go to Onomichi
It’s not laborious to see what makes Onomichi value visiting, no matter your nationality. The views of the Seto Inland Sea alone are definitely worth the time spent on the prepare, and the hike obligatory to achieve the perspective. Nonetheless, Japanese vacationers have their very own causes for coming. For instance, many individuals seeking all issues kawaii love the truth that Onomichi is residence to so many cats.
Japanese nerds, in the meantime, love coming to Onomichi as a result of is the setting of the Yakuza 6 installment of the Yakuza online game collection. Apparently, not like quite a lot of fictitious settings that draw on parts of actual locations however synthesize others, the precise Onomichi is fairly just like what you discover within the recreation, not less than bodily. Fortunately, you gained’t discover any gangsters right here!
Issues to Do in Onomichi
Take within the view from Senko-ji
For my cash, Senko-ji temple provides the very best view wherever in Hiroshima prefecture. Which is nice, as a result of getting up there’s fairly a trek, despite the fact that the path fortunately begins proper outdoors the “again” exit of JR Onomichi Station. Whereas you too can trip a cable automobile to achieve the highest, it’s extra rewarding (for my part) to go on foot, presuming the climate and your personal bodily energy cooperate.
Stroll the Outdated Temple Path
One other of the primary causes I so passionately consider that Onomichi is value visiting? The aptly-named Outdated Temple Path, which results in and away from Senko-ji (and another locations—maintain on only a second). If the temples themselves aren’t sufficient of an attraction for you, make sure that to absorb the excellent panorama of the harbor as you’re strolling alongside the ridge. It’s maybe even higher than the one from the summit of Senko-ji!
(Ideally, all the best way to Saikoku-ji)
Saikoku-ji sits excessive atop a hill simply north and west of JR Onomichi Station, on the far finish of the Outdated Temple Path. Whereas it’s tempting to not stroll all the best way right here, notably if you find yourself feeling happy with what you see en route away from Senko-ji, I encourage you to go the (literal) additional mile. That is an particularly good concept in case you handle to make it right here when native monks are tending to the temple grounds. This place doesn’t usually prime lists of what to do in Onomichi, however it ought to!
Care for stray cats
As I discussed earlier on this submit, an enormous purpose so many Japanese vacationers really feel that Onomichi is value visiting is the various stray cats that dwell right here. Nicely, I say “many,” however they’ve by no means appeared extreme in quantity to me. In reality, there have been occasions I’ve visited Onomichi and never seen a single cat. My recommendation? Be blissful in case you see some, however don’t make doing so the main target of your journey.
Eat Onomichi ramen
Now, I’ll be frank: Ramen just isn’t my favourite Japanese meals; I truly take into account it overrated on the entire. Nonetheless, after an extended day traipsing up and down the hillsides of Onomichi, the steaming sizzling soy sauce broth of town’s very personal selection hits the spot in a manner that I’m unsure the rest may do. For the very best bowl, go to Ichibankan, whose queue is completely value 15-20 minutes of your Onomichi day journey itinerary.
The Shimanami Kaido
One other essential sights of Onomichi, for overseas and Japanese vacationers alike, is the truth that it’s certainly one of Japan’s premier biking locations. Specifically, the Shimanami Kaido path leads from Onomichi to Shimabari, a metropolis on the island off Shikoku simply throughout the Seto Inland Sea. This route, which stretches about 70 km, is accessible all yr and is suitable for all cyclists, from novices to professionals.
Notably, the Shimanami Kaido could also be what makes you resolve that Onomichi is value visiting in a single day and never simply on a day journey. With this being mentioned, you’ll be able to bike it on a (lengthy) day journey from Hiroshima, assuming you’re taking an early prepare and are ready to take a late prepare again within the night. This may increasingly or might not be sensible, given how worn out you’ll be after an extended day of biking!
Different FAQ About Visiting Onomichi
Is Onomichi an actual place?
For those who’ve ever performed the online game “Yakuza 6,” it’s possible you’ll be beneath the impression that Onomichi just isn’t an actual place. Nonetheless, it’s a very actual place! In reality, the “actual” Onomichi is sort of similar to the one within the online game—it simply doesn’t have the gangsters!
What’s Onomichi recognized for?
Onomichi is understood for the beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea it provides, in addition to the truth that it’s residence to dozens of temples and numerous cute cats. Furthermore, Onomichi-style ramen is known, not less than amongst Japanese vacationers. It’s additionally more and more often called an underrated spot for cherry blossoms and autumn colours.
How do you get to Onomichi?
Onomichi is definitely accessible from many main cities in Japan (particularly, Hiroshima) however just isn’t immediately on the Shinkansen line. Whilst you can take a Shinkansen Kodama to Shin-Onomichi Station (which is way outdoors of city), the better manner is to trip a Shinkansen Sakura or Nozomi to Fukuyama, then trip the JR Sanyo Line to JR Onomichi Station, which is true within the metropolis middle.
The Backside Line
Is Onomichi value visiting? Sure, assuming you’re going to be within the common neighborhood. Except you propose to remain the night time (which, I’ll be sincere, just isn’t one thing even I’ve ever felt compelled to do), you will have to have a base in Hiroshima or Okayama to be able to make a day journey to Onomichi worthwhile. So far as issues to do in Onomichi when you get there? I often like exiting the station the “again manner” and strolling as much as Senko-ji for a panorama, earlier than following the Outdated Temple Path and ending waterside for ramen. However your mileage could fluctuate. Ensure that your total journey is fined-tuned simply as you prefer it once you rent me to plan a customized Japan itinerary.