Onomichi City has flourished as a port town since ancient times, offering a captivating tourist destination where the beautiful nature of the Seto Inland Sea harmonizes with rich history and culture. From Senkoji Temple, a historic Shingon Buddhist temple designated as a Japan Heritage site, you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the Onomichi Channel. Drive along the Shimanami Kaido, known as one of the world’s leading cycling routes, and visit “Miraishin no Oka” (Hill of Eternal Hope) within the Kosanji Museum on Ikuchijima Island. This popular spot, even among Japanese tourists, is a grand and fantastical contemporary art garden featuring vast, pure white marble sculptures. This course allows you to experience the rich history and culture of Onomichi and Shimanami while enjoying the breathtaking nature and scenery of the Seto Inland Sea.
Hiroshima Station → Onomichi Senkoji Park → Onomichi Shopping Street → Kosanji Temple / Miraishin no Oka → Hiroshima Station
Departure from Hiroshima Station (around 9:00 AM)
Travel: 90 minutes by car
Onomichi Senkoji Park (70 minutes)
The Senkoji Summit Observatory “PEAK” offers a 360-degree panoramic view overlooking the Onomichi Channel and the islands of the Shimanami Kaido, making it Onomichi’s premier scenic spot. Senkoji Temple, a Shingon Buddhist temple boasting over 1200 years of rich history, is also a representative tourist destination in Onomichi where history and nature merge, a must-see for visitors to the region.
Travel: 20 minutes by car
Onomichi Shopping Street / Lunch (70 minutes)
Onomichi Shopping Street is a shopping arcade with a historic, retro atmosphere. It stretches for about 1.2 km from JR Onomichi Station to the Senkoji Mountain Ropeway station and is loved by locals as well as tourists. It is characterized by a harmonious blend of old, historic shops and new, stylish ones. Onomichi’s gourmet delights, such as Onomichi Ramen and popular sweets, are concentrated in and around the shopping street, so take a stroll and find your favorite treat.
Travel: 40 minutes by car
Kosanji Temple / Miraishin no Oka (80 minutes)
Kosanji Temple was built by businessman Kosanji Kozo as an expression of gratitude to his mother. It is said to be modeled after famous Japanese architectural structures such as Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Byodo-in Phoenix Hall, and many of its buildings are designated as Registered Tangible Cultural Properties due to their high architectural skill and historical value. Furthermore, “Miraishin no Oka” within the Kosanji grounds is a garden made of Italian marble. The contrast between the blue sky and white marble is beautiful, making you feel as if you are in a Mediterranean resort.
