Onomichi Travel Tips

Recommended

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3 of 5 in Hiroshima Prefecture

Onomichi (尾道) is a charming town nestled along the picturesque Seto Inland Sea in eastern Hiroshima Prefecture. It stretches across the mainland and nearby islands, all connected by the scenic Shimanami Kaido bridges. Small ferries enhance the nostalgic port atmosphere, making it easy to explore the surrounding islands. The town’s unique slopes form a delightful maze, where attractions blend seamlessly with narrow alleys and residential areas. The famous Onomichi Temple Walk invites visitors to explore 25 temples, each revealing Onomichi’s rich history and serene beauty.

Despite its small size, Onomichi has left a lasting mark on literature and cinema. Many renowned authors and filmmakers hail from the town, which has also served as a backdrop for numerous films and TV dramas. Visitors can explore this artistic legacy at several museums along the Temple Walk. A regional highlight is the Shimanami Kaido — the only land route connecting Honshu and Shikoku that’s open to both pedestrians and cyclists. Along this scenic path, attractions like the Hirayama Museum and Kosanji Temple await discovery.

Getting around

In Onomichi, the town center is small and easy to explore on foot, but be prepared for some uphill and downhill walking, as the town is built on hills. Onomichi has two train stations: Onomichi Station (served by local JR trains) near the downtown area, and Shin-Onomichi Station (served by the shinkansen), about 3 km to the north. You can travel between them by bus (15 minutes, 190 yen) or taxi (10 minutes, 1,400–1,800 yen).

Onomichi is also a popular starting point for the Shimanami Kaido cycling route, with two bike rental terminals near Onomichi Station. Short ferry rides (60–100 yen) connect the town to nearby Mukaishima Island, while longer ferries travel to other islands, such as Setoda Port (40 minutes, 1,300 yen), where you can visit the Hirayama Museum and Kosanji Temple.