Onomichi: Hillside Town and Cinema Sacred Site, Cat and Temple Tour Overlooking Seto Inland Sea

Oonomichi City, Hiroshima is an old port town known for its unique landscape of temples and residences densely packed on slopes facing the Seto Inland Sea. The setting of many films and literary works including director Nobuhiko Obayashi's "Transfer Student," "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time," and "Lonely Hearts," it is also known as "the city of cinema."

Senkoji Temple and Spectacular Views from the Observation Deck

The representative Onomichi spot is "Senkoji Temple." Located midway up Senkoji-yama (elevation 144m), this ancient temple has impressive vermilion halls and unusual rocks in its precincts. The observation deck accessed by ropeway offers panoramic views of the islands floating in the Seto Inland Sea and the magnificent Onomichi Channel.

Neko no Hosomichi (Cat's Narrow Path)

Around the Senkoji approach, alleys called "Neko no Hosomichi (Cat's Narrow Path)" spread. This photogenic narrow path where cat art (beckoning cats) painted on rock walls coexists with actual stray cats is a popular spot for cat lovers.

Onomichi Ramen

"Onomichi ramen" is a local ramen characterized by flat noodles in rich soy sauce soup with floating pork back fat. Many ramen restaurants line the area around Onomichi Station.

Access

Right from JR Onomichi Station. About 1 hour from Hiroshima Station by Shinkansen to Mihara Station, or by Sanyo Main Line.