How to Visit Onomichi: Senkoji Temple, Cat Alley & Seto Inland Sea Views.

Onomichi, a charming port town in Hiroshima Prefecture, captivates with its retro hillside streets, Seto Inland Sea vistas, and cinematic atmosphere featured in films like Your Name. Wander cat-themed alleys, ancient temples, and seaside shops for a slow-paced escape blending nostalgia and nature.
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1. Access Methods

JR Sanyo Line to Onomichi Station (2 hours from Hiroshima, 3 hours from Osaka); free retro streetcar loops old town (200m walk from station). Senkoji Ropeway round-trip (500 yen) climbs hillside in 3 minutes—book tickets on-site. Buses to Ikuchi Bridge for Shimanami Kaido cycling (1,000 yen/day bike rental); ferries to nearby islands (500-1,500 yen).

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2. Town Highlights

Senkoji Temple at mountaintop offers 360° Seto Sea panoramas from PEAK Observatory; Cat Alley below features bronze cat statues and murals along narrow paths. Onomichi Honmachi shopping street serves fresh seafood ramen and lemon pies; U2 complex by the port houses museums and cafes in a ship-like building. Evening lights illuminate hillside homes like a living advent calendar.

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3. Walking Recommendations

2.5km Temple Trail links 25 hillside temples from station to ropeway base (2-3 hours); descend via Cat Alley to port (1km colorful stairs). Extend to 5km Shimanami Kaido preview along waterfront paths; sunset route from Senkoji Park to Chodoji Temple frames sea islands perfectly.

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4. Visiting Tips

Spring cherry blossoms or fall foliage peak; arrive mid-morning weekdays to avoid tour groups—ropeway queues hit 20 minutes weekends. Wear grippy shoes for steep stone steps; slurp Onomichi ramen (800 yen) or momiji manju sweets. Wide-angle shots capture layered rooftops; pair with Miyajima day trip via ferry. Rent e-bikes (2,000 yen) for hill climbs; winter scarves needed for sea breezes.

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