Locked between the Inland Sea of Japan and the hilly spine of Western Honshu, Onomichi is an agreeable stop between Hiroshima and Okayama. Its temple walk commands stunning views on the Inland Sea and its islands.
There are about 30 Buddhist temples in total. The most notable ones include the Kōmei-ji, Senkō-ji (千光寺), Tennei-ji (天寧寺), Jōdō-ji (浄土寺) and Saikoku-ji (西国寺).
The walk takes about 2 hours starting from the Jikō-ji (持光寺) near the JR station to the Jōdō-ji, and climbing all the way to Senkō-ji Temple. There is a ropeway (¥280 one-way) from the middle of town to Senkō-ji.
Also worth mentioning is the Misode Tenman-gū, a Shinto shrine located half-way between Senkō-ji and Saikoku-ji.
How to get there
Onomichi is conveniently located halfway between Hiroshima (1h15min, ¥1450) and Okayama (1h15min, ¥1280) or Kurashiki (1h, ¥1110) on the JR Sanyo line.
Map of attractions in Onomichi