Located in eastern Hiroshima Prefecture, Onomichi is a beautiful port town nestled between the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea and steep hillside slopes. Thanks to its retro, nostalgic scenery, it has served as the backdrop for numerous Japanese films, animations, and literary works. It is also well known as the starting point of the Shimanami Kaido, a famous route for cyclists.
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time Background Information: Onomichi served as the primary filming location for director Nobuhiko Obayashi's 1983 original live-action movie The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, rather than the widely known 2006 animated version. (Note that the animated version is set in Tokyo.)
How to Get to OnomichiInformation on public transit routes and travel options from Hiroshima Airport and downtown Hiroshima to Onomichi.
You can easily reach Onomichi from Hiroshima Airport or downtown Hiroshima using trains, buses, or shared taxis.
- From the Airport - Shared Taxi: A shared taxi service operating on an advanced booking system that takes you directly to Onomichi in about 1 hour without transfers. (Costs 4,000 JPY one-way; booking is required at least 3 hours before departure)
- Notes on Delays: If you fail to board by the scheduled departure time, your booking will be automatically canceled. However, no cancellation fee applies, and you can only re-book and board if empty seats are available.
- From the Airport - Bus and Train (Transfer): Take a limousine bus bound for Shiraichi Station (or a bus bound for Mihara Station) from the airport, then transfer to the JR Sanyo Main Line train to Onomichi Station. (Takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes, costs around 1,250 JPY)
- From Downtown Hiroshima - Local Train: Take the JR Sanyo Main Line train from JR Hiroshima Station, transfer at Itozaki Station, and continue to Onomichi Station. (Takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes, costs 1,520 JPY)
- For a day trip to Onomichi, the standard round-trip fare between Hiroshima Station and Onomichi Station is 3,040 JPY. Therefore, it is highly recommended to buy the tabiwa Gururin Pass, which is valid for three consecutive days.
- More details can be found in Part 1 of the Hiroshima Guidebook - Travel Pass Edition.
- Important Note: The tabiwa Gururin Pass does not cover Shinkansen rides. If you want to take the Shinkansen, you must purchase a separate basic train ticket and a limited express ticket.
- From Downtown Hiroshima - Shinkansen: Take the Shinkansen to Mihara Station and transfer to the JR Sanyo Main Line train. (Takes about 1 hour one-way, costs around 3,800 JPY)
- From Downtown Hiroshima - Express Bus: Takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes from the Hiroshima Bus Center, costing 2,000 JPY one-way.
Senkoji Area (Senkoji Park & Ropeway)An introduction to Mt. Senkoji Ropeway, the public park offering panoramic views of Onomichi, and Senkoji Temple built on a cliffside.
- Mt. Senkoji Ropeway: A cable car line that carries you to the summit in just 3 minutes, skipping the steep hillside climb. It offers excellent views of the Onomichi Channel and the dense neighborhoods below.
- Hours: 09:00 ~ 17:15 (Departs every 15 minutes)
- Fees: Round-trip for Junior high school students and older: 700 JPY / Elementary school students: 350 JPY (One-way for Junior high school students and older: 500 JPY / Elementary school students: 250 JPY)
- Senkoji Park & Observatory: Located right at the upper ropeway station, this park features a modern observation deck that offers panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea islands. It is highly famous as a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in spring.
- Senkoji Temple: A historic temple famous for its bright vermilion main hall perched dramatically on a cliffside. Looking down at the sea from the main hall platform is one of the most iconic photo spots in Onomichi.
- Hours: 09:00 ~ 17:00
- Admission: Free to explore the grounds
Location of Senkoji Temple Senkoji Temple Official Website
Recommended Route Tip: Instead of buying a round-trip ropeway ticket, we recommend purchasing a one-way ticket to go up, and then walking down slowly along the Path of Literature to explore nearby spots like Senkoji Temple and Cat Alley along the way.
Exploring Quiet Hillside PathsA walking guide through Onomichi's scenic paths, featuring Cat Alley and the Path of Literature.
- Path of Literature: A peaceful walking path lined with large natural stones engraved with famous quotes and poems by Japanese authors and poets who loved Onomichi and found inspiration here.
- Cat Alley: A narrow, 200-meter stone-walled lane that you encounter while walking down the hill from Senkoji Temple. It is a quiet spot where wild cats relax, and the path is filled with artistic 'lucky cat stones' (fukuestu-neko), cozy cat-themed cafes, and small gift shops.
Waterfront and Trendy AreasDiscover the classic Hondori Shopping Arcade and ONOMICHI U2, a beautifully renovated waterfront warehouse complex.
- Onomichi Hondori Shopping Arcade: A classic covered shopping street stretching from near JR Onomichi Station. It is the definition of retro charm, where old sento bathhouses converted into cafes and traditional tearooms (kissaten) sit alongside modern art galleries and dessert shops.
- ONOMICHI U2: A trendy waterfront complex built inside a beautifully renovated old shipping warehouse. It features a bicycle-friendly hotel, a local bakery, a stylish Italian restaurant, and curated design shops, making it highly popular with young travelers.
Must-Try Local Food TipsAn introduction to Onomichi ramen, the most famous local dish to try during your visit.
- Onomichi Ramen: A local ramen variety featuring a clear, savory soy sauce (shoyu) broth brewed from chicken bones and local sardines (iriko) from the Seto Inland Sea. It is uniquely topped with rich chunks of pork back fat (seabura). Served with flat, chewy noodles that soak up the soup well, it looks rich but offers a surprisingly clean and deep flavor.