Things To Do
in Onomichi
Onomichi is a compact, coastal city in Hiroshima Prefecture known for its steep temple-strewn hills, narrow alleyways, and nostalgic portfront streets. It is a gateway to the Shimanami Kaido cycling route and a hub for island-hopping in the Seto Inland Sea. The city blends literary and film history with a thriving cafe culture, small artisan shops, and fresh seafood served at waterfront restaurants.
Its mellow pace, scenic viewpoints, and easy access to islands make it an ideal base for active travelers and photographers.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the Onomichi City Museum of Art, where you can immerse yourself in local contemporary art and stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea. Stroll through the charming streets of the historic center, taking in the traditional wooden houses and small temples that line the way. Stop by a local bakery to enjoy fresh, flaky pastry and a cup of matcha to fuel your explorations.
After lunch at a quaint noodle shop, take a leisurely walk to the famous Senko-ji Temple, where you can hike up the hill for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Explore the surrounding park, dotted with cherry blossom trees, and perhaps take a moment to meditate in the tranquil atmosphere. Spend some time browsing the unique shops selling local crafts and souvenirs.
As dusk falls, find a cozy restaurant with a view of the harbor for a delightful dinner featuring fresh seafood. Enjoy the ambiance as the lights of the city begin to twinkle against the darkening sky. Conclude your evening with a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade, soaking in the serene beauty of the illuminated Seto Inland Sea.
Rent a bicycle and set off early to conquer the famous Shimanami Kaido, a scenic cycling route that connects Onomichi to Imabari. The fresh morning air and the sound of waves will invigorate you as you pedal across the beautiful bridges linking the islands. Take a moment to stop and admire the stunning landscapes, including lush green hills and sparkling blue waters.
Continue your cycling journey, stopping at the charming island of Innoshima for a local lunch of seafood and rice. Explore the island's quaint villages and visit the historic Innoshima Suigun Castle, which offers fascinating insights into the area's pirate history. After a rewarding ride, you can take a ferry back to Onomichi, enjoying the view from the water.
After returning to Onomichi, treat yourself to a well-deserved dinner at a local izakaya, where you can sample various small dishes and sake. The lively atmosphere and friendly locals will enhance your experience, making you feel part of the community. End your day with a stroll through the illuminated streets, enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the town at night.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🍱Mid-range restaurant meal (two courses) | $25-40 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at café | $3-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $80-150 |
| 🚲Bicycle rental (daily) | $15-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning coastal and island scenery with easy access to the Shimanami Kaido
- Compact, walkable historic center with charming temples, cafes and artisan shops
- Excellent fresh seafood and distinctive local ramen
- Low crowds outside peak holiday weekends and a relaxed, safe atmosphere
- Hilly terrain and many stairs can be challenging for those with mobility issues
- Limited late-night entertainment and nightlife options
- Smaller towns often favor cash; fewer English services than in larger cities
- Weather can be disrupted by the rainy season and typhoons in summer/early autumn
- "こんにちは (Konnichiwa)" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu)" - Thank you (polite)
- "すみません (Sumimasen)" - Excuse me / Sorry / Thank you (when getting attention)
- "英語を話せますか？ (Eigo o hanasemasu ka?)" - Do you speak English?
- "トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?)" - Where is the bathroom?
- "おいしいです (Oishii desu)" - It's delicious
Places to Visit in Onomichi
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers sweeping panoramic views of Onomichi, the port and the Seto Inland Sea—spectacular at sunrise and sunset.
Mossy temple buildings, traditional lanterns and narrow staircases create atmospheric, classic shots of old Japan.
Charming narrow lanes, small shrines and resident cats make for intimate street photography.
Activity at the port—ferries, fishing boats and evening lights reflecting on the water—great for golden-hour and long-exposure shots.
Bridge spans and island clusters seen from Onomichi or nearby island vantage points create dramatic landscape photos, especially with clear skies.
Food in Onomichi
Onomichi Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A soy-sauce-based ramen with a clear but savory broth enriched by small amounts of fish stock, usually served with flat noodles and sliced pork; best tried at long-standing local ramen shops in the city center.
Must-Try!
Seasonal sashimi, grilled mackerel and local oysters are common; eat at portside restaurants or small fish-market eateries for the freshest options.
Rice bowls topped with local sashimi and seafood—an easy way to sample multiple catches of the day at casual restaurants near the harbor.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small stalls and waterfront restaurants near the port sell fresh seafood, grilled catches and set lunches—look for daily specials and short queues at popular stalls.
Narrow shopping arcades and alley stalls offer snacks, sweets, and seasonal street foods—try local breads, pastries and small savory bites in the café districts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Keep voices low in public transport and residential areas; avoid loud phone calls on trains and be respectful of private spaces.
Remove shoes where indicated in traditional inns and some temples; follow local signs and staff instructions.
Line up politely for services and use both hands when giving or receiving items such as money or business cards.
Be mindful when photographing people—ask permission if a close portrait is intended, and avoid intrusive shots at shrines or private homes.
Safety
Tipping in Onomichi
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can cause confusion; excellent service is included in the price—simply say 'arigatou gozaimasu' to show appreciation.
Cash (Japanese yen) is widely used—many small shops and rural establishments are cash-only. IC transit cards (ICOCA, Suica) are useful for trains and some stores; credit cards are accepted at larger hotels, some restaurants and shops. ATMs at 7-Eleven and post offices accept foreign cards for withdrawals.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cherry blossoms in late March–April brighten temple sites and island parks; pleasant temperatures make it ideal for walking and cycling but expect domestic tourism on good-weather weekends.
Hot and humid, with beach and island activities popular; June brings the rainy season and late summer can see typhoons—plan flexible travel and check forecasts for ferries and cycling.
Mild temperatures and colorful foliage on the hills provide excellent hiking and photography conditions; clear skies and cooler evenings make it a favorite time to visit.
Winters are generally mild compared with inland Japan but can be chilly and rainy; attractions are less crowded and seafood remains fresh—pack layers for cool evenings.
Onomichi at Night
Hiking in Onomichi
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, accessible trails around Senkoji Park and Temple offering easy walks, viewpoints and cultural stops right above the city.
Multiple islands along the Shimanami Kaido have short to moderate coastal and hill trails with scenic viewpoints, citrus groves and peaceful village paths—ideal for half-day hikes.
On nearby Ikuchijima island, Kirosan and related park trails provide panoramic views and seasonal cherry blossoms—reachable by bike or ferry from Onomichi.
Airports
How to reach Onomichi by plane.
Main regional airport serving Hiroshima Prefecture, about 50–70 minutes from Onomichi by shuttle bus and train connections; good domestic and some international links.
Another regional airport within roughly 1.5–2 hours by train and bus; useful for some domestic flights and an alternate route to the area.
Major international airport serving the Kansai region (Osaka), about 3–4 hours by train/shinkansen and local connections; practical for international visitors who plan to travel onward by rail.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Like many regional Japanese towns, Onomichi has an older demographic with deep local traditions and community life.
Weekends bring many Japanese cyclists and domestic tourists, especially those riding sections of the Shimanami Kaido.
A small creative community of artists, cafe owners and boutique operators contributes to the city’s cultural feel.
Growing numbers of international cyclists and travelers visit for the scenery, but English is not as widespread as in major tourist hubs.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cycling is hugely popular due to the Shimanami Kaido; visitors and locals ride for sport, touring and commuting.
Baseball is a major spectator sport across Japan—local interest is strong and regional teams draw fans; Hiroshima's pro team (Sanfrecce is soccer; Carp is baseball in Hiroshima city) influences local sports culture.
Recreational and commercial fishing are important locally —many residents fish for leisure and island communities host boating activities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Onomichi.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Options are more limited than in big cities but possible — many cafés offer vegetable dishes or salads. Explain 'Watashi wa bejitarian desu' and ask if dashi (fish stock) is used, since many soups and sauces contain fish-based dashi.
Vegan choices require advance planning: request vegetable-only dishes and be explicit about avoiding fish-based broths. Convenience stores, some cafés and vegetarian-friendly spots in larger nearby cities provide more choices.
Soy sauce and many Japanese sauces contain wheat; gluten-free options are limited. Carry snacks and a translation card explaining the need to avoid wheat-containing soy sauce and bread when dining out.