[2025 Onomichi Attraction] Travel Guide for Senkoji Temple (Updated Jun)

Hiroshima, a town of slopes, sea, and cats 🐱 Unfortunately, since I visited in the middle of summer, I didn't see any cats during the day, but I heard there are many during cooler seasons 💕 My favorite town with a view of the sea. I spent about 4 hours taking the Senkoji Mountain Ropeway to the top, visiting Senkoji Temple, and walking down while taking photos 😊 (with a cafe break in between ☕️) On a sunny summer day, the view of the sea in the distance while descending the slopes and stairs was really wonderful ☺️ The view from the ropeway is in the 4th photo. The 5th photo is towards the Onomichi City Museum of Art 📸 The Seto Inland Sea could be seen far into the distance, and it was a spectacular view 🥹 If you want to see the cats, it might be better to visit during the cooler seasons 😊

In addition to the Atomic Bomb Memorial Park in Hiroshima city, you can take the JR train eastward for about two hours to reach the charming town of Onomichi, which preserves traditional architecture and shopping streets. This town features old Japanese-style houses and walking paths built along the hills, numerous historic temples, and retro shopping streets filled with delicious food and fun activities. Near the walking paths, you'll often encounter many cats, and there's even a small shrine where you can draw cat-themed fortunes. Around Senkoji Temple, you'll find various unique rock formations, including massive boulders and the "Couple Rocks," which are known for their climbing ropes and are a popular spot for prayers. For those who prefer a more relaxed itinerary, taking the cable car or visiting the Onomichi Art Museum is highly recommended. (P.S. The museum's air conditioning is currently under repair and will not be open in July and August.)

Upon arriving in Onomichi, the first thing that catches your eye is the extraordinary scenery unique to this town of hills and sea. As you climb the narrow alleys, you'll encounter old houses and cats popping out unexpectedly, making you feel as if you've stepped into a movie scene. On the way to Senkoji Temple, every view is picturesque, and leisurely walking while taking photos is truly enjoyable. From Senkoji Temple, you can overlook the Onomichi Channel, with its serene sea dotted with islands, leaving a lasting impression. The shopping street is lined with unique cafes and shops, perfect for a quick break. Additionally, Onomichi is famous for its ramen, with renowned restaurants scattered throughout the town.

A place surrounded by sea and mountains, perfect for a "walking journey" 🐈🐾 Onomichi is a small port town located along the Seto Inland Sea in Hiroshima Prefecture. Step into this town and you'll be greeted by the scent of the sea, traditional houses, cats, and sloping paths—an adventure that will awaken all your senses. Time flows gently here, making it a treasure trove for picturesque strolls where every corner feels like a scene from a painting. ⸻ 🌿Top 3 Must-Visit Spots in Onomichi 1. 🐾 Cat Alley At the end of narrow slopes, you'll find an area where cat statues and real cats live leisurely. The "Fukuseki Neko" (lucky stone cats) are round stone figures, each with a unique expression—adorable and heartwarming for cat lovers. 2. 🛤️ Senkoji Temple & Senkoji Park Accessible via ropeway, this temple sits atop a hill offering panoramic views of Onomichi's sea and townscape. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom beautifully, and in autumn, the foliage is stunning 🍁. The "Path of Literature" nearby is also worth exploring for its poetic charm. 3. 🚴♂️ Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route A popular "sea road" connecting Onomichi to Imabari. With beginner-friendly courses, you can enjoy cycling while stopping by islands for local delicacies and breathtaking views ✨. ⸻ 📍How to Get to Onomichi 🚄 By Shinkansen: JR Shin-Onomichi Station (about 40 minutes from Hiroshima Station) 🚃 For sightseeing near the station: JR Onomichi Station (central to shopping streets and port areas) 🚌 By limousine bus: Accessible from Hiroshima Airport ⸻ 📸 Instagram-Worthy Spots ・View of Onomichi Waterway from Senkoji Hill ・Scenes of "cats and stone steps" in Cat Alley ・Sunset at Onomichi Station Pier & Ferry ・Retro café windows and cups ⸻ Travel Onomichi is a town that feels less like a typical tourist destination and more like a place with room for spontaneous exploration. Perfect for those who love "walking and feeling" their journey. Come and unwind with its soothing landscapes and delightful encounters.

The Senkojiyama Observatory in Onomichi City is popular with many tourists as a scenic spot where you can see the cityscape of Onomichi and the Seto Inland Sea. From the summit, which is about 143 meters above sea level, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the islands and the ships passing through the Onomichi Channel. It is common to take the ropeway to the observation deck. If you take the ropeway from the base station, you will arrive at the summit in about 5 minutes. On the way, you can enjoy the cityscape of Onomichi and the sea view, and the ropeway itself can be enjoyed as part of the sightseeing. At the top of the mountain, there is also a historic temple called Senkoji, and you can feel the history while strolling through the grounds. Especially during the season of cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery where nature and history are in harmony. When you visit Onomichi, why not visit the Senkojiyama Observatory and enjoy the spectacular view and history. #Onomichi #Senkojiyama #Observatory #OnomichiTourism #HiroshimaTourism #EnjoyJapan

Onomichi is a compact and tourist-friendly town with shopping streets, temples, shrines, and restaurants all within walking distance from Onomichi Station. To visit the famous Senkoji Temple, you can take the ropeway, but the journey to Senkoji is filled with Onomichi's unique slopes and narrow paths. Walking is highly recommended as you can discover many charming shops and encounter adorable cats along the way 🐈🐈⬛🩵. Driving along the Shimanami Kaido with a rental car is also a great option 🚗. When I visited, it was unfortunately raining, so I only went as far as Omishima before returning to Onomichi. Next time, I hope to go all the way to Imabari City to buy towels! By the way, the ice cream and gelato at "Shimanami Dolce" on Ikuchijima Island were absolutely amazing! They're so good that driving the Shimanami Kaido just to taste them is totally worth it! Definitely give them a try 🍨💛.

Introducing the sacred temple "Daihozan Gongen-in Senkoji" that stands on a high hill in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. The main hall is an unusual building with a stage structure. It is also known as the "Red Hall". You can see a spectacular view of Onomichi city from the main hall. There are many slopes and stairs, so it is recommended to wear comfortable clothes and shoes! ⛩️Spot name: Daihozan Gongen-in Senkoji 📍Location: 15-1 Higashidodo-cho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture 🕰️Visiting hours: 9:00-17:00 💰Visiting fee: Free 🚉Access: ・Take the city bus from JR Onomichi Station and get off at "Nagaeguchi". ・Get off at "Sancho Station" on the Senkoji Ropeway and walk about 5 minutes to Senkoji. #Domestic travel #Hiroshima #Spring 0 yen trip

It is said that Senkoji Temple was founded by Kobo Daishi in 806 AD, and was revived by the famous general Minamoto no Mitsunaka in the Heian period in the 10th century. In fact, Minamoto no Mitsunaka was later deified and given the name Tada Daigongen. Back to Senkoji Temple, in 1894, the abbot, Tada Jien, tried every possible means to attract worshippers. He planned the 1,347 tsubo of land owned by the temple next to Senkoji Temple into Kyoen Park; Senkoji Temple later donated Kyoen Park to the Onomichi City Government, and now Senkoji Park has become the most famous attraction in Onomichi. Senkoji Temple belongs to the Shingon sect and is the tenth temple of the "Thirty-three Kannon Shrines of China". The main deity is Guanyin Bodhisattva, while the Master Hall is dedicated to Master Hongfa. In the temple, there is the Smiling Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, the different guardian Bodhisattvas of the twelve zodiac signs, and the Bishamon Hall which is dedicated to blessing wealth. Bishamonten is enshrined in the hall and it is said that it was built by the Buddhist master Anzaku Shiri, who built the statue of Prince Shotoku. This time we followed the ancient path and climbed up more than 500 stone steps. I was breathless and counted as I climbed until I finally arrived at Senkoji Temple. But there are beautiful scenery along the mountainside. Now that the Senkoji cable car has opened, there is an endless stream of tourists going up the mountain. Due to the route design, there are unexpected and unique sights such as the cable car pressing over the Buddhist temple, or the cable car and the bell tower being in the same frame. Senkoji Park is also a great place to view cherry blossoms. Don't miss it if you're visiting Hiroshima in early April. 📍Address: 〒722-0033 Hiroshima Prefecture Onomichi City Higashidodo-cho 15-1 🚗Get off the bus at the Yangtze River Estuary and walk up the mountain for 15 minutes. #MarchGoodPlaces2025

"Senkoji Street" leading to Senkoji Temple is a hilly walking spot filled with the charm of Onomichi🏞️✨ It is an area lined with retro buildings and stylish cafes, and just walking is exciting🚶♀️ Especially recommended is the evening time🌇 From the observation point along the road, you can see the beautiful Seto Inland Sea and the townscape of Onomichi, and the view of the sunset is truly spectacular✨ You can enjoy a leisurely time unique to Onomichi while walking slowly💛 Along the street, you can find the famous "Onomichi Ramen"🍜, cute miscellaneous goods stores, and shops full of cat motifs🐱 You can also take a break at a cafe and enjoy the local atmosphere of Onomichi◎ Access🚃 Nearest station: About 15 minutes walk from JR Onomichi Station Recommended time⏳ The time from evening to night is especially recommended🌅 #0 yen trip February 2025 #Senkoji Street #Onomichi stroll #Sunset spot #Onomichi cafe #Retro streetscape

Onomichi, a city facing the Seto Inland Sea in Hiroshima Prefecture. The ropeway station is about a 10-minute walk from Onomichi Station. It is recommended to buy only the ticket for the ropeway. If you go up the ropeway, you will find the Senkoji Temple Summit Observatory "PEAK". From the 63m-long observation deck, you can enjoy a large panorama of the Onomichi Channel and the Japanese Heritage cityscape. ⸒⸒ It was renovated in March 2022 and was a very beautiful observation deck. On the way back, we walked down the popular tourist spot "Cat's Narrow Road" in Onomichi. There are souvenir shops, restaurants, and stylish cafes on the way, so it's fun to take a detour. ┈┈┈┈┈┈ ❁ ❁ ❁ ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ 〈Ropeway station〉 ☑︎Fee One way 500 yen (junior high school students and above), 250 yen (elementary school students and below) Round trip 700 yen (junior high school students and above), 350 yen (elementary school students and below) *One child under elementary school age is free if accompanied by a guardian ☑︎Operating hours Every 15 minutes every hour (0 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes) *If either the summit or the base of the mountain reaches capacity, the service will operate irregularly ☑︎Ropeway operating hours Basically 9:00-17:15 #Onomichi #Onomichi sightseeing #Onomichi trip #Cat's Narrow Road #Hiroshima sightseeing #Hiroshima trip #Domestic travel trip

📍Enjoy the old-fashioned scenery! Onomichi, Hiroshima 🌟Senkoji Temple is located on the middle of Mt. Daiho, which is 140m above sea level, and offers a panoramic view of the cityscape and harbor of Onomichi. On the way back, there is a narrow cat path, so it is recommended to walk there. I went there in the summer, and the sound of the wind chimes and the cool breeze were soothing. There are quaint shopping streets and cobblestone alleys in the surrounding area. There are also many cats, so it is fun to take photos without disturbing the neighbors. 🚩Route 15-1 Higashidodo-cho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture #Hiroshima #Hiroshima Tourism #Onomichi #Senkoji Temple #Senkoji Temple Ropeway

The Onomichi Seven Buddhas Tour is a heartwarming journey to visit seven Buddhas while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Onomichi City. This course is dotted with historic temples, and each Buddha statue is said to have its own blessing. You can enjoy the slopes and sea views of Onomichi while visiting popular tourist spots such as Senkoji Temple and Jodo Temple. In particular, each temple has its own unique charm, making it a valuable experience where you can feel the local culture and faith. There are also wonderful cafes and souvenir shops along the way to visit the Seven Buddhas, so it is recommended to take a break while walking around. You can spend a relaxing time while fully experiencing the charm of Onomichi. Please enjoy this special trip with your friends and family. #OnomichiTourism #0YenTravelAutumn

#0yentripautumn Senkoji Temple 📍15-1 Higashidodocho, Onomichi, Hiroshima 🕐9:00-17:00 Visited Senkoji Temple in Onomichi We took the ropeway to the top of the mountain and walked down on the way back🚶 You can see a beautiful view from the top observation deck✨ #Hiroshima #Hiroshimatrip #Onomichi #Onomichisightseeing

[Access] ○It's about a 15-minute walk from JR Onomichi Station to the Senkoji Ropeway station. ○There are also taxis in front of the station. ○You can take a bus for 150 yen to get close to the Senkoji Ropeway station. [Points] ~A must-see spot for sightseeing in Onomichi~ Senkoji is a must-visit spot when you come to Onomichi. You can take the ropeway from the bottom to the top, but it takes about 20 minutes to go up the stairs, so if you're in good shape, it might be a good idea to walk from the bottom. From Senkoji, you can see the Onomichi Strait and the cityscape of Onomichi. The view is especially great when the weather is good, so why not visit it once? *Information as of May 2024. #Travelingwithme