Step into Onomichi – A Little Town with the Charm of Nostalgic Japan | Hiroshima, Japan Travel

Step into Onomichi – A Little Town with the Charm of Nostalgic Japan | Hiroshima, Japan Travel

Onomichi is a small port town surrounded by the sea and mountains. Known as the “Slope Town”, Onomichi features a unique landscape of narrow alleys and stone steps. It is also known as the “Temple Town”, with many historical temples scattered throughout the city. The view from the slopes, overlooking the town and distant islands, is truly breathtaking. Local cuisine, including the famous Onomichi Ramen, is another major attraction. In this video, we will introduce you to the many charms of Onomichi. Please stay with us until the end. Feel Japan offers travel ideas in Japan. Follow us and be inspired to discover the unknown wonders of Japan. If you like this video, give us a thumbs up. Your comments are also welcome. Our journey begins with the Senkoji Ropeway. It’s one of the must-visit spots in Onomichi. A short ride takes you to the top of the mountain. From the windows, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Onomichi. You’ll see the calm sea and densely packed houses. You will also get a view of Senkoji Temple, our next destination. After getting off the ropeway, you’ll find an observatory. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Onomichi Channel, surrounding small islands, and the entire town. A short walk down from the observatory brings you to Senkoji Temple. This historic temple boasts over 1,000 years of history. It stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea, giving the impression that it’s floating in the sky. The vivid red main hall, large bell, and the natural scenery are sure to captivate visitors. Within the temple grounds, there are many large stones you can climb as part of a training experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, give it a try. As you walk a bit further downhill from Senkoji, you will reach an area lined with many traditional houses. Miharashi-tei is a shop housed in a renovated over 100-year-old traditional home. In this area,
you’ll find many places where you can relax or enjoy a meal while taking in beautiful views. As you continue down the slope, a striking three-story pagoda will come into view. This is one of the iconic scenes of Onomichi. And cats are also a symbol of Onomichi. Many of them live in this area, appearing as if out of nowhere. Entering an alley next to the pagoda brings you to “Cat Alley”. You’ll find cat sculptures placed on stones, fences, and even rooftops. If you’re lucky, you might encounter real cats as well. Among the many alleys in Onomichi, Cat Alley has a particularly unique and charming atmosphere. At the end of Cat Alley,
next to the ropeway station, stands a shrine that has watched over the town for centuries. Ushitora-jinja Shrine is said to have been founded in 806, making it the oldest shrine in Onomichi. Inside the grounds, you’ll find a giant camphor tree over 900 years old, symbolizing the shrine’s long history. One of Onomichi’s main attractions is its network of charming alleys. There are so many narrow and winding paths that the town is sometimes called a “Maze Town”. Stone steps, narrow slopes, and old houses create picturesque scenes at every turn. Many shops operate out of renovated old homes, offering new discoveries as you explore. Among these alleys, you’ll find the tiny bakery called Nekonote Bread Factory. The shop is so small that only one customer can enter at a time. Their handmade bread is beloved by both locals and tourists. The alleys offer more than just scenery. Onomichi is home to over 30 historic temples. Exploring these temples is one of the town’s special experiences. Climbing quiet stone steps and passing through charming temple gates will give you moments of peace and reflection. Next, let’s take a look at Onomichi from across the channel on Mukaishima Island. The distance between Onomichi and Mukaishima is just about 200 meters. It only takes a few minutes by ferry. The ferry serves as an important mode of transportation for locals and runs throughout the day. Mukaishima also has well-maintained cycling paths, making it popular among tourists. Onomichi’s main street is the Hondori Shopping Street. Stretching 1.6 kilometers, it’s lined with about 210 shops. It blends the old with the new, combining traditional stores with trendy new establishments. The lively street is bustling with locals and tourists alike. When you think of Onomichi, Onomichi Ramen is a must-try. It features a light soy sauce-based broth topped with pork back fat. Each shop has its own unique style, offering a variety of flavors to enjoy. Onomichi-yaki is a local variation of Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. It is unique for its use of crunchy squid tempura and chewy gizzard. The contrast of textures makes it especially delicious. Most shops are small,
family-run businesses where you can watch your meal being prepared right in front of you. The area around Onomichi is famous for its citrus fruits. Among them, Hassaku oranges are known for their balanced sweetness and slight bitterness. Hassaku Daifuku, a Japanese sweet made with Hassaku, offers a perfect blend of sweet and sour flavors. The combination of the chewy mochi and juicy fruit is simply irresistible. Onomichi is a charming town where you can enjoy beautiful landscapes, historic temples and shrines, nostalgic streetscapes, and delicious food. Take a leisurely stroll and discover your own favorite spots along the way. Thank you for watching the video until the end. Please subscribe to this channel, give us a thumbs up, and leave a comment. Various links are listed in the overview. We welcome your recommendations and requests in the comments and on the social media.

Onomichi, located in Hiroshima Prefecture, is a charming port town surrounded by mountains and the sea.
With its sloping paths, old temples, and alleyways where cats roam freely, it captivates every traveler.

ONOMICHI
https://maps.app.goo.gl/6njzk5VbrS1onokGA

The Charm of HIDA TAKAYAMA – Japan’s Iconic Historic Townscape

A Village Bathed in Red – FUKIYA FURUSATO VILLAGE

Feel Japan offers travel ideas in Japan.
Follow us and be inspired to discover the unknown wonders of Japan!
https://www.youtube.com/@FeelJapan

X
Tweets by FeelJapan_yt
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/feeljapan_youtube/

00:00 Opening
00:26 Overview
02:56 Senko-ji Mountain Ropeway
04:29 Senko-ji Summit Observation Deck
07:06 Senko-ji Temple
09:11 Miharashi-tei
10:14 Ten’nei-ji Temple
12:25 Cat Alley
13:58 Ushitora-jinja Shrine
15:14 Onomichi Alley
17:06 Nekono Te Pan Factory
17:46 Onomichi Old Temple Tour
19:16 Mukojima
21:18 Onomichi Main Street Shopping District
22:10 Onomichi Ramen
22:57 Onomichi Yaki
24:18 Hassaku Daifuku
25:12Closing