Onomichi: A Japan Heritage Port Town on the Seto Inland Sea

What Does It Mean to Be a Japan Heritage Site?

“Japan Heritage” refers to stories that convey Japan’s culture and traditions. These stories are told through the historical appeal and unique characteristics of each region, officially designated by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

Local communities play a crucial role in preserving and utilizing a wide range of captivating, tangible, and intangible cultural properties. These elements are indispensable to the narrative of Japan's heritage. By strategically promoting these assets, both within Japan and overseas, the initiative aims to revitalize the regions and foster cultural appreciation.

Onomichi Travel Guide: Temples, Cats, and Cozy Cafes

Have you ever heard of the Seto Inland Sea? The town of Onomichi is a hidden gem surrounded by three mountains and the beautiful islands across the strait. This coastal town is blessed by the Onomichi Channel, often called a “river of the sea.” It has prospered as one of the finest ports of the Seto Inland Sea for over 850 years.

Onomichi serves as a hub where people, goods, and wealth gather. Within the limited living space between the mountains and the Onomichi Channel, temples, shrines, gardens, and residences intertwine with narrow alleys and slopes. This creates a picturesque, garden-like cityscape that preserves the atmosphere from the medieval to the modern era. This unique story has been recognized as a Japan Heritage, and it continues to attract many visitors throughout the year.

After traveling about an hour and a half by local train from Hiroshima station, you will arrive at Onomichi station. As you exit, you are immediately greeted by the sea. Ferries slowly pull into the ports, and cyclists prepare for a scenic afternoon. You will notice a landscape filled with cats everywhere.

“What is this place?” you wonder as you wander the streets. Cozy cafes, hidden nooks, ramen and okonomiyaki restaurants, bookstores, and handmade craft stores fill the area, all run by locals. When you stop for ramen, be sure to try the Onomichi special. It features a soy sauce-based broth with a pork fat topping, plus a mini fried rice as part of the set. Don't feel guilty about the heavy food load; you will be doing a lot more walking from here!

Exploring the Mountains

Head up the nearby mountain by ropeway, or take the alternative route on foot for some extra movement. If you choose the pedestrian-only trek, pass through Neko Alley, a small forested area along the way. You may stumble upon several cats that live freely on the mountain, coming and going into shops or local residences as they please.

At the top is Senkouji, the town’s famous temple, one of the city center’s 25 temples. The view of the sea from the top of the mountain is stunning. It invokes a sense of calm and reflection after praying at the temple.

Take the ropeway or footpaths back down and admire the sea view from different angles as you descend. Don’t miss the chance to stop at a cafe on your way down for a quick coffee or the region’s lemonade. Most cafes can only fit a handful of people at a time, creating an intimate setting to sit and watch the local train pass by on the railway.

Cycling the Shimanami Kaido from Onomichi

If you come to Onomichi and love outdoor activities, bicycles are available for rental all over town. The popular Shimanami Kaido is a 70-kilometer-long cycling road connecting Onomichi to the islands of the Seto Inland Sea by bridge. It can be a straight-shot path to see in an afternoon, or it can serve as a vessel for deeper exploration of each island.

Cycling around Onomichi and the Shimanami Kaido bridge offers a sustainable, active, and accessible approach to your visit. It is highly recommended for those who want to experience the area in a unique way.

Eco-Friendly and Local Travel in Onomichi

Cycling is not the only way to take an eco-friendly approach to traveling in Onomichi. You can shop at one of the many handmade craft stores, dine at hole-in-the-wall eateries and cafes, donate offerings to the temples, and carry a small bag to hold your trash. These actions actively support local small businesses while keeping the town safe and clean for both cats and humans alike.

Onomichi on Screen: A Town Loved by Filmmakers

One lesser-known fact about Onomichi is that many films and television programs have been filmed in or inspired by this calming port town. Many travelers come to Onomichi to visit the Onomichi City Museum of Art at the top of the mountain or the Onomichi Cinema Museum closer to the waterfront. There is still an operating movie theater that has survived the closing of many other post-WWII-era theaters in town.

Whether you are a cinephile, cat lover, devoted temple-goer, or cyclist, one thing about your visit to Onomichi is for certain: this town knows how to magically slow down time.

To discover more about Japan Heritage, you can visit their website or download their digital guides and materials here.