Onomichi 6 Hours Private Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle

Perched on the slopes of Mt. Senkoji, this scenic park and its hilltop temple offer Onomichi's most iconic views over the town, the Seto Inland Sea and its island-spanning bridges. Stroll among cherry trees, giant rocks and the vermilion temple hall for an unforgettable panorama.

Hirayama Ikuo was one of Japan's most famous painters, working in the traditional Japanese Nihonga style. The Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art (平山郁夫美術館, Hirayama Ikuo Bijutsukan) is located on Ikuchijima Island, where the artist was born in 1930. Hirayama passed away in 2009. Many of the themes in Hirayama's work have persisted throughout his entire career. One is the concept of peace. Hirayama was a student in Hiroshima in 1945, and as such witnessed the destruction of the bomb and suffered from the effects of radiation. Another of his recurring themes was the cultural exchanges within the Orient, particularly the transmission of Buddhism to Japan. The Hirayama Museum is quite modern and well kept. There are three spacious exhibition halls, a tea lounge, and a museum shop. A variety of Hirayama's work from throughout his career are kept as part of the museum's permanent collection, and there are also special exhibitions.

Tatara Bridge, with the center span of 890 m long, is the second longest span cable stayed bridge in the world. Suspension bridge was planned at the first stage; however, the bridge type was reviewed considering the preservation of surrounding nature and economical condition of the work, against the background of the technical progress of cable stayed bridges. The height of the tower is 226 m above the seawater level, and this is the highest point in the route. Tatara Bridge formed a sister bridge alliance with Normandy Bridge in France which is the third longest cable stayed bridge in the world.

A whimsical narrow lane winding up the hillside, the Cat Alley is decorated with painted 'lucky cat' stones and quirky art, and is often visited by the neighborhood's real cats. It's one of Onomichi's most charming and photogenic spots for a leisurely stroll.

Onomichi has a long association with Japanese cinema, having been the setting for many classic films. This small museum celebrates that heritage with vintage projectors, posters and movie memorabilia, offering insight into the town's nostalgic, film-set atmosphere.

Kosanji Temple (耕三寺, Kōsanji) is located on Ikuchijima Island and belongs to the True Pure Land Sect of Japanese Buddhism. The temple was founded in 1936 by a successful businessman who was inspired by his devotion to his mother. The construction of the temple took more than 30 years. If visitors to the temple are surprised by a strong feeling of deja vu, it is because many of the buildings are modeled after some of Japan's most famous temple buildings. The replicas of famous buildings at Kosanji are quite impressive, including copies of Nikko Toshogu's Yomeimon Gate and Byodoin's Phoenix Hall. The complex of buildings at the temple are on the whole colorful and varied, while still retaining a coherent style. Another highlight of the temple is a long cave in which a series of images are displayed that illustrate the tortures of Buddhist hell.

Hiroshima has a bustling downtown area, the main feature of which is Hondori Street. Hondori is a pedestrian arcade that is closed to traffic and lined with shops and restaurants. It starts near the Peace Park and stretches east about half a kilometer. Running parallel to Hondori is Aioidori (Aioi Street), the main street used by cars and trams.

One of Onomichi's grandest temples, Saikokuji is famous for the enormous straw sandals hanging at its Niomon gate, said to grant strong legs and safe travels. Climb the stone steps past the main hall and pagoda for a peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds.

This hillside temple is best known for its picturesque three-storied pagoda, one of Onomichi's most photographed landmarks. From here you can enjoy lovely views over the town's rooftops down to the Seto Inland Sea, with the pagoda framing the scene.

Set within Senkoji Park and designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, this art museum hosts changing exhibitions in a striking concrete building. It is also famous for the friendly cats that try to enter the museum, a quirky local attraction in itself.

With a total length of 1270 meters, Innoshima Bridge connects Mukaishima Island with Innoshima Island, and is one of the bridges that forms Shimanami Kaido. At its foot on the Innoshima Island side, you’ll find Innoshima Bridge Memorial Park.

Just across the narrow channel from Onomichi, the island of Mukaishima is reached by a charming short ferry ride. It offers lovely views back toward the town and its temple-dotted hillside, plus a relaxed island atmosphere and the starting point of the famous Shimanami Kaido cycling route.