千光寺 (Senko-ji Temple) is a beautiful temple in Onomichi, Japan, known for its stunning views of the city and the Seto Inland Sea. It's famous for its red Akado hall and the unique rock formations around the temple grounds. Many people find it a peaceful and spiritual place to visit.

This is a must-visit spot when you go to Onomichi. The observatory has a cool design, and the view is absolutely stunning!

My heart will forever live on here. It's one of the best places to see cherry blossoms during the season. It's hilly, hot, and exposed so make sure to bring water and good walking shoes for your quad workout. And bring cash for the ice cream at the top here. There's also a museum. It's truly so beautiful at this park.

The design of the observation deck was quite a sight. The view is picturesque during sunset. A couple of ice cream store nearby; one near the observation deck and the other near the museum. The park is spacious and you could spend many hours here. The ropeway takes up 3-4 mins at most. Walking takes 25-40mins depending on the pace and entry points.

Great views of onimichi below. Plenty of picturesque streets and the museum of art was designed by Ando with a huge art library.

Enjoy a gorgeous panorama of the townscape and Onomichi Channel from high atop the city; chosen as one of the 100 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots and as a Lover's Sanctuary. Inside the park, you'll find the Path of Literature that contains poems by Onomichi writers and poets engraved into stones, as well as museums, shops, and more.

A wonderful little park that is on the top of the hill with a gorgeous view, and when you walk down the hill, you get to see a number of wonderful temples, museums, and really cute cafés. There’s a walk that is famous for its cats, and also a walk that is famous for its poetry. This place in general has a lot to offer, and I would highly recommend that you only get the rope way up, and then walk down.

As a cat lover, I found surprise and delight around every corner of this hidden gem. There are cats painted and carved into every possible surface - rocks, fences, signs, walls. The small shrine is lovely and we even met a few cats while we were there. The surface can be uneven and a little steep in places so highly recommend wearing sturdy shoes.

It’s quite easy to miss the alley, but it’s nearby to the Owl cafe. You will see alot of statues of cats, and if you are lucky you will find a lot of cute cats running around too!

Interesting path with cats decorations along the way. However, you may not come across any cats there. I just saw one lying on the upper part of the slope. It takes around 15 mins in finishing the route.

Beautiful alley with a hidden cafe, cat cafe in amongst it. Cats everywhere, and well worth the hike to the top of the hill to look over Onomichi absolutely spectacular day or night.

Cute area, but overrun with tourists. We went midday and only saw one cat sleeping in the shade. In shaded regions, there were lots of mosquitoes and bugs. Nonetheless, the shrines were cute, and the cat/art café near the top was friendly and had lots of cute art.

There is a lot of potential. The art that remained was very cute, even if it appeared older. Perhaps it was different before but now it is quite run down. Don’t be like me and go at dusk. It is full of bugs, humidity, and has an off putting atmosphere. Lots of ruined buildings. I did see a couple of cats despite the summer heat. I’d only venture to visit if it is on the way for you. I hope they can clean things up a bit so it feels less sad.

Such a beautiful walkway. Lots of art pieces have featured this place. So many cats you can see. It's quite a hike but there are resting places in the middle.

This is the upper side of the cable car with access to the temple. Very nice view from the observatory.

If there is space available, RVs can also be parked in the bus parking lot near the cable car station. The staff at the ropeway reception were incredibly kind and gave us very helpful advice. It’s really fun to take the ropeway one way up from the foot of the mountain and then walk back down through the slopes

The short cable car (Ropeway) ride to the top felt safe and well managed. The view is quite spectacular and well worth taking the time to experience. It was not crowded and a very short queue to get tickets (return is cheaper than 2 x 1 way)

If you are able, I would walk up the various paths up to the rope way, if not the RT fare was under ¥1000 per person. Highly advise taking the side streets up as there are cats, drawings of cats and cat photos everywhere

We chose to ride the rope way up and walk back. We left around 10am and we’re back in an hour. The ropeway car took around 30 people. It’s a scenic view if you can get a window seat. The walk down passed the temple with lots of lookout spots.

I traveled Onomichi a few times. Lots of vintage houses are built on a steep hills which make this city view very special. It's located in eastern Hiroshima prefcture and there is a port. Somehow, lots of street cats are popular too. If you are not confident to climb up steep hills, there is a Senkoji temple mountain ropeway which take you from the bottom to the top. It's worth to visit. :))

Beautiful views from the viewing area at the top, magical walk down, highly recommend!

Sorry a display of photos from Disney archives is not art. I expected a bit more from a museum of art. Wouldn't have gone up that hill you're on if I had knew this was the art on display. Only 1 star is for the view which is lovely but 0 for the art. Also you can't take photos of it? Your whole display is a photocopy of an archive. Shame I wasted 800 yen for this nonsens.

Nice view over the city. Specially in the morning, when there is mist over the hills. The art museum has a great collection of jewellery. Also note the laces under the jewels.

The sea I can see,I did see. I felt nostalgic as getting this scenery after 20 years. At that time this art museum had not been built. Not so many famous artist creations are exhibited. But this museum give us great experiences artists had been trying to express. Impressive,Fauvism,Cubisme,Japanease painting,Sculpture, Whichever selected the soul is bried. Surprisingly no permanent exhibition. I can sea some answers how local museum will exist.

I find this museum to save me from the horrible summer heat

The cherry blossoms are blooming. They're just gorgeous!

I decided to visit and took the train from Hiroshima hoping to spend a nice day in Onomichi. This is the 3rd time I have tried to visit the museum. Once again it was closed. The English website is confusing about opening times, perhaps a visual calendar with colour coding showing the days that they are closed would be helpful. Onomichi is as always a charming and friendly town, but no more tries for the Art Museum, too disappointing

Cool modern and traditional architecture that reside adjacent to each other. Unfortunately, the interstice between them cannot be accessed.

Onomichi is one of those quiet towns that let you experience a different side of Japan—peaceful, clean, and with fewer tourists. The town sits near the shore, so there’s a cool breeze almost all day, and it can get quite chilly depending on the season. But that makes it even more relaxing. One of the highlights of my visit was going up to the view deck. From there, you get an amazing view of Onomichi and the sea—it’s beautiful to just stand there and take it all in. If you’re looking for a slower-paced stop with lovely scenery, Onomichi is a good place to include in your itinerary.

Is a cozy station considering its small size as a city. The lockers were helpful

Nice little station. Since this information doesn't seem to be available online, the ticket office is open 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. There are self-service ticket machines available outside those hours, but if you need a human don't go before 8:00

Between mountains and sea, Onomichi whispers of poets and cyclists. Temples, cats, and salt wind mingle in its narrow lanes. The Shinkansen passes quickly — but its memory stays. Tourist Tip: Get off at nearby Shin-Onomichi Station for cycling the Shimanami Kaidō. Rent bikes at the port. Visit temple walks and seaside cafés.

Onomichi is a very unique city. After you get of the train and go through the gate, it's like you travel back in time. Especially the walking street, most of the shops are still keeping that Shōwa (昭和) aesthetics. Also highly recommend walking to Senkoji Park / Senkoji Temple. The Temple Walk route have signs guide you all the way up and the view along the way is beautiful.

Station staff have mastered the art of hospitality for travelers. Take a look at this photo! What a great idea! It was a heartwarming gesture that touched the hearts of visitors. My name is your child.

Not much to the station but there are a few convenient shops outside, including a place with local drinks and snacks, a 7-11, Mister Donut, and a few places to eat.

27/12/24 - 4.5 stars We were recommended this place by a local and it definitely was worth the visit. Very conveniently located, this small ramen shop does "Onomichi style" ramen and fried rice (which was also recommended). The usual side dishes and toppings are on offer all very good value. Staff are very friendly and efficient whilst the atmosphere is quite cosy. Onomichi ramen Broth: S, 8/10. Shoyu based and quite thin. Had a mushroom flavour which was nice but not exactly what I liked. Still tasty Noodles: SS+, 9.5/10. Exactly what I hoped for in Japan. Perfectly al dente noodles Chashu: S, 8/10. Good but fairly uniform in texture and not that complex in taste Value: SS, 9/10. $14.5 large set Fried rice Flavour: S, 8/10. Pretty nice with some wok hei but a bit salty Texture: S+, 8.5/10. Rice not too soft or hard Value: SS, 9/10 Karaage Flavour: SS, 9/10. Nothing fancy, just umami goodness Texture: SS, 9/10. Perfectly fried and super crispy with juicy meat Gyoza: S, 8/10. Liked the crispy base but otherwise filling and skin is a bit ordinary

Value for money, especialy the sets. The ramen is good, but the fried chicken tasted not the freshest. The gyoza is good.

Service is very good. You buy the ticket from the vending machine and pass it to the staff. I like the fried rice very much. Ramen is good texture but soup is too much fats for my taste.

Really good onomichi ramen and very efficient service staff. Went quite late and was utterly disappointed because the fried rice was sold out just when I was about to order it.. It looked really good too when they served it to other customers. I had the normal and my wife had the spicy ramen. Coming from Singapore, we both love spicy food so her pick was both our favourite. Highly recommended!

Located directly at the train station. There is always a seat at the gigantic counter. Good ramen, a bit oily.

I went in to try the Onomichi Ramen but personally didnt like it only beacuse there was an excessive amount of little pork fats with the soup. Other than that the service is good and the location is accessible. Just a few walks from Onomichi Station.

Good Onomichi Shio ramen. Excellent service. The place also offers takeaway. It is quite close to the station. The ramen has lots of pork fat floating on the surface.

27/12/24 - 4.5 stars Very lowkey and humble bakery in central Onomichi. Everything is clearly made by hand and in house with a focus on quality. Each pastry is made carefully yet is reasonably priced. Staff are lovely and helpful even for tourists. Almond croissant Flavour: S, 8/10. Lacking a bit of consistency as some areas are a bit plain but otherwise good Texture: S+, 8.5/10. Pretty good in terms of crunchiness snd flakiness Value: A, 7/10. ~¥450 Wild boar sausage pizza: S, 8/10. Pretty tasty toppings with crispy base. Probably would be better if warm 4 cheese bagel: A, 7/10. Something a bit sweet in the middle? Otherwise bagel was decently soft and chewy Matcha and red bean bagel: S, 8/10. Really liked the red bean but the matcha was a little lost. Again probably would be better warm Pizza bagel: S, 8/10.

Best Bagels Outside NYC. While walking from the station I noticed this bakery. After two weeks in Japan I was craving bread. As a New Yorker living in Europe, I'm skeptical of bagels. But these were amazing. The perfect level of chew and bite. The salted butter bagel and the sesame onion bagel were fantastic. The focaccia was alright. I'd skip the egg salad pastry.

still dreaming of this bakery! amazing bagels, crispy croissants and complexe tastes. very lovely staff, the shop is overlooking the bakers. a must visit!

Kindly welcomed by all staff upon entering. Food all looked very yummy and fresh. Cash only, uses automatic machine for checkout. Food was yummy and the perfect start to the day. The banana pistachio croissant is SO GOOD OMG!

Stumbled on this bakery on a rainy afternoon in Onomichi and the three items purchased were heavenly!!! Fried curry balls with delicious homemade curry and veggies inside, a spectacular red bean paste and butter roll was a revelation and the chocolate stuffed chocolate bagel was insanely delicious, chewy like an perfect brownie and rich a chocolatety perfection! If you are in Onomichi do yourself a favor and stop by the best bakery near the Seto sea ✨️✨️✨️✨️

The bakes here are exceptional. Got the mentaiko and garlic bread and they tasted amazing. Great bakery with quality bread.

Lovely bakery in Onomichi where the service is top notch! Their curry bread is super yummy. The salted butter bagel was an unexpected but good try as well 🤯 I wish I could try their other bagels

Great little old school coffee shop. Their hours changed recently so they close at 6:30pm on weekends now.

One of my favourite coffee is here in Onomichi! Delicious siphon coffee both hot and cold! The house blend beans are very good, you can even buy beans. I will definitely come back!

Retro-styled but very clean kissaten Japanese coffee shop in Onomichi’s covered shopping arcade (near the ropeway Station end of the arcade). Excellent place for breakfast and popular with locals. Several “morning” set breakfasts served 7:30 am to 11 am - classic like toast and egg plus some added with waffles! Super cool siphon coffee - sit at the counter to enjoy the show!

Great coffee, very cosy atmosphere.

Service excellent, egg with cheese on toast was delicious. Took a while to get the coffee, coffee beans themselves were good but too hot and missing texture of the milk so not so good as café au lait.

Classy retro Kissaten to enjoy some sweet azuki bean toast, salad and coffee #japan #onomichi #morningset #Retro #coffee #vegetarian friendly with options available alongside standard fare. Was slightly disappointed my azuki beans were cold on the toast, if heated it would be tastier (like zenzai). But a nice vegetarian option. Unfortunately there is milk and butter in the bread, so no options here for vegans except coffee, tea, juice & salad 🥗 without dressing.

A retro pretending cafe for a break. The Showa style interior is okay but not so old as it pretend to be. It is a nice place for a break after visiting Senkoji and above or during the fascinating shopping street where this Roman coffee is located. Coffee is good as well as tea even though there is only one choice. Waffle is good with plenty of maple syrup to pour by yourself. BTW, it is not vanilla ice cream on top, it is butter!

The self-description of "2-star hostel" is correct. Septic tank draining took place during breakfast time, and we almost threw up walking between the cafe and kitchen. (Kitchen and shower are outside, across the path.) The smell permeated the gaps in the walls and lingered. Cleaning takes place from 10am to 3pm, you can't enter at all unless you want rude treatment by staff. Other reviews about occasionally poor service and literal paper walls are accurate. If you are lucky and get quiet neighbors, it is fine. The location and view is the only great part of the experience. I recommend only staying one night, any more and it will be exhausting.

Clean, simple hostel that provides all the basic necessities for staying overnight. The rooms and bathrooms were clean. The owner spoke very good English and was very accommodating. The attached cafe was cozy and provided some wonderful views of the coast. The location is spectacular given its elevation and proximity to nearby shrines, but isn’t the most accessible since it requires climbing a lot of stairs to get to it from the Onomichi station.

Just bear in mind that this is a guesthouse with sharing bathroom and located up on the hill, so avoid bringing big bag or suitcases as you’ll need to climb 300 stairs. However the view worth all the hassles. Rooms are big and traditional, so expect noises as the wall is japanese screen wall. They have simple breakfast with a small price. Really enjoy my time there as it was so peaceful and i really feel that i am on those ghibli movies.

Perfect location if you want a good view. Nice service (options for laundry and cafe with snacks, breakfast and drinks). Walls are thin, all noise can be heard. Would not stay for many days

Nestled on the side of the hill up from Onomichi bazaar walkway and beautiful water-way. Highly recommend this hidden gem. If you can store large travel bags and come up the stairs with a back pack that is highly recommended as it is a trek to get up here.

Everything about Onomichi was wonderful — Onomichi Club, Senkōji Temple,（株）山崎清春商店, Onomichi Hanpu and Onomichi romantic cafes all made the visit truly enjoyable. However, we were left with a poor impression of this place, Miharashitei. If you’re visiting as a pair, be sure to order two drinks at once. Otherwise, the male staff may bluntly say, “Only one drink?” Just for the record, both the coffee and the tea didn’t taste good either.

Great backpackers. Doesn't feel like a hostel at all, except the paper-thin walls. Beds were comfy, but earplugs are a 100% must (I find it amusing when people dare to travel without and then complain). View from our room was absolutely stunning. The cafè downstairs is a true delight and the coffee is extremely good. As Hostels go, the bathroom and kitchen are of course shared. Lastly, be warned that it is almost always booked out and often at difficult intervals forcing people to only stay at every second day or such. It's quite common for people to want to stay here longer but the place is always booked.

26/12/24 - 3.5 stars A very cute and homey local handmade gelato spot in Onomichi which serves a couple of unique desserts and flavours. The staff are very friendly and happy to help. The desserts are fairly ordinary but very cheap. Overall, it's a nice little pit stop if you feel like ice cream. Double scoop Creaminess: A, 7/10 Consistency: B, 6/10. A bit lumpy and slightly icy Matcha: A, 7/10. Not very intense Chocolate: A, 7/10. Value: SS, 9/10. ¥290 Monaka: S+, 8.5/10. Crunchiness compliments the ice-cream really well and only ¥180 Zenzai: S, 8/10. A bit different from previous red bean soups I've had but still nice. Extra creaminess is ok

I should mention, the friendly staff💕thank you for the service. It was delicious ice cream🍦 Next time, I want try sesame flavored ice cream🥳 and DINE IN. I am into the cafe interior, 雰囲気は良いです🤩 This time, I and my friend enjoy the ice cream with sea view. the ship was busy delivering passengers 😂⛴️

Very chill cream ice cream shop near the water. Great service & air con. The ice cream itself could be more creamy.

Simple ice cream with good ingredients! A very traditional place:) 📷: @albertogalca

170¥ crunchy monaka ice cream. Although you can eat it inside, I recommend that you make it to go and there are good places to sit and eat near the ocean on the opposite side of the shop.

This is the #1 local ice cream we tried in Japan! We loved how delicate the flavours were and the homemade taste to it. They make it in front of you. The prices were very very fair and not overpriced. The servers were so friendly! Highly recommend to try it.

This ice cream was very affordable and delicious. It was very atmosphere with a good view.