Onomichi

尾道

A nostalgic port town beloved by filmmakers and artists, featuring narrow lanes lined with temples, traditional shops, and atmospheric hillside streets. The town offers stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea and easy access to Shimanami Kaido, a famous cycling route connecting nearby islands.

Things to do

• Walk the Temple Trail — Explore the hillside path connecting 25 temples, including the iconic Senkoji Temple with its red lantern and sweeping sea views.
• Cycle the Shimanami Kaido — Rent a bicycle and ride the scenic 70 km route across six islands connected by bridges, starting from Onomichi's waterfront.
• Visit Onomichi Museum of Art — See contemporary and traditional artworks in a museum that reflects the town's long history as a muse for painters and filmmakers.
• Wander the Historic Alleyways — Stroll narrow lanes like Sandō-shotengai where wooden machiya buildings house vintage shops, cafes, and art galleries.
• Take a Seto Inland Sea Ferry Ride — Board a local ferry to appreciate the archipelago's landscape and stop at nearby islands like Innoshima or Mukaishima.
• Explore Film Location Sites — Follow marked routes to buildings and streets featured in Japanese New Wave cinema, including works by Masaki Kobayashi and Nobuhiko Ōbayashi.

Food to try

• Onomichi Ramen — Local specialty with a rich pork-and-fish-based broth, topped with pork belly, shallots, and a soft-boiled egg, served at family-run noodle shops.
• Takoyaki from Tateba — Octopus-filled battered balls sold from historic street stalls, crispy outside and creamy inside, a quick snack as you navigate the lanes.
• Fresh Seto Inland Sea Sashimi — Waterfront restaurants serve seasonal seafood—flounder, sea bream, and squid—caught daily from the surrounding waters.
• Onomichi Kushikatsu — Deep-fried skewered vegetables and meats dipped in a shared tonkatsu sauce, a casual dining tradition at izakayas throughout town.
• Denro Manju — Traditional red-bean filled steamed cakes with a soft, pillowy texture, sold at small confectioneries as a local souvenir.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Temple Etiquette — Many temples charge a small entry fee; remove shoes before entering buildings and bow respectfully when passing through torii gates.
• Timing for Crowds — Visit early morning or on weekdays to enjoy the atmospheric narrow lanes without the mid-day tourist rush that peaks in late afternoon.
• Bike Safety and Courtesy — If cycling the Shimanami Kaido, stay on designated paths, yield to pedestrians, and return rentals to designated shops—cycling etiquette is taken seriously.
• Support Local Artists and Artisans — Many family-run galleries and shops in traditional buildings welcome browsers; purchasing directly from makers preserves the town's creative culture.