Senkoji

If you're going to Senkoji Temple, we recommend taking the ropeway! Senkoji Temple is located on the mountainside, so there is a height difference from the station and shopping district at the foot of the mountain, and there is a long uphill climb to get to the temple. If you find walking up difficult, taking the ropeway is a good option! The ropeway station is about a 20-minute walk from Onomichi Station. It's recommended to take a stroll through the shopping district on the way there! There is a guide on the ropeway who will provide information, so you can deepen your understanding of Onomichi while enjoying the view. You'll arrive at the mountaintop station in about 3 minutes, and from there it's about a 10-minute walk to Senkoji Temple. The ropeway fare is 500 yen one way for adults (700 yen round trip) and 250 yen one way for children (350 yen round trip). Round-trip fare is more cost-effective, but if you plan to walk around and explore after visiting the temple, we recommend using one-way fare! If you want to go by car, there is a Senkoji Park parking lot (600 yen per day) about a 10-minute walk from Senkoji Temple, which you can also use.

Right after getting off the ropeway's mountaintop station, you'll find Senkoji Observatory, which overlooks Onomichi Waterway and the city! From the open deck observatory "PEAK," which is about 63 meters long, you can enjoy the calm scenery of the Seto Inland Sea. There's also an elevator from the mountaintop station to the observatory, making it wheelchair and stroller-friendly. On clear days, you can even see the Shikoku mountain range, and the view is outstanding! Be sure to enjoy the view of Onomichi from the hilltop!

Senkoji Park is a famous spot for cherry blossoms and has been selected as one of the "Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan"! The cherry blossoms are in full bloom from late March to early April, and the "Senkoji Park Cherry Blossom Night Illumination" event is particularly popular for viewing the beautiful cherry blossoms. During the event, many lanterns are lit up in the park, and you can enjoy the illuminated cherry blossoms at night! The illumination period is from late March to early April, timed with the cherry blossom season, from 6pm to 6am the next morning, and admission is free. The parking lot at Senkoji Park is available for 600 yen per day, but it's recommended to use public transportation during the cherry blossom viewing period as it can get quite crowded. It's also a recommended spot for a date where you can enjoy the fantastic view of the cherry blossoms and the night view of Onomichi! Why not visit and see for yourself?

The city of Onomichi is full of narrow alleys, and there are many enjoyable paths to explore around Senkoji Temple! The city is also known for its many cats, and you may catch a glimpse of them peeking out as you walk through the alleys. After visiting the temple, be sure to take a stroll around the area! There are many spots to stop by, such as cafes, small studios, and other temples. We recommend going from Senkoji Temple towards Komyoji Temple, exploring the surrounding shops, and then visiting Kaifukuji Temple and Shinkoji Temple! It's also nice to take a break at a cafe with a pleasant atmosphere once you return to the vicinity of Senkoji Temple. After that, head towards Tenneiji Temple and try to find the "Cat's Alley," a path with a cat-like atmosphere. You're sure to meet some cats there!

If you visit Senkoji Temple, be sure to also visit the other temples in Onomichi! There are many historic temples in Onomichi. We recommend the "Seven Buddha Pilgrimage" for temple-hopping! By visiting the seven major ancient temples in Onomichi and collecting the power stones sold at each temple, you can enjoy a temple-hopping attraction where you can make a protective bracelet! The temples where you can do the "Seven Buddha Pilgrimage" are Jifukuji Temple, Tenninji Temple, Senkoji Temple, Oyama Temple, Saikokuji Temple, Jodoji Temple, and Kairyuji Temple. Starting from Onomichi Station and walking from Jifukuji Temple on the westernmost side to Kairyuji Temple, the last temple, takes about three hours on foot! The cost is 500 yen for the power stone at each temple and 300 yen for the bracelet making kit, for a total of 3,800 yen. It is recommended for those who want to take a leisurely walk and enjoy temple-hopping in Onomichi!

When visiting Onomichi, one local delicacy to enjoy is Onomichi Ramen! After taking a stroll around Senkoji Temple and the town, satisfy your hunger with Onomichi Ramen. The features of Onomichi Ramen are its soy sauce-based soup, thin noodles, and plenty of back fat. Each shop has its own unique flavor and toppings, so you can enjoy the individuality of each shop! Ramen shops are gathered around the coastal road and shopping district area, so try to find your favorite shop!