DAY4 START!
Senkoji Park
Famous as one of Onomichi’s top scenic spots, the Senkoji Park offers sweeping views of the city and the Seto Inland Sea all at once. The night view from the mountaintop has been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Night Views, and the cherry blossoms are recognized as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. The park also features azaleas and wisteria, and a walk along the Path of Literature—lined with natural stones engraved with poems by authors connected to Onomichi—is highly recommended.
12 minute on foot
Cat Trail
Neko-no-Hosomichi, or Cat Alley, is a narrow path stretching about 200 meters behind Ushitora-jinja Shrine. It began when artist Shunji Sonoyama, founder of the spatial art project Onomichi IHATOV, placed his signature Fukuishi Neko (Lucky Stone Cats) along the alley. With its nostalgic charm, visitors can enjoy searching for these stone cats, browsing cozy cafes, little shops, and art museums tucked away along the path.
11 minutes by car
Onomichi Maneki Neko Kobo Workshop
Located within the grounds of Hodo-ji Temple Kannon Hall, the Onomichi Maneki Neko Kobo Workshop offers a hands-on experience where participants can paint their own smartphone-sized beckoning cat maneki neko. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Onomichi Channel, the peaceful atmosphere allows visitors to relax and focus—a refreshing activity during the trip. This experience also makes for a perfect souvenir from Onomichi, a city known as the“town of cats.”
3 minutes by Car
The RESTAURANT
Located just a 5-minute walk away from Onomichi Station, The RESTAURANT serves Western cuisine inspired by Italian and Spanish traditions with fresh ingredients from the Seto Inland Sea. Signature dishes include charcoal-grilled specialties that bring out the natural flavor of the ingredients, and authentic pizza baked in a brick oven. A selection of casual wine from around the world complements the menu perfectly.
130 minutes by car
Itsukushima Shrine
A UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its striking vermilion-lacquered shrine buildings that appear to float on the sea. Located on a sacred island believed to be the deities' abode, Itsukushima Shrine offers a deeply spiritual and mystical experience.
11 minute on foot
Daisho-in Temple – Miyajima Mount Misen
Located at the foot of Mount Misen on Miyajima, Daisho-in is the oldest temple on the island, founded in 806 by the great Buddhist monk Kukai, Kobo Daishi. This temple belonging to the Omuro School of the Shingon Sect is known as one of Japan’s Three Great Temples for warding off misfortune and bringing good fortune. It is also home to many spiritual power spots, including the Ichigan Daishi, a deity said to grant one heartfelt wish.
10 minutes on foot
Iwaso
Founded in 1854 (Ansei 1), Iwaso is a historic ryokan that has welcomed many notable guests over the years, including Hirobumi Ito and Soseki Natsume. The entrance building, constructed in 1892 (Meiji 25), evokes a profound connection with history, while the hanare (detached rooms) built between the Taisho and Showa eras allow guests to experience the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture.
The Wakamiya Onsen open-air bath, located inside the large public bath, offers views of the changing seasons in Momijidani Park.
