The gateway to the Shimanami Kaido, Onomichi is a port town full of retro ambience with a history that stretches back to the middle ages.
Onomichi evokes strong feelings of nostalgia amongst Japanese visitors and has served as a location for many Japanese films, including the classic Tokyo Story directed by legend of cinema Yasujiro Ozu.
Funky little shops and eateries await discovery in the maze of alleyways that criss-cross the narrow strip of land between the waterfront and the town’s 1100m-long shopping arcade and among the tightly-packed tumble down houses on the steep hillsides.
Onomichi is also a town of temples and cats. The Shichibutsu Meguri is a walking route that connects seven of the major temples and you are sure to come across many cats lounging in the alleyways along the way.
Just above is an observation platform of contemporary design, known as The Peak from where you can enjoy panoramic views of Onomichi and Mukaishima across the straight.
Just above is an observation platform of contemporary design, known as The Peak from where you can enjoy panoramic views of Onomichi and Mukaishima across the straight.
Onomichi also has a modern side. U2 is a repurposed waterfront warehouse which contains the chic Hotel Cycle, a bakery, cafe and restaurant, as well as a Giant bicycle store and a stylish souvenir shop. LOG is a boutique hotel housed in a building renovated by renowned architect Bijoy Jain.
Getting to Shimanami Kaido
There are several places from where you can rent bikes within a short distance from Onomichi Station, but the main rental cycle terminal is just west of Onomichi Port (which is opposite the train station). From here, a 10-minute ferry ride across the Onomichi Channel takes you to Mukaishima Island and the start of the Shimanami Kaido’s “Blue Line”.
Apres Shimanami
Spending a day or two in Onomichi is a great way to relax after riding the Shimanami Kaido. Refuel with the town’s famous ramen, seek out your favorite coffee spot, sample locally-grown organic tea at Tea Stand Gen, or indulge in a craft beer at Onomichi Brewery.
