{"id":28854,"date":"2021-02-26T16:43:34","date_gmt":"2021-02-26T16:43:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/?p=28854"},"modified":"2026-02-27T10:54:38","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T10:54:38","slug":"7-reasons-you-should-head-off-the-tourist-trail-to-onomichi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2021\/02\/26\/7-reasons-you-should-head-off-the-tourist-trail-to-onomichi\/","title":{"rendered":"7 reasons you should head off the tourist trail to Onomichi"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F28854&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F28854\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F28854&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F28854&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F28854%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F28854\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F28854\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul><p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>As an Insider Tour Leader, I\u2019m lucky enough to get to roam around Japan and introduce people to all sorts of incredible destinations \u2013 but I always find that the small, intimate places I visit are the ones I end up loving the most. If, like me, you&#8217;re looking for a side of Japan with plenty of culture and authenticity (without the crowds), I have a tip for you: Onomichi, a skinny coastal town about 50 minutes east of Hiroshima.<\/p>\n<p>Hemmed in by low mountains to the north, and with a southern edge defined by the shimmering waters of the Seto Inland Sea (the strait that separates the main islands of Honshu and Shikoku), this little fishing town doesn&#8217;t find its way on to most travel bucket lists&#8230; but perhaps it should!<\/p>\n<p class=\"gmail-m-5126949553083367243xmsonormal\">What&#8217;s more, Onomichi is one of the places that Japan&#8217;s Agency of Cultural Affairs has designated as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan.travel\/japan-heritage\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Japan Heritage<\/a>. There are 104 Japan Heritage \u201cstories,\u201d each comprising dozens of places and assets.<\/p>\n<h2>Reason 1: The Shimanami Kaido cycling route<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30383\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30383\" style=\"width: 2400px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30383 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG-6984.jpg\" alt=\"Stunning suspension bridge connects two islands in the Seto Inland Sea\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG-6984.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG-6984-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG-6984-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG-6984-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG-6984-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG-6984-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG-6984-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG-6984-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG-6984-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG-6984-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG-6984-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG-6984-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG-6984-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG-6984-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30383\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Shimanami Kaido cycling route \/ Van Milton<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>For years the town&#8217;s biggest draw has been that it anchors one end of the beautiful Shimanami Kaido cycling route \u2013 probably Japan\u2019s best-known cycle course. The 77-kilometer (50-mile) route weaves across six Mediterranean-like islands, all connected by beautifully designed suspension bridges, across to the city of Imabari on Shikoku. Think: sleepy island roads, views of neighboring islands, blue waters, citrus-scented air from the many fruit farms in the area&#8230; It&#8217;s a dreamy ride that can be easily done in a day or two by most cyclists.<\/p>\n<h2>Reason 2: Cyclist-friendly hotels<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30380\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30380\" style=\"width: 2400px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30380 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Hotel.jpg\" alt=\"Two bicycles are parked next to restaurant entrance inside a hotel\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1799\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Hotel.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Hotel-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Hotel-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Hotel-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Hotel-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Hotel-1536x1151.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Hotel-2048x1535.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Hotel-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Hotel-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Hotel-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Hotel-1440x1079.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Hotel-390x292.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Hotel-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Hotel-510x382.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30380\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The U2 Cycle Hotel \/ Van Milton<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>With Onomichi&#8217;s popularity as a cycling holiday hotspot on the rise, a new crop of accommodations have sprung up to help cater for weary bikers. The uber-slick U2 Cycle Hotel \u2013 located inside a repurposed warehouse for maximum hipness \u2013 is a prime example. The hotel shares its large, open building with a bicycle store, restaurant, bakery, espresso bar and shop, all with excellent views over the water. Best of all, (at least to my cyclist\u2019s mind) you\u2019re encouraged to bring your bike into the room when you stay.<\/p>\n<h2>Reason 3: The exciting foodie scene<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30386\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30386\" style=\"width: 2400px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30386 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_6250.jpg\" alt=\"Set meal consisting of a small salad bowl, a cup with soup and rice over curry\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1799\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_6250.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_6250-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_6250-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_6250-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_6250-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_6250-1536x1151.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_6250-2048x1535.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_6250-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_6250-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_6250-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_6250-1440x1079.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_6250-390x292.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_6250-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_6250-510x382.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30386\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hearty meal of salad, broth and Japanese curry<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>And that&#8217;s not all. Onomichi\u2019s expanding restaurant scene is also becoming something to write home about \u2013 even in foodie paradise Japan. The area is a veritable hotbed of cool new restaurants, old <em>izakayas<\/em>, bars and cafes, all of which beg you to slow down, take it easy and <em>explore<\/em>. I particularly enjoy stopping for a quick coin shower and a double espresso at the Yard Caf\u00e9 inside the U2 hotel after finishing a Shimanami Kaido ride&#8230; though after trying the coffee and green tea pudding at the Yamaneko Mill last time, my loyalties are now split!<\/p>\n<h2>Reason 4: A unique shopping experience<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_28884\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-28884\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-28884 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Onomichi-shotengai-1024x720.jpg\" alt=\"Concrete arcade with some shoppers walking next to stores\" width=\"1024\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Onomichi-shotengai-1024x720.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Onomichi-shotengai-300x211.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Onomichi-shotengai-768x540.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Onomichi-shotengai-564x396.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Onomichi-shotengai-1200x843.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Onomichi-shotengai-900x632.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Onomichi-shotengai-720x506.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Onomichi-shotengai-390x274.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Onomichi-shotengai-780x548.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Onomichi-shotengai-510x358.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Onomichi-shotengai.jpg 1325w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-28884\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Onomichi&#8217;s shotengai shopping street \/ Van Milton<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>One of Onomichi\u2019s signature features is a super-long \u2018<em>shotengai\u2019,<\/em> or covered shopping street, which stretches nearly the length of the town. After entering its tunnel-like opening, you can meander clear allllll the way to the other side of the town safe from the elements. You&#8217;ll a sense of the history and local flavor as you walk past a mix of day-to-day shops for locals interspersed with bakeries, coffee shops, restaurants, art galleries, guest houses&#8230; the list goes on.<\/p>\n<h2>Reason 5: Cats<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30389\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30389\" style=\"width: 2400px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30389 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_E6739.jpg\" alt=\"Cat is sitting next to a rock inscribed with Japanese characters\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_E6739.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_E6739-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_E6739-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_E6739-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_E6739-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_E6739-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_E6739-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_E6739-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_E6739-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_E6739-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_E6739-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_E6739-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_E6739-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_E6739-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30389\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A cat on a wall in Onomichi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Yes, cats. Onomichi is famous for them. So much so, in fact, that it has a side street called Cat Alley \u2013 which features a small Manekineko Museum. Heard that name somewhere before? They&#8217;re those paw-waving cat statues you often see beckoning you into Japanese shops and restaurants. Manekineko Museum aside, there are also loads of other feline-themed shops, restaurants and bars in the area \u2013 as well as many actual, real-life cats!<\/p>\n<p>You can virtually explore the town\u2019s <em>shotengai<\/em> shopping street from a cat\u2019s perspective at <a href=\"http:\/\/hiroshima-welcome.jp\/kanpai\/catstreetview\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this cute page<\/a>. (The page is only in Japanese, but easy enough to understand with click-and-point navigation and plenty of pictures!)<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30392\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30392\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30392 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/0d2831d7-2cf1-4047-aa90-f5d4e5ac411f.jpg\" alt=\"Temple at the top of a mountain overlooks an oceanside city at sunset\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/0d2831d7-2cf1-4047-aa90-f5d4e5ac411f.jpg 800w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/0d2831d7-2cf1-4047-aa90-f5d4e5ac411f-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/0d2831d7-2cf1-4047-aa90-f5d4e5ac411f-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/0d2831d7-2cf1-4047-aa90-f5d4e5ac411f-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/0d2831d7-2cf1-4047-aa90-f5d4e5ac411f-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/0d2831d7-2cf1-4047-aa90-f5d4e5ac411f-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/0d2831d7-2cf1-4047-aa90-f5d4e5ac411f-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/0d2831d7-2cf1-4047-aa90-f5d4e5ac411f-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30392\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The temple walk overlooking the town<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Reason 6: The beautiful temple walk<\/h2>\n<p>Got plenty of time to spend in Onomichi? Well, meandering across the hillsides just behind the town is an enchanting temple walk that connects dozens of sites via a winding path. Walkable in a couple of hours, it\u2019s a nice way to slow down and take in the details as you pass tiny old temples, stone <em>Bodhisattva<\/em> statues, and quiet tea houses. If you don&#8217;t fancy the hike, you can also ride the cable car up to Senkoji Temple and simply enjoy the view across the town and neighbouring islands.<\/p>\n<h2>Reason 7: The nearby islands<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30395\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30395\" style=\"width: 2400px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30395 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_8038.jpg\" alt=\"Concrete stairs lead to imposing wooden temple entrance\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_8038.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_8038-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_8038-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_8038-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_8038-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_8038-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_8038-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_8038-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_8038-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_8038-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_8038-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_8038-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_8038-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/IMG_8038-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30395\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kosanji Temple \/ Van Milton<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If you&#8217;re a fan of island-hopping, Onomichi is an excellent base for exploring nearby Ikuchijima and Innoshima by ferry, bus, or car. Ikuchijima&#8217;s impressive Kosanji Temple is easily on par with what you might expect to find in Kyoto, but with far fewer international visitors to disturb the peace. Other delights like the Suigun (Pirate) Museum\/Castle on Innoshima Island highlight the area\u2019s incredible history as the center of the Murakami Pirates\u2019 domain.<\/p>\n<p>Interested in reading more about Onomichi, or other incredible Japan Heritage sites? Speak to our team for more information, or head to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan.travel\/japan-heritage\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Japan Heritage project webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h4>Like this post? 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Help us by sharing it! &nbsp; As an Insider Tour Leader, I\u2019m lucky enough to get to roam around Japan and introduce people to all sorts of incredible destinations \u2013 but I always find that the small, intimate places I visit are the ones I end up loving the most. 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