A Stroll Through Onomichi: Slopes, Alleys, Literature and Film
Mountains press to the sea, and houses cling to slopes and stone steps. Onomichi, picturesque from any angle, has long drawn writers and film directors.
Onomichi's charm lies in a 'story of elevation' you only grasp on foot. We introduce the main sights and culture in order.
It thrived as a Seto Inland Sea port from of old, and today it is also known as the gateway to the Shimanami Kaido linking the islands across the water.
Reading the town of slopes
Senkoji
A symbolic Onomichi temple built on the hillside. You can climb by ropeway or by slope, and from its grounds the Onomichi Channel and townscape spread out before you.
Source:尾道観光協会 おのナビ
Slopes and alleys
Houses rise in tiers from sea to mountain, with narrow alleys and stone steps spreading like a net. The joy of Onomichi is that the view changes with every step.
Source:尾道観光協会 おのナビ
Fumiko Hayashi
A novelist who spent her girlhood in Onomichi. Her signature work 'Horoki' depicts the town's seaside scenes, and a commemorative statue stands in the town.
Source:尾道観光協会 おのナビ
Nobuhiko Obayashi and film
A film director from Onomichi. Through his 'Onomichi trilogy'—'I Are You, You Am Me,' 'The Girl Who Leapt Through Time' and 'Lonely Heart'—the town became a place of pilgrimage for many fans.
Source:尾道観光協会 おのナビ
Onomichi ramen
A local ramen marked by a soy-sauce broth drawn from chicken bones and small Seto Inland Sea fish, topped with floating pork back fat and paired with flat noodles.
Source:尾道観光協会 おのナビ
Shimanami Kaido
A sea route linking Onomichi with Imabari in Ehime, crossing islands such as Mukaishima, Innoshima and Ikuchijima. Fully opened in 1999, it is also famed as a mecca for cycling.
Source:しまなみ海道（広島県）尾道観光協会 おのナビ
FAQ
Can you cross the Shimanami Kaido by bicycle?
Yes. A dedicated path runs roughly 70 km from Onomichi to Imabari, popular as a world-class cycling route. You can also stop off island by island along the way.
With all the slopes, is strolling tough?
We suggest taking the ropeway up and walking down. You can also enjoy slope-only detours such as 'Neko no Hosomichi,' the cats' alley where cats live.