Onomichi 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle

8 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: Japanese and 1 more

Stepping off your cruise ship or train and want to discover the charm of Onomichi? This private tour is perfect for you! With a government-licensed guide and a private vehicle, exploring this hillside port town has never been easier.

Onomichi is one of the Seto Inland Sea's most atmospheric towns, famous for its steep temple-dotted slopes and sweeping sea views. Ride the ropeway up to Senkoji Park for panoramic vistas, wander the whimsical "Path of Cats," and visit historic temples such as Saikokuji and Tenneiji. Stroll the retro shopping arcade, admire the Tadao Ando-designed City Museum of Art, and discover the town's role in Japanese cinema before crossing to Mukaishima island and the Shimanami Kaido.

We welcome you to come and explore the unique culture and scenery of Onomichi with us!

Note*1: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government and requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

What's Included

Private vehicle
Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'What to expect' list'
Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under Itinerary

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

If your hotel or desired pick-up point is not on the list, please contact us. Please be at your pick-up point, or at Onomichi Station, 10 minutes before the tour starts. This private tour includes an English-speaking, government-licensed guide and a private vehicle with a driver. Pick-up is available from hotels in central Onomichi; travelers without a hotel pick-up are met at Onomichi Station.

Itinerary

Duration: 8 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Senkoji Park

    Senkō-ji is the best known and most impressive of Onomichi's temples. Among its features is the kyō-onrō, a bell tower whose bell always rings in the new year – the sound of this bell is registered as one of the '100 soundscapes of Japan'. The temple appears almost grown into the hillside, with views out to sea, and is reachable on the historic temple walk (after a steep 15- to 25-minute hike for most) or by the Senkō-ji-yama Ropeway.

    30 minutes Admission ticket not included
  • 2
    Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art

    Hirayama Ikuo was one of Japan's most famous painters, working in the traditional Japanese Nihonga style. The Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art (平山郁夫美術館, Hirayama Ikuo Bijutsukan) is located on Ikuchijima Island, where the artist was born in 1930. Hirayama passed away in 2009. Many of the themes in Hirayama's work have persisted throughout his entire career. One is the concept of peace. Hirayama was a student in Hiroshima in 1945, and as such witnessed the destruction of the bomb and suffered from the effects of radiation. Another of his recurring themes was the cultural exchanges within the Orient, particularly the transmission of Buddhism to Japan.

    1 hour Admission ticket not included
  • Tatara Bridge (Pass by)

    Tatara Bridge, with the center span of 890 m long, is the second longest span cable stayed bridge in the world. Suspension bridge was planned at the first stage; however, the bridge type was reviewed considering the preservation of surrounding nature and economical condition of the work, against the background of the technical progress of cable stayed bridges. The height of the tower is 226 m above the seawater level, and this is the highest point in the route. Tatara Bridge formed a sister bridge alliance with Normandy Bridge in France which is the third longest cable stayed bridge in the world.

    Admission ticket free
  • Neko no Hosomichi (Pass by)

    Neko no Hosomichi goes on for about 200m from the eastern side of Ushitora Shrine to the three-floor pagoda of Tennei-ji Temple. The area was given its name due to the many Fukuishi Cats (stones with cats painted on them) left there. The cats were painted by Shunji Sonoyama, an artist who lives in Onomichi. In the area, there is also the Maneki-neko Museum where you can enjoy the scene of "cats and Onomichi".

    Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Onomichi

    Hiroshima has a bustling downtown area, the main feature of which is Hondori Street. Hondori is a pedestrian arcade that is closed to traffic and lined with shops and restaurants. It starts near the Peace Park and stretches east about half a kilometer. Running parallel to Hondori is Aioidori (Aioi Street), the main street used by cars and trams.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Kosanji Temple

    Kosanji Temple (耕三寺, Kōsanji) is located on Ikuchijima Island and belongs to the True Pure Land Sect of Japanese Buddhism. The temple was founded in 1936 by a successful businessman who was inspired by his devotion to his mother. The construction of the temple took more than 30 years. If visitors to the temple are surprised by a strong feeling of deja vu, it is because many of the buildings are modeled after some of Japan's most famous temple buildings. The replicas of famous buildings at Kosanji are quite impressive, including copies of Nikko Toshogu's Yomeimon Gate and Byodoin's Phoenix Hall.

    30 minutes Admission ticket not included
  • Innoshima Bridge (Pass by)

    With a total length of 1270 meters, Innoshima Bridge connects Mukaishima Island with Innoshima Island, and is one of the bridges that forms Shimanami Kaido. At its foot on the Innoshima Island side, you'll find Innoshima Bridge Memorial Park.

    Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Mukaishima

    Mukaishima is the sixth island from Imabari City.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Tenneiji Temple

    This temple was built by Yoshiakira Ashikaga, the second shogun in the Muromachi Period, in 1367 and founded by Fumyo Kokushi. It has a pagoda called Kaiun Pagoda, an important cultural property, and a group of 500 arhats line the Rakan Hall on the left side of the main hall. Weeping cherry blossoms in the beginning of April and peonies at the end of April are things you should not miss.

    30 minutes Admission ticket not included

Additional info

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Service animals allowed
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Japan Guide Agency
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Tags

Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
City Tours
Car Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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