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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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".
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.
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.
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.
Mukaishima is the sixth island from Imabari City.
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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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