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.
The guide will be waiting with a name board.
Take the ropeway up Mt. Senkoji to this hilltop park, where panoramic viewpoints overlook Onomichi town, the narrow strait and the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. The grounds are loved for spring cherry blossoms and the literary Path of Literature.
Visit Onomichi's largest temple, Saikokuji, entered through a great gate hung with giant straw sandals. Climb the stone steps past the vermilion three-storied pagoda for sweeping views over the town and harbor.
See the elegant three-storied pagoda of Tenneiji, one of Onomichi's most photographed landmarks, framed against the green hillside with the Seto Inland Sea spread out below.
Wander the charming 'Path of Cats,' a narrow hillside lane dotted with painted lucky-cat stones, tiny galleries and cafes, where real cats often doze among the old houses.
Explore this Tadao Ando-designed museum beside Senkoji Park, known for its rotating art exhibitions and the playful 'museum cats' who famously try to sneak inside.
Discover Onomichi's celebrated role as a film location at this museum devoted to Japanese cinema, with vintage projectors, posters and exhibits on directors such as Yasujiro Ozu.
Stroll the atmospheric old town with your guide, taking in the retro shopping arcade, narrow temple lanes, hillside houses and the seaside promenade along the channel.
Cross the channel to Mukaishima island, gateway to the Shimanami Kaido, for relaxed coastal scenery, cycling paths and lovely views back toward Onomichi's temple-dotted hills.
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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