Onomichi
A hillside port town on the Seto Inland Sea, linked by cable car to a ridge-top temple walk through 25 historic temples. The narrow lanes, black cats, and cycling culture inspired Hayao Miyazaki. Famous for its layered shoyu ramen.
Half day to full day
Free (cable car ¥320)
Cable car: 9:00–17:15 (last ascent 17:00); town always accessible; Cat Path: always accessible
year-round
JR Sanyo Shinkansen to Fukuyama, then local to Onomichi (30 min)
Location
Why Visit
- 1
Temple Walk: 25 temples connected by ridge paths — collect stamps
- 2
Start point of Shimanami Kaido cycling route
- 3
Onomichi Ramen — shoyu broth with pork back fat
- 4
Black cats — the city embraces them as unofficial mascots
Local Tips
Onomichi's Cat Path — a narrow lane through old machiya with cats sunbathing on every step — is the most charming urban walk in western Japan. The hill-town has 25 temples within a 2.5km walking circuit. The starting point of the Shimanami Kaido cycle route to Imabari (70km) makes this a natural cycling trip hub. Onomichi ramen (shoyu with chicken fat) and Onomichi popcorn (unusual but excellent) are local foods worth trying.
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