Onomichi, the City that Time Forgot
Spared by both time and mass tourism, the town, situated beside the Seto Inland Sea, has preserved its charm.

©JNTO
With its numerous temples, the hilly town of Onomichi has earnt the nickname of ‘little Kyoto of Setouchi’. Of the 80 original sacred buildings, just 25 remain, all of which can be found along the same path. The 2.5-km long trail winds up the hill that overlooks the town. One of the most curious temples is Saikokuji, with its 2-metre-high pair of sandals nailed to the door as an offering to the gods. At the top of the climb lies the town’s art museum, an architectural gem praised by Tadao Ando himself. Not far from here lies Senko-ji park which is popular in all seasons, in spring for its flowering cherry trees and in autumn for its chrysanthemum festival. Its main attraction, however, is its observation platform, which offers a bird’s-eye view over Seto bay and its surroundings.
To continue the visit, another hike starts from the park and once again showcases the town’s artistic leanings. The literary trail pays homage to Japan’s greatest writers with stones engraved with poems and extracts from novels. Onomichi has always inspired artists thanks to its gentle sense of nostalgia and picturesque charm. Filmmaker Yasujiro Ozu chose the town as the setting for his famous Tokyo Story. German director Wim Wenders visited in 2005, wandering the charming streets where cats stretch out across the doormats of local cafés. The trip resulted in a photographic work entitled Journey to Onomichi.

©JNTO

©JNTO

©JNTO

©JNTO

©JNTO

©JNTO
TRENDING
-
Araki Himself Explains the Masterpieces that Changed History
Japanese photographer Nobuyoshi Araki has been taking pictures for more than half a century, constantly taking on new themes and techniques.
-
Recipe for Ichiraku Ramen from ‘Naruto’ by Danielle Baghernejad
Taken from the popular manga with the character of the same name who loves ramen, this dish is named after the hero's favourite restaurant.
-
‘Sando’, the Satisfying Japanese Sandwich
A quintessential street food item, this sandwich is appealing in terms of both its flavour and its careful, almost fastidious presentation.
-
The Koshino Family: Reinventing Fashion over the Generations
Does talent run in the family? The three Koshino sisters and their mother Ayako prove that sisterhood is the secret to success.
-
The World of Yokai in ‘Gegege no Kitaro’
Shigeru Mizuki’s manga popularised ghost-folklore, but his creatures stand out against the horrors of a World War 2 witnessed firsthand.