Onomichi
Onomichi is a harbor town on the Seto Inland Sea where temple paths climb the hills above old streets, and ferries run to the islands offshore.
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Onomichi is a port city on the north shore of the Seto Inland Sea, in Hiroshima Prefecture in western Honshu, Japan. Its narrow streets run along the water, and steep stairways climb to temples with views over the harbor and the islands. The town is the Honshu starting point of the Shimanami Kaido, a route of bridges and cycling paths that links Honshu with Shikoku. Film fans come for its link to director Yasujiro Ozu, whose film Tokyo Story was partly shot here, and for the old merchant houses and small shops along the waterfront.
Onomichi suits a slow trip. A day covers the temple paths, the old lanes and a bowl of local ramen, plus a ferry to one of the islands. Plan at least two nights if you want to cycle part of the Shimanami Kaido. Spring, when cherry trees bloom on the hillsides, and autumn, when the weather is milder, are the most comfortable times to visit. Summer is hot and humid.
Onomichi in five
- Get a Suica or ICOCA card for trainsJR trains around Onomichi take IC cards, and Suica and ICOCA work across Japan. Buy one at a station ticket machine before you ride, so you do not queue at the window.Getting around
- Carry yen in cash for small shopsSome ramen counters, cafes and small guesthouses take only cash. Withdraw at a 7-Eleven or Japan Post Bank ATM, which often accept foreign cards.Money and costs
- Rent a bike for the Shimanami routeThe cycling route across the islands to Imabari starts in Onomichi, and rental shops near the station rent bikes for it. The full route is roughly 60 km, so plan it as a long day.
- Get an eSIM before you landMaps, train apps and bike routes need data from the first hour, and some small shops do not have Wi-Fi. Set up the eSIM before the flight and check that the plan covers Japan.Phones and eSIM
- Ride the Senkoji Park ropeway upThe ropeway climbs above the town for the view over the harbor and the bridges. The stone steps between the temples are steep, so use the ropeway for the climb and walk down.
Need to know
- Currency
- Yen (JPY)
- Entry
- Visa-free short stays for many passports; check the visa page before you book Read more
- Emergency
- 110 police, 119 fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Time
- UTC+9, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCold, dry
- FebruaryCold, dry
- MarchBlossom starts
- AprilCherry blossom
- MayGolden Week
- JuneRainy season
- JulyHot, humid
- AugustHot, humid
- SeptemberTyphoon risk
- OctoberMild, clear
- NovemberAutumn color
- DecemberCool, clear
Right now in Onomichi
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
10
- Feels like
- 10°
- Humidity
- 81%
- Wind
- 5 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 0%
Onomichi
08:23 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today21°12°0%Tuesday: Clear. High 21°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Wed19°14°11%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 19°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 11%.
- Thu20°15°53%Thursday: Rain. High 20°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 53%.
- Fri21°9°31%Friday: Drizzle. High 21°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 31%.
- Sat16°6°0%Saturday: Clear. High 16°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sun16°6°1%Sunday: Cloudy. High 16°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 1%.
- Mon15°7°2%Monday: Cloudy. High 15°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 2%.
Updated 05:02 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 157.5 JPY
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Every year
- MayHiroshima Flower FestivalHiroshima, a day trip
Day trips by train
- Hiroshimaabout 1 hour by JR trainPeace Memorial Park and museum, on the same train line.
- Imabariabout 4 to 6 hours by bikeThe far end of the Shimanami Kaido bridges, with islands and lemon groves on the way.
- Kurashikiabout 1 to 1.5 hours by trainA canal-side old town with preserved merchant houses and museums.
Before you go to Onomichi
Rules for Onomichi, checked
- Many passports enter Japan visa-free for short stays, but not all. Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa page before you book.Source
- Declare food, plants, meat and some medicines on the arrival form. Check the medicine rules with Japan Customs before you pack prescription drugs.Source
- Carry your passport with you, since police can ask foreign visitors to show it.
- Smoke only in marked areas, and do not drop cigarette ends on the street.
Plan around Onomichi
Regions, entry rules, trains and money for a Japan trip
Read the guideGetting around JapanTrains, buses and rail passes to and from Onomichi
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, cards and IC cards for a short Japan trip
Read the guideVisas and entryWho needs a visa and how to check entry before you fly
Read the guideWhere to stayStation, harbor and hillside bases compared
Read the guidePhones and eSIMData for maps, trains and the bike route
Read the guideOnomichi FAQ
Is Onomichi worth visiting?
Yes, for the temple paths, the harbor and the cycling route to Imabari. It suits a slow trip of two or three days, with sea views and old lanes to walk.
How many days do you need in Onomichi?
Two nights cover the temple walk, the ropeway, the old lanes and a cycle on the Shimanami route. A day trip works if you only want the hillside temples and a bowl of local ramen.
How do you get to Onomichi from Hiroshima?
Take the JR Sanyo Line local train, which takes about an hour. Check departures on the JR West website before you travel.
When is the best time to visit Onomichi?
March and April for cherry blossom, and October and November for mild, clear weather. June and July bring the rainy season and humidity, and September can bring typhoons.
Is Onomichi walkable?
Yes around the station and the harbor, but the temple paths climb steep stone steps and slopes. Wear shoes with grip and use the ropeway to go up.
Where is Cat Street in Onomichi?
Cat Street, known locally as Neko no Michi, is a short lane in the old town with cat sculptures and small shops. It is easy to add to a walk between the station and the temples.