Onomichi Old Temples and Shimanami Kaido Cycling One Day Course

This ambitious one day course walks the port town of Onomichi, woven with slopes and alleys, then crosses to the islands by bicycle on the Shimanami Kaido in the afternoon. In the morning you visit old temples such as Senkoji and look down over the town, and in the afternoon you cut through the Seto Inland Sea breeze on a rental bike. You can enjoy two faces of Onomichi, on foot and on wheels, in a single day.

Course Route

9:00 Start in front of Onomichi Station Arrive by train from the Hiroshima direction. Standing before the station, you see the Onomichi scene of houses lining the hillside. 9:30 Up the hill by Senkoji ropeway Ride the ropeway straight up to Senkoji Park. From the observatory you can take in the Onomichi channel and Mukaishima. 10:00 Walk down past temples and alleys Descend slowly through Senkoji, the Path of Literature and the old temples, winding down the slopes and lanes. The famous Cat Alley is around here too. 11:30 Lunch in the shopping street Head to the Onomichi Hondori shopping street at the foot of the hill for the local Onomichi ramen or seafood. 12:30 Rent a bicycle Rent a bike at the cycling terminal in front of Onomichi Station. Expect around 3000 yen for the day. 13:00 Cross to Mukaishima by ferry Take the small ferry across with your bike to Mukaishima on the far shore. The Shimanami Kaido cycling starts here. 13:30 From Mukaishima toward Innoshima Ride from island to island at your own pace, gazing at the blue sea and the bridges. Turn back within a comfortable range. 16:30 Return to Onomichi and return the bike Take the ferry back to Onomichi and return the bike to end the course. A rest at a seaside cafe is recommended.

Highlights

The Onomichi channel seen from the Senkoji Park observatory is the view that symbolizes this town. The narrow alleys, old temples and chance meetings with cats are charms of the hillside town. The Shimanami Kaido offers a special exhilaration of riding over the sea, and the view from the bridges is unforgettable.

Access and Tips

The Shimanami Kaido runs about seventy kilometers from Onomichi to Imabari, so for a single day it is realistic to turn back around Mukaishima or Innoshima rather than crossing the whole route. Rental bikes are busy in peak season, so booking ahead is safer.

A Quick Tip

Slopes and cycling use up energy, so keep hydrated. Choosing an electric assist bike makes the island hills much easier.