1-Day Onomichi & Ikuchijima Island Tour: “The Hill of Hope,” Temples, Ropeway and Ferry

To the east of Hiroshima prefecture, one can find the picturesque city of Onomichi. The temples, hills and stone paths around the city create the beautiful scenery which has bestowed Onomichi the title of “miniature garden.” This location is not only beautiful, but also rich in history and culture. Within, one can visit temples such as Senkoji and Saikokuji, both Buddhist temples which provide some insight into Japanese religion and the city’s past. One of these temples is located at the top of a mountain and can be accessed via ropeway, providing a stunning view of the city landscape. For those searching for stunning landscapes and Japan’s traditional culture, this port city is the ideal destination.

Onomichi is also well known for the several small islands in the Seto Inland Sea which can be accessed from its port or through a 70 km long road connecting all the islands. One such island goes by the name of Ikuchijima, and within it lie the Kosanji Temple Grounds. This temple belongs to the school of True Pure Land Buddhism, the largest sect of Buddhism in Japan. It was founded by Kozo Kosanji as a family temple dedicated to his late mother. The various buildings and structures located within the temple complex were built over the span of more than 30 years and include stunning sights such as the ornate Koyomon Gate, the Thousand Buddha Cave, and the marble garden “The Hill of Hope.”

This 1-Day Tour of Onomichi will give guests the opportunity to visit various remarkable temples and learn more about Buddhism in Japan. You will also be able to enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Seto Inland Sea and access one of its remote islands. Enjoy the beauty, charm, and culture of Onomichi by joining this tour!

Highlights

• Admire the picturesque landscape of Onomichi, the “miniature garden” city
• Experience the Mt. Senkoji Ropeway and take in the stunning sights from inside the cable cart
• Tour the Japanese Buddhist temples Senkoji and Saikokuji, and learn about Japan’s religious practices
• Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the breathtaking Seto Inland Sea and admire the phenomenal view of its many islands
• Disembark at Ikuchijima and explore the unique Kosanji Temple grounds

*For those looking to join the tour from Kyoto/Osaka/Hiroshima, please see the FAQ section.

Description

This tour will begin at Shin-Onomichi Station at 9:00 AM. Your guide will meet you outside the Shinkansen gates. From here, your guide will take you to your first destination, Onomichi. It is also possible to join the tour from Onomichi Station starting at 9:45 AM.

We will first take a stroll along the coast and down Kaigan Dori Street. Here, you will see how Onomichi learned its title of "miniature garden city." The seaside walkway is lined with retro-style street lamps and offers a fantastic view of the water and the many fishing ships docked there. Guests will be able to appreciate the fantastic landscape and enjoy the refreshing breeze as we make our way to the first temple visit.

This walk will take us to our first temple of the day, Saikokuji. At the entrance of the temple grounds, we will encounter the unique Niomon Gate, famous for its straw sandals of various sizes. These sandals have been placed here as prayers for healthy legs. From here, we will climb 108 stone steps to reach the Main Hall. These steps are particularly stunning during spring, when the Sakura trees lining both sides form a beautiful tunnel of pink blossoms.

Once you reach the top, your guide will provide you with a tour of the temple grounds and explain the history and basics of Japanese Buddhism. You will learn how the religion first arrived to the country and the ways in which it is practiced today.

You will then head to the foot of Senkoji mountain, where you will board the ropeway which will take you to the submit. This ropeway creates the illusion of floating above the city and provides a wonderful view of Onomichi. Inside the cabin, guests will also be able to observe the mountain's many temples and abundant greenery.

Once we exit the cabin, our first stop will be the Senkoji Peak Observatory. We will ascend a spiral structure which will once again allow guests to observe the beauty of Onomichi from a high vantage point. Here, you will be able to take the best pictures of the Onomichi Channel and city landscape.

Next, we will walk down the Bungaku no Komichi path, a walking trail in which one can read passages from various Japanese authors inscribed upon rocks along the way. This serene walk surrounded by nature is an opportunity to get into a relaxed headspace and immerse yourself in the culture of the city.

It's important to note that Onomichi is known as a "cat town," so keep an eye out for these furry friends as we explore Mt. Senkoji.

The walking trail will lead us to the iconic Senkoji Temple, one of Onomichi's most famous landmarks. This stunning temple was founded in the 9th century and is easily recognizable for its vermillion Main Hall located on the hillside. Enshrined within this hall is Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion, who people pray to for multiple reasons such as good health, traffic safety, finding a partner, etc. The smell of incense, the beautiful view of the city, and the surrounding nature, all come together to create an unforgettable experience. Guests will have the opportunity to pray, purchase amulets, and briefly explore the temple grounds and its surrounding area on their own before descending the mountain on foot.

Next, we will head to the Hondori Shopping Street area to enjoy some free time and lunch. While not particularly big, this street has an old-fashioned vibe with quaint and antique shops for those looking to purchase some souvenirs. Here, we recommend you try the local specialty, Onomichi Ramen, which is made with a soy sauce-based broth and pork fat to add flavor. You could also eat some Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki which comes with noodles on top. Lastly, due to its location by the Seto Inland Sea, Onomichi is well-known for its fresh seafood, so this would be a great opportunity to enjoy some sushi or oysters as well.

After lunch, your guide will take you to the Onomichi Port Terminal, where you will board a ferry and depart on a 40-minute boat ride to the island of Ikuchijima. As you sail across the Seto Inland Sea, you will have access to a fantastic view of the many small islands lying within it.

Once you disembark, you will be led to the next destination, Kosanji Temple. Located not too far from the port, these temple grounds were founded in 1936 and built in honor of the founder’s late mother. Kosanji belongs to the school of True Pure Land Buddhism and the whole temple complex took more than 30 years to be fully constructed. Your guide will provide you with an in-depth tour of the extensive grounds and the necessary historical context to fully appreciate this exceptional location.

Kosanji fairly unique since it is not an ancient temple, but rather an eclectic collection of structures modeled after some of Japan’s most famous religious sites, not all of them Buddhist. For example, its elaborate Koyomon Gate is inspired by the Yomeimon Gate at the well-renowned Nikkō Tōshogū Shinto Shrine. Another notable structure is the five-storied pagoda modeled after the Buddhist Muroji Temple’s ancient pagoda. The multiple pavilions located within the temple grounds are also based on various halls which can be found throughout Japan.

While these structures are not original and do not individually hold historical significance to Ikuchijima, the great efforts put into recreating them and placing them all together in a singular location make this temple well worth visiting.

Despite most of the buildings in Kosanji being replicas, there are still some unique sites which can only be found within this temple complex. One of these is the “Cave of 1,000 Buddhas,” an underground passage which lies beneath Main Hall area. This cave is filled with approximately one thousand stone Buddha statues, as well as decorated with pictures representing hell and paradise. Guests entering the passage can experience a “descent into Buddhist hell” culminating into a reemergence back into the world of the living.

Within Kosanji also lies its arguably most recognizable landmark, “The Hill of Hope.” This marble garden was created by the Japanese sculptor, Itto Kuetani, over a period of 16 years. The garden opened in late 2000 and is filled with various monuments which incorporate the surrounding scenery in order to achieve harmony with nature. This type of structure cannot be found anywhere else in Japan and thus is a must-see for people visiting Onomichi. At the top of the hill, you will not only be able to admire the marble structures, but also gain a fantastic view of the island. 

After finishing the tour of the temple grounds, your guide will lead you back to the port area, where you will once again board the ferry and head back to Onomichi. From here, you will have the option of concluding the tour either at Onomichi Station, located next to the port, or in front of the Shinkansen gates at Shin-Onomichi Station, which is just a short bus ride away from Onomichi Station.

TOUR MEETUP POINT

SHIN-ONOMICHI STATION @ 9:00 A.M OR ONOMICHI STATION @ 9:45 AM

The meetup point is in front of the Shinkansen gates inside Shin-Onomichi Station. When you arrive, be sure to look for the guide holding a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour sign. If you are joining the tour from Onomichi Station, please wait for the tour guide by the South Entrance/Exit.

Shin-Onomichi Station

Onomichi Station

NOTES

Included

• English speaking guide
• Entry fees at all tour locations
• Transportation to/from activities
• Ropeway tickets (One-Way)
• Ferry tickets (Round-Trip)

Excluded

• Lunch
• Accommodation
• Transportation to meeting point

Other Information

• This tour involves several hours of walking outdoors. We recommend that you wear shoes and clothes which are easy to walk in. Please check the weather forecast before you head to the meetup point and prepare an umbrella or raincoat if necessary.
• There is a 40-minute-long ferry ride on this tour. We ask that you take precautionary measures if you are prone to experiencing seasickness.
• In the summer, temperature highs are around 32 °C (90 °F) and above with extreme humidity. We recommend wearing something light and airy while minding sunburn and heatstroke. A parasol, sunblock, and drinking water are highly encouraged.
• Winter temperatures in Hiroshima average between 1°C-10°C. (34°F-50°F). Please wear warm clothing and footwear appropriate for cold conditions.