Onomichi see · Onomichi attractions
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Onomichi attractions
Onomichi attractions
Onomichi is best known for two walks. The Path of Literature (文学のこみち Bungaku no komichi) is the shorter of the two, winding its way downhill from Senkōji Park back to the city. It features 24 stones, carved with memorable quotes from Japanese authors linked to Onomichi; alas, they're all in Japanese, but it's a pleasant stroll through woods, temples, and shrines just the same.
At the bottom of the hill, the path merges with the well-signposted Old Temple Loop (古寺めぐり Koji-meguri), which connects 25 of Onomichi's better-known temples in a 2km east-west walk. The western end is a short distance from the train station, beginning with the stone gate of Jikoji (持光寺); to start at the eastern end, take the bus to Jodoji-shita and head to Kairyuji (海龍寺).
Senkōji Park (千光寺公園 Senkōji-kōen), (Nagae-guchi bus stop), ☎ +81 0848-22-4900, . The starting point for the Path of Literature, Senkōji Park is famous for its cherry blossoms (in season); there are also great views of the Seto Inland Sea and Onomichi's massive shipyards. Located atop a small hill, the park is best reached on the Senkoji Ropeway (9AM-5:15PM, �270/430 one-way/return adults, half-price kids). �
Senkōji (千光寺), (Nagae-guchi bus stop), ☎ +81 0848-23-2310, . Halfway down the Path of Literature, this is the largest temple on the hill, and #7 on the Old Temple Loop. Senkōji's specialty is the grinning Niko Niko Jizō doll, the "always smiling protector of children" that most Buddhist sages would have a fairly hard time recognizing as the boddhisattva Ksitigarbha. Look for the massive Kyo-onro bell tower, which rings in the New Year for Onomichi. Free. �
Jikoji (持光寺), 9-2 Nishi Tsuchi-do, ☎ +81 0848-23-2411. The first stop on the Old Temple Loop, Jikoji is notable mainly for its imposing stone gate and the chance to create your own nigiri botoke, a miniature Buddha statue that is made by squeezing a lump of clay in your fist; the temple will fire the clay and send you the finished product by mail (�1500 plus postage). ¥500. �
Tenneiji (天寧寺), 17-29 Higashi Tsuchi-do, ☎ +81 0848-22-2078. #6 on the Old Temple Loop. The 500 statues in the Rakan Hall are an impressive sight, and best followed by a visit to the (unconnected) Maneki-Neko Museum next door, which has a whopping 1,500 statues of Japan's famous Lucky Cats. �
Saikokuji (西国寺), 29-27 Nishi Kubo-cho (Saikokuji-shita bus stop), ☎ +81 0848-37-0321. #17 on the Old Temple Loop. Giants tread here before you; check out the huge straw sandals hanging from the Niomon Gate. The striking red pagoda is a National Treasure. Free to walk the temple grounds, ¥400 main hall. �
Jōdōji (浄土寺), 20-28 Higashi Kubo-cho (Jodoji-shita bus stop), ☎ +81 0848-37-2361, . 8AM-5PM. #23 on the Old Temple Loop. Jodoji is believed to have been founded more than 1400 years ago by Prince Shotoku, who wrote Japan's first constitution. Its main hall and pagoda are designated National Treasures, while the gate and Amida Hall are Important Cultural Properties. Despite the name, this is actually a Shingon (not Jodo) sect temple. Free to walk the temple grounds; ¥500 garden, ¥400 treasure hall. �
Onomichi City Museum of Art, 17-19 Nishi Tsuchi-do (Senkōji Park), ☎ +81 0848-23-2281. Tu-Su 9AM-5PM. Features a modest collection of Chinese, Japanese, and Western art and handicrafts. However, the building itself tends to attract the most attention, having been redesigned by star architect Tadao Ando in 2003. Free, special exhibitions ¥1000. �
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Onomichi Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
