Onomichi is a charming old port town on the Seto Inland Sea, built on a steep hillside laced with narrow lanes, stone stairways and cats, looking out over a channel busy with ships. Its signature experience is the Temple Walk, a marked trail linking some twenty-five temples along the slope, threading between old wooden houses, hidden shrines and viewpoints over the sea and islands. Along the way runs the famous Cat Alley (Neko no Hosomichi), decorated with painted cat stones and home to real strays, cafes and craft shops. A ropeway climbs to a hilltop park, and the town’s atmospheric, slightly faded charm has long drawn writers and film-makers.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Onomichi, Hiroshima |
| Hours | Town always open; temples daytime |
| Admission | Free to walk; some temples small fees |
| Time needed | Half day |
| Best time | Year-round; clear days for sea views |
What to See
- The Temple Walk linking some 25 hillside temples.
- Cat Alley, decorated with cat stones and real strays.
- Steep lanes, stone stairways and sea views.
- A ropeway to a hilltop park over the channel.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with the Shimanami Kaido cycling route starting here.
- Pair with Tomonoura further east.
- Read our Hiroshima overview .
Getting There
- By train: JR to Onomichi Station, at the foot of the hillside.
- On foot: the temple trail begins near the station and climbs the slope.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes for the steep lanes and stairways, and take the ropeway up then walk down through the temples and Cat Alley, which is far easier than climbing. Allow a relaxed half-day to wander rather than rushing the whole temple trail, stop at the hillside cafes for the sea views, and note Onomichi is also the mainland start of the Shimanami Kaido cycling route.
