Model Course
Old Temples and Alleys Course
The course explores four old temples designated as cultural properties forming the basis for Japan Heritage designation, and the network of alleys unique to Onomichi.
Time required: Approx. 3 hours
1 Onomichi Station
Onomichi Station is served by the JR Sanyo Main Line
(a local line distinct from the Sanyo Shinkansen).
Address: 1-1 Higashi Gosho-cho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima
5 minutes by bus
2 Jodoji Temple〈Japan Heritage〉
Follow the Onomichi Channel into the port, and straight ahead lies this old temple with treasures of the Middle Ages. From the main hall, a wonderful national treasure, to the two-storied multi-treasure pagoda, the entire temple grounds are designated as a national treasure.
Address: 20-28 Higashi Kubo-cho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima
5 minutes on foot
3 Saigoji Temple〈Japan Heritage〉
Beloved by locals, this temple is embodies mountain living. It also neighbors an elementary school built in the early Showa period, connected by the temple approach.
Address: 8-40 Higashi Kubo-cho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima
11 minutes on foot
4
Saikokuji Temple
〈Japan Heritage 〉
Climb the 108 stone steps, and set your eyes on a calm temple building that looks straight out of an ancient scroll, with the Onomichi Channel flowing below. The spacious grounds and beautiful view are fitting of the place praised as “the best temple in the West.
Address: 29-27 Nishi Kubo-cho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima
8 minutes on foot
5 Joshoji Temple〈Japan Heritage〉
A temple, here?! Pass through the alleyway, and suddenly, the main gate appears before you, standing between houses. A railway and National Route split up the grounds of this Middle Age temple, which blends fully into the town.
Address: 8-3 Nishi Kubo-cho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima
2 minutes on foot
6 Ishiyacho—Shingai
From Joshoji Temple, cross the Sanyo Main Line and national highway to the temple’s main gate situated amid private homes. This leads to the Ishiyacho alley. Beyond the alley is the Shingai entertainment district with a labyrinthine network of narrower alleys.
Address: Kubo Nichome, Onomichi City, Hiroshima
2 minutes on foot
7 Yasaka Shrine
Yasaka Shrine originally stood in the premises of Joshoji Temple, but was relocated in the Meiji period (1868–1912) under orders to separate Shinto from Buddhism. In late July, the shrine hosts the annual Gion Festival known for the trio of portable shrines.
Address: Kubo Nichome, Onomichi City, Hiroshima
2 minutes on foot
8 Soraiken garden〈Japan Heritage〉
Miniature gardens inside this miniature garden-like town? The Japanese garden of Souraiken, a villa for the Hashimoto family of business tycoons in the Edo Period, was connected by a river to the Onomichi Channel at that time.
Address: 2-6-6 Kubo, Onomichi City, Hiroshima
