a weekend in onomichi | a seaside ghibli town with 25 temples, cats and cafes

Introduction

As soon as we booked our flights to Tokyo, Onomichi was the first destination that beckoned from my ever-growing travel bucket list. Thanks to a tip from Glor of Food and Travel HK during a dim sum lunch in Hong Kong, I learned that Onomichi, a charming seaside town, boasts an abundance of visually stunning alleyways, adorable cafes, and an impressive 25 temples to explore.

Arriving in Onomichi

Our adventure kicked off on a leisurely train ride bound for Shin-Osaka. After a smooth ride, we were given a heads up about our brief stop in Okayama, with the exit on the left side of the train. Once we arrived in Onomichi, the excitement surged as we prepared for our 15-minute walk to the hotel. The journey quickly turned into a workout as we carried our bags up numerous staircases, as we hadn’t quite anticipated the number of stairs along Google Maps’ recommended route.

Exploring Local Snacks and Culinary Delights

After settling in, we ventured out to explore local snacks. Our snack stash for the next two days included some irresistible corn chips from Lawson and a novel Yuzu chip for good measure. After rallying our energy, we headed out to sample Onomichi-style ramen, which is famed for its unique flavor profile and quality ingredients. Walking through the streets, we stumbled upon a store filled with lemon-themed goodies, further heightening our excitement for the day ahead.

Immersing in the Local Culture

The following day, we woke up energized and ready to experience the town. As we traversed through Onomichi’s breathtaking alleyways, which seemed to emerge straight from an anime series, we marveled at the cozy cafes, quaint shops, and numerous temples, each with its unique character and charm.

Breakfast was a delightful spread featuring a big sheet of butter and salt, offering us a hearty start to the day. With our bellies full, we made our way to the Onomichi City Museum of Art, enjoying the fluffy clouds overhead and the scenic beauty around us.

Discovering Sweet Treats

After a fulfilling museum visit, we hopped on bikes to explore more of the town. Our friendly excursion had a sweet twist as we ventured to grab some delicious pudding known to be a local favorite. The quaint local shops where we stopped added to the charm of this seaside destination.

Later in the day, we made our way to Cat Alley—a popular spot. While there weren't many live cats around, we enjoyed the playful cat sculptures dotting the area. However, just when we thought all hope was lost, we stumbled upon a real cat lounging in the shade, blending seamlessly into the cat-themed decor of the town.

An Evening of Discovery

As the day turned to evening, we headed off to dinner. The vibrant ambience of Onomichi was palpable, with its charming candy shops, sake breweries, and restaurants all contributing to the delightful chaos of a seaside town. We found ourselves enchanted by a vintage store filled with unique finds, all while enjoying the warm and inviting atmosphere that stretched into the night.

In closing, Onomichi revealed itself as a beautiful blend of seaside charm, culinary wonders, and rich culture, making it a perfect weekend getaway. We left filled with delightful memories and an ever-expanding love for Japan’s hidden gems.

Keywords

• Onomichi
• Travel
• Temples
• Seaside
• Cafes
• Snacks
• Ramen
• Cats
• Alleyways
• Culture

FAQ

1. What is Onomichi famous for?
Onomichi is famous for its beautiful seaside views, charming alleyways, a rich array of temples (25 in total), and a vibrant local culinary scene, including Onomichi-style ramen.

2. How do you get to Onomichi?
You can reach Onomichi via train from major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, making it a convenient stop on your Japan itinerary.

3. What are some must-try foods in Onomichi?
Some local specialties include Onomichi-style ramen and various snacks available at local stores, such as corn chips and unique sweets.

4. Are there many cats in Onomichi?
While Onomichi is known for its Cat Alley, which features cat sculptures, there are indeed some real cats around the town, adding to its charm.

5. What is the best time to visit Onomichi?
Anytime is great to visit Onomichi, but spring and autumn are particularly beautiful due to mild weather and stunning scenery.