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Onomichi Walking Tour
Onomichi is a charming seaside town known for its nostalgic atmosphere and scenic hillside views.
Stone steps, narrow lanes, and historic temples create a unique townscape perfect for leisurely walks.
The Shimanami Kaido cycling route starts here, offering spectacular bridges and island scenery across the Seto Inland Sea.
Cozy cafés, local sweets, and art spots add to Onomichi’s relaxed and creative vibe.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Hiroshima JR station (North/Shinkansen Exit) or Onomichi/Fukuyama JR station
- Hiroshima JR station: In front of a Tourist Information (Seven-Eleven Side) ***You can also start and end the tour at Onomichi or Fukuyama Station. In that case, the tour will be shorter (about 7 hours instead of 9), and the tour price will be lower.
Onomichi Hondori-Shopping Street
Onomichi Hondori Shopping Street is a 1.2 km long street stretching east from the Fumiko statue in front of JR Onomichi Station. Hondori Shopping Street is made up of six shopping streets and is lined with nearly 300 stores. It is bustling with many events every month, such as the "Saturday Night Shops" and "Tanabata Decorations" in the summer and the "Onomichi Festival" in the fall.
Ushitora Shrine
Ushitora Shrine is said to be the oldest Shinto shrine in Onomichi. The camphor tree in the grounds, as old as 900 years of age and with a circumference of 7 meters, is designated a Natural Monument. The premises were the setting for the films The Girl Who Leapt Through Time and Chizuko’s Younger Sister, and more recently were featured in the anime TV series Kamichu!
Cat Alley (Noko no Hosomichi)
In 1997 Shunji Sonoyama, a French artist, found inspiration in a few abandoned sloping streets winding their way through Onomichi. The area known as Ihatov is filled with quirky art galleries, garden cafes, sake bars and “fukuishi neko” (lucky stone cats). Shunji Sonoyama hand painted 108 of these stone cats each unique with different expressions. Visitors can find these feline statues on fences, in trees, on roofs and within the cafes. It is believed you will receive good fortune if you stroke their heads 3 times.
Senkoji-Temple
Senkoji Temple is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Onomichi. The temple is located halfway up Mt. Taiho and is said to have been built about 1,200 years ago. The vermilion-lacquered main hall, also known as the “red hall,” is said to be unique in its beauty and has been preserved in many postcards and photographs since ancient times. The Senkoji ropeway, which departs from the foot of the mountain, is a convenient way to get to Senkoji. It takes about three minutes to reach the mountainside where Senkoji Temple is located.
Lunch or Cafe Stop
Onomichi City Museum
Onomichi City Museum opened in Senkō-ji Park in 1980 and it reopened to a design by Tadao Ando in 2003. The museum contains artworks by artists connected to the city, such as Guilin-in Hirata and Wasaku Kobayashi, as well as artworks by well known foreign artists such as French painter Georges Rouault.
Onomichi U2
ONOMICHI U2 opened in March 2014. The building, a former shipping warehouse known as Prefectural Warehouse Uwaya No.2, was fully renovated and given a new lease of life. Based on the design concept of “a small town inside a city,” the facility boasts a hotel, restaurant, bar, café, bakery, lifestyle shop and a cycling store all under one roof. The name U2 comes from combining the ‘U’ and the ‘2’ from the original name of the building.
Ending Point
Hiroshima Station
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
-Guiding fee
-Guide's transportation from home to the meet-up place and backward (2300 yen)
-Transportation during the tour: public transportation and metered taxi ***We use Shinkansen (bullet train) from Hiroshima to Fukuyama and JR local line from Fukuyama and Onomichi. It costs approximately 5,000 yen.
-Lunch (incl. snacks & beverages on the way)
-Facility admission fees: Onomichi City Museum (310 yen per adult),
Note*: Please cover the necessary transportation (bullet train from Hiroshima to Fukuyama and also JR local train from Fukuyama and Onomichi) and facility admission fees for the guide during the tour (Guides are almost free of charge at almost all destinations in Hiroshima).
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.
* This tour is NOT wheelchair accessible.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
You can also take the ropeway up to Senkoji Temple, but even though it’s a bit challenging and takes more time, I recommend walking up the steps.
However, for guests who are not confident about their mobility, we will use the ropeway. In that case, the tour may be slightly shorter depending on the timing.
Important message from the supplier
Weekdays are basically available.
Weekends are also available upon request, though, family matters are prioritized.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Keiko K.
Hello, welcome to my profile! I'm Keiko (Kay). As a national certified guide deeply passionate about the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of this area, I am eager to share these experiences with you. With over 16 years of experience living abroad, mostly in Europe, I've had the privilege of immersing myself in diverse cultures and meeting incredible people from around the world. I'm sociable, outgoing and love making new connections wherever I go.
I'm also very active, enjoying sports like badminton, biking, jogging, and dancing, especially zumba and salsa. On top of that, I've been playing the piano for over *xx years, a passion that brings balance to my life. (The reason XX is simply because I hesitate to disclose my age...)
Health and nutrition are important to me, as is the same to everyone, and I love exploring new ways to stay healthy and enjoy good food!
Our itinerary will take us through some of the most iconic landmarks, as well as a few hidden gems that only locals know about. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient architecture, indulging in the local cuisine, or learning about the fascinating history that has shaped this place, I am here to tailor the tour to your interests.
Would I be a good fit for your company here in Hiroshima?
Warm regards,
Keiko(Kay)
Reviews
Leslie ray D.
“hiroshima with keiko”
keiko deserves more than five stars . she was attentive , considerate, knowledgeable, and energetic. we appreciate how she shared insights on hiroshima and japan. she displayed her wealth of knowledge about hiroshima,about japan and about japanese culture within the five hours we were with her. keiko is THE guide for hiroshima !!!!!!
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Keiko K.
Thank you very much for your wonderful review. Like the Filipinos I know, you are all incredibly warm-hearted people, and while guiding you, I truly felt as if I had been welcomed as a member of your family. Thank you so much for that. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas holiday here in Japan, and it would make me especially happy if your time in my hometown of Fukuoka and the Kyushu region becomes a memorable and enjoyable one. I sincerely hope we will meet again someday! Hugs, Keiko
Mitchell T.
“A Wonderful Day on Miyajima Island”
We had an amazing day on Miyajima thanks to our guide. She climbed the mountain with us, shared the history of shrines and temples, and spoke with a real passion that made everything come alive. She helped us take photos and added thoughtful touches throughout the day that made the experience feel personal and memorable. What stood out most was how much she cared about making the day run smoothly. She went above and beyond to make sure we made our train and back from the island, which took a lot of stress away and let us enjoy every moment. It was a magical experience from start to finish and we are very grateful for her care, knowledge, and kindness.
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Keiko K.
Thank you very much for your heartwarming review. I am truly delighted that we were able to climb all the way to the summit of Mt. Misen together, and that I could be present on such a meaningful day for both of you. It was also an unforgettable and precious experience for me as your guide. Thank you so much. I have guided many guests in the past, but not many have made it all the way to the top of Mt. Misen—bravo to both of you! I hope you will visit Hiroshima again someday. Next time, let’s challenge the full hike from the base to the summit! Hugs, Kay
Barbara B.
“Hiroshima half-day and Miyajima full day tour wirh Keiko”
We had two absolutely delightful tours with Keiko. Not only is she extremely knowledgeable about history and the two Japanese religions, Shinto and Buddhism, which were my particular interests, but she provided us with a wealth of information about anything we wanted to know. Moreover she is very polite, helpful, warm-hearted and can adapt the program very flexibly if necessary. We could not have found a more dedicated guide, thank you so much, Keiko Barbara & Werner
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Keiko K.
Thank you so much for your heartfelt review. I truly enjoyed spending those two days with both of you. It was wonderful to see how much interest you had in Japanese culture and history—from the beautiful Shukkeien Garden, the children celebrating Shichi-Go-San at Gokoku Shrine, and the history of the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, to the hike up Mt. Misen and the religious philosophies behind our temples and shrines. I also won’t forget the relaxing time we spent together on the café terrace. I’m grateful to have shared such wonderful moments with both of you. Please do come back to Hiroshima again—I’ll be waiting for you with all my heart. Hugs, Kay (Keiko)
$425/ per group
More tours by Keiko K.
Hiroshima City Tour Highlights (4.5 Hours)
Hiroshima is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. As you explore, don't miss these must-see sites that capture the spirit of the city. This tour includes Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome, Shukkeien (a stunning Japanese garden), and Hiroshima Castle known as "Carp Castle". These sites are a glimpse of what Hiroshima has to offer. The tour is flexible, allowing you to tailor the experience by adding destinations that capture your interest.
Hiroshima City Tour Highlights (4.5 Hours)
Miyajima Full-Day Tour
Discover the beauty and culture of Miyajima island on a full-day tour. Explore the iconic Itsukushima Shrine with its famous floating Torii gate, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through peaceful forests to the Daisho-in Temple, and take a scenic hike or cable car to the top of Mount Misen for breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea. Experience local cuisine while exploring the charming streets. This immersive tour offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and culture!
Miyajima Full-Day Tour
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Saijo Sake Brewery Tour in Higashihiroshima (2.5 Hours)
Step into the heart of Japan’s sake culture in Saijo, a charming town just 35 minutes from Hiroshima by JR train. Stroll along the historic Sake Brewery Street (Sakagura-dori), lined with traditional white-walled storehouses and towering red brick chimneys. Let me take you to this picturesque district, where you’ll learn how sake is made and enjoy tastings at seven different breweries. This tour offers a truly authentic and unforgettable experience—all easily accessible from Hiroshima.
Saijo Sake Brewery Tour in Higashihiroshima (2.5 Hours)
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