Gazing at Onomichi Bridge amidst the sound of wind chimes - Senkoji Temple

Transportation: Take the train to JR Onomichi Station (Sanyo Main Line), then walk about 15 minutes to take the cable car uphill.
Visit Time: June 2024

Onomichi is a small seaside town that might have once been a fishing village, but now it seems to have quite a bit of shipbuilding industry. Since it's not a major tourist hotspot, there aren't many people around. Occasionally, you might spot a few foreigners (noticeably non-Asian), and even the locals are sparse.

To reach Senkoji Temple, you first need to pass through Hon-dori Shopping Street after leaving the station to take the cable car. Hon-dori Shopping Street has small alleys branching off on both sides—one side offers views of the railway, while the other side overlooks the port. The street has a somewhat Showa-era vibe, with buildings that are neither too new nor too old, and quite a few mixed-style structures combining Japanese and Western elements.

The cable car runs every 15 minutes, with a small cabin. The ride is very short, lasting about three minutes, and it takes you to the cable car station at the top of the hill. From there, you can walk down the mountain along a small path. Along the way, there are signs with poems or verses, seemingly describing the scenery of Onomichi.

As you descend, you'll arrive at Senkoji Temple, where you can hear the sound of wind chimes from afar. With the sea breeze and the chime sounds, it feels refreshingly cool. The entire temple is built on the mountainside, blending with the natural rocks at varying heights. One of Senkoji's famous sights is the bell tower "Kyo-on-ro" (Echo Tower), which has been selected by Japan's Ministry of the Environment as one of the "100 Soundscapes of Japan." However, you can't hear the bell being rung on-site, nor can you ring it yourself. The view from here is excellent, offering a bird's-eye view of the Onomichi Waterway and the distant Onomichi Bridge.

The temple sells a wide variety of amulets, as well as numerous types of ema (wooden prayer plaques) and omikuji (fortune slips). There are also many different styles of omikuji to choose from.

Post by AndreaJulio | May 21, 2025