Onomichi is a town of hills and sea. Among its many faces—historic temples, scenic viewpoints, and film locations—Senkōji Park stands out as a special place.
Take a ride on the ropeway for a sky-high stroll, or wander through the town’s charming old streets.
Why not experience a slightly different side of Onomichi?
Senkōji Park is located near JR Onomichi Station in Hiroshima Prefecture.
Here are two main routes: one from Tokyo and one from Osaka.
Tokyo Station → Onomichi Station
By Shinkansen (Approx. 4 to 4.5 hours total)
Take the Tōkaidō–Sanyō Shinkansen (Nozomi) from Tokyo Station to Fukuyama Station (Approx. 3 hours 40 minutes)
Note: Nozomi trains are fast and frequent.
Transfer to the JR Sanyō Main Line and take a local train to Onomichi Station (Approx. 20–25 minutes)
Approximate cost:
Around ¥18,000 one way (non-reserved Shinkansen seat + local train)
Osaka Station → Onomichi Station
By Shinkansen (Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours)
Travel to Shin-Osaka Station (Approx. 5 minutes via JR Kyoto Line)
Take the Sanyō Shinkansen (Nozomi or Hikari) to Fukuyama Station (Approx. 1 hour)
Transfer to the JR Sanyō Main Line and ride to Onomichi Station (Approx. 20–25 minutes)
Approximate cost:
Around ¥8,500 one way (non-reserved Shinkansen seat + local train)
Senkōji Park is located on a hilltop, so the ropeway is the easiest and most scenic way to reach it.
Here’s how to get to the ropeway station.
By foot
Walk east for about 15 minutes from the south exit of JR Onomichi Station.
By Bus
After exiting the south gate of JR Onomichi Station, you’ll see a rotary (roundabout) right in front of you. Turn to the right and head toward the bus stop where the buses are parked.
Take the “Eastbound” bus from Stop No. 1.
Ride for about 5 minutes, then get off at “Nagaeguchi” bus stop, which is located at the base of Senkōji Park.
Onomichi, a town often featured as a filming location, is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Hiroshima Prefecture.
At the heart of it is Senkōji Park, one of the city’s iconic destinations.
The park and its surrounding streets have appeared in several well-known Japanese films, such as The Transfer Student and The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.
There is also an observation deck known as “PEAK”, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Onomichi’s cityscape and the Onomichi Channel—making it a perfect photo spot.
Within the grounds of Senkōji Temple, you’ll find numerous Buddhist halls.
It’s a place where history and nature harmonize beautifully, full of character and charm.
Senkōji Park is highly recommended for those who love shrines, temples, nature, and history.
The Transfer Student (1982)
A coming-of-age film set in Onomichi, known for its beautiful scenery.
Filming locations include Senkōji Mountain and the Onomichi Channel, showcasing the natural beauty of the area.
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (1983)
This classic film also uses Onomichi as its main setting, featuring Ushitora Shrine, the area around Senkōji, and Onomichi’s nostalgic townscape as key backdrops.
Note: The animated film directed by Mamoru Hosoda is a sequel to the original movie. While there is no official statement confirming that the setting in the anime is Senkōji Park, several scenes strongly resemble it—making it fun to compare the animation to the real-life locations.
Ushitora Shrine: Featured in a scene where the main character, Kazuko (played by Tomoyo Harada), time-travels. The giant camphor tree within the shrine is especially memorable.
Path beside Ushitora Shrine: Appears in the scene where Kazuko runs toward the “Saturday experiment room.”
Café Common: A retro-style café near the lower ropeway station, known for its waffles. It has appeared in several Nobuhiko Ōbayashi films including The Transfer Student and For You.
These locations, along with Onomichi’s sloped streets and traditional townscape, help create the nostalgic, cinematic atmosphere of the films.
It’s an enjoyable experience to explore the town while comparing it to scenes from these classic works.
When visiting Senkōji Park, be sure to head up to the PEAK observation deck!
You can ride the ropeway from the base station or take a bus to the Nagaeguchi stop and hike up for about 15–20 minutes.
Ropeway Information
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:15 PM daily (Every 15 minutes; extra runs during busy times)
Ride Duration: Approx. 3 minutes
Route: From base station (Nagaeguchi) to summit station (inside Senkōji Park)
Fares
Adults: ¥500 one-way / ¥700 round-trip
Children: ¥250 one-way / ¥350 round-trip
Closed Days: Open daily (Service may be suspended during severe weather or maintenance)
Founded in 806
Senkōji Temple (officially Daihōzan Gongen-in Senkōji) was established in 806 CE by Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai), during the early Heian period.
Development into a Public Park (Meiji–Taishō Era)
In 1894, the temple’s head priest Jitsuen Tada donated 1,347 tsubo (approx. 4,450 square meters) of temple land to create a park called Kyōrakuen.
It was later gifted to the city of Onomichi in 1905 and officially renamed Senkōji Park.
The park is especially famous for cherry blossoms and has been selected as one of the “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan.”
The combination of sea, sky, cherry trees, and temple structures creates a breathtaking landscape.
We recommend visiting during the cherry blossom season from late March to mid-April.
At night, the trees are illuminated with soft lanterns, offering a magical view of cherry blossoms glowing above the Onomichi Channel.
Illumination Schedule for 2025:
March 15 (Sat) – April 13 (Sun), from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM the next morning
Founded in 806 CE, around the same time as Senkōji Temple, Ushitora Shrine is considered the oldest shrine in Onomichi’s historic district.
The name “Ushitora” refers to the northeast direction in the Chinese theory of yin and yang, traditionally seen as a vulnerable point.
By being located at this direction, the shrine was believed to protect the entire town.
The shrine grounds feature four giant camphor trees, each estimated to be around 900 years old.
The largest tree stands over 40 meters tall with a trunk circumference of more than 7 meters, and is designated a Natural Monument of Hiroshima Prefecture.
While it’s possible to reach Senkōji Park without using the ropeway, we recommend taking it for a more enjoyable experience.
Here’s our suggested route:
1. Head to Senkōji Park
Enjoy a scenic ride on the ropeway as you ascend to the mountaintop.
It takes about 3 minutes from the base station to the top.
When you get off, you’ll find yourself right in Senkōji Park.
2. Visit the PEAK Observation Deck
From the ropeway station, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the observation deck.
From there, you can enjoy sweeping views of Onomichi’s cityscape and the Onomichi Channel.
On a clear day, it becomes an amazing photo spot with breathtaking scenery.
3. Stroll and Visit Temples
There are several temples within Senkōji Park, so take your time exploring and paying your respects as you go.
One of them is Senkōji Temple, located about a 10-minute walk from the observation deck.
While photography was not allowed inside, you’ll find many traditional items such as omikuji (fortune slips) and omamori (protective charms) available.
4. Ushitora Shrine
From Senkōji, you can either walk downhill to reach the shrine or return to the ropeway summit station and ride back down to the base station—either route takes about the same time.
If you choose to walk, please be aware that the path has many slopes.
If you take the ropeway down, you’ll find the shrine path entrance right next to the base station.
Ushitora Shrine is home to camphor trees that are over 900 years old, creating a solemn and majestic atmosphere that leaves a strong impression on visitors.
Don’t forget to stop by and offer a prayer here as well!
Address:
1-3-5 Nagae, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
About a 15-minute walk from JR Onomichi Station.
Located right next to the ropeway base station.
[Google Maps]
Ushitora Shrine is said to be the oldest shrine in Onomichi.
The shrine grounds are home to four massive camphor trees, all designated Natural Monuments of Hiroshima Prefecture.
The largest tree—pictured above in front of the main hall—is estimated to be about 900 years old, standing 40 meters tall with a trunk circumference of over 7 meters, creating an awe-inspiring presence.
Ushitora Shrine has also served as a filming location for movies and anime, including works by Onomichi-born director Nobuhiko Ōbayashi, such as The Girl Who Leapt Through Time and For You.
It’s also said to have inspired the “Raifuku Shrine” featured in the anime Kamichu!.
Hours: Open 24 hours (Year-round)
Admission: Free
Nearest station: JR Onomichi Station
Nearest bus stop: Nagaeguchi
From station: 15-minute walk
From bus stop: 5-minute walk
5. Explore Onomichi’s Shopping Street
Treat yourself to delicious Onomichi ramen or a slice of cheesecake as you stroll through the area.
At the end of your journey, be sure to try Onomichi’s local specialty: Onomichi Ramen.There are many places to enjoy this beloved dish, but today we’ll introduce a popular spot located in Onomichi’s shopping street—Ichibankan.
You can also customize your bowl with toppings like extra chashu pork or plenty of green onions, depending on your preference.
What makes Onomichi Ramen unique is its soy sauce–based broth, topped with minced pork back fat that floats on the surface—giving it a rich appearance.
However, the flavor is surprisingly light. The sweetness and umami of the fat create a perfectly balanced taste.
One traveler from Hawaii I met was especially excited to try Onomichi Ramen after visiting the shrine!
Ramen truly is a favorite among international visitors, too!
Here’s a look at the menu—
The prices are quite reasonable, too.
A true local soul food and a must-try when visiting Onomichi:
Onomichi Ramen—don’t miss it!
Onomichi Ramen Ichibankan (Main Branch)
Address: 2-9-26 Tsuchidō, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
[Google Maps]
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed: Fridays
Phone: 0848-21-1119
Payment: Cash only
From the south exit of Onomichi Station, walk to the left along the train tracks and you’ll find a charming shopping street.
One highly recommended stop is Yamaneko, a shop known for its delicious cheesecake and soft-serve ice cream.
Address: 2-9-33 Tsuchidō, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
[Google Maps]
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 0848-21-5355
Menu: Cheesecake, soft-serve ice cream, drinks, and more
Price Range: Around ¥500 per item
Payment Methods: Cash, PayPay
They also offer plenty of drinks and soft-serve options perfect for eating on the go.
It’s a great idea to stroll through the shopping street while enjoying a treat!
Onomichi’s shopping street has a nostalgic charm and retains the feel of old Japan.
If you’re visiting Senkōji Park, be sure to include a stop here as part of your trip.
Note: This information is current as of June 4, 2025.
Sakakibara Onse…
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