Summary
This time, we are going on a 2-day/1-night trip to Onomichi, a city facing the Seto Inland Sea in Hiroshima Prefecture, and Ikuchijima Island in the Seto Inland Sea.
On the first day, we rented a car near Onomichi Station and drove along the Shimanami Kaido.
Cycling around is a good way to get around, but a car is recommended to give you more time.
You can even change your plans at a moment’s notice to stretch your legs a bit.
On the way back, we will return to Onomichi, stopping at a spot with a spectacular view of Innoshima. Overnight stay is at a stylish hotel on the 2nd floor of Onomichi Station.
Islands along the Shimanami Kaido that you can stop by with sightseeing in Onomichi. Please take a look at them for your reference!
*Information and prices listed are subject to change.
Travel Itinerary
10:00am Onomichi Station（尾道駅）
This 2-day/1-night road trip started from Onomichi Station.
I rented a car at “One’s Rent-a-Car Onomichi”.
Close to the station and next to a gas station so it’s super convenient to return ✨
Spot Outline
Onomichi Station, located in Higashi Gosho-cho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, is a station on the West Japan Railway (JR West) Sanyo Main Line. From Onomichi Station, it is convenient to travel to Hiroshima Station and to Fukuyama Station. It is often used as a base for exploring Onomichi and is a popular spot for tourists.
11:00am Setoda Sunset Beach（瀬戸田サンセットビーチ）
Drive along the Shimanami Kaido to the beach.
This is a beach overlooking the calm Seto Inland Sea.
Summer swimming is nice, but I recommend spending a relaxing day at the beach!
Spot Outline
Setoda Sunset Beach is a beautiful 800-meter-long beach located in Setoda-cho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. It has been selected as one of the 88 best beaches in Japan and is also known as one of the best places for sunset on the Shimanami Kaido. The water is crystal clear, and sea kayaking, SUP, and camping are also available.
11:10am Lemon-colored post（レモン色のポスト）
Now that we have enjoyed Sunset Beach, we are ready for the long awaited lunch.
I parked in the parking lot and was walking to the store when I spotted a lemon-colored post.
Apparently local elementary school students and residents painted it the color of lemons!
Spot Outline
Lemon-colored post are located in Setoda-cho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Local elementary school students and residents painted the post boxes in the color of lemons, a local specialty, and there are a total of four of them in the Shiomachi shopping area near the Setoda-cho Tourist Information Center.
12:00om Dining Chidori（御食事処 ちどり）
Lunch is served at this restaurant, which has been in business for 50 years.
You can enjoy octopus dishes from the Seto Inland Sea and lemon hot pot using domestic lemons.
Relaxed atmosphere like a ryotei ✨
Menu
I knew there were many lemon-based dishes on the menu. They look so delicious that I want to eat them all!
Lemon hot pot (for 1 person)
A taste loved by men and women of all ages.
The acidity of the lemon combined with the gentle broth gives it a slightly refreshing taste.
The ingredients include tsumire (fish balls), octopus, and other seafood, making this a luxurious nabe filled with the bounty of the Seto Inland Sea!
Spot Outline
Dining Chidori is located in Setoda-cho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, and has been in business for 50 years. Local dishes using Setoda’s specialty, octopus, and domestic lemons are popular. Closed on Tuesdays and the second Monday of the month.
1:00pm Kousanji Temple and Kousanji Museum（耕三寺・耕三寺博物館）
With our stomachs full, we walked to the main spot of the day, just a short walk away!
The Kousanji Museum was amazingly powerful! I was deeply moved to think that it took decades to build this…
statue of Kannon
It is said to be 15 meters high…it’s amazingly powerful when you see it in person.
Spot Outline
Kousanji Temple and Kousanji Museum is a temple and museum located in Setoda-cho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. The Kousanji Temple Museum is affiliated with Kousanji Temple, but the grounds of the temple are also open to the public as part of the museum. Admission is 1,400 yen for adults, 1,000 yen for university and high school students, and free for junior high school students and younger.
1:30pm The Hill of Hope（未来心の丘）
We came to a garden made of white marble on the grounds of Kousanji Temple.
Looking at the all-white landscape of The Hill of Hope, I felt like I was in the Mediterranean world.
This is a reflection spot that makes you want to snap the shutter!
art
Various art pieces… all made of marble✨
Spot Outline
The Hill of Hope (Miraishin no Oka), located on the grounds of Kosanji Temple, is a garden made of white marble. The expansive 5,000-square-meter site is popular as a social networking spot. Note that admission tickets are shared with Kousanji Temple and the Kousanji Museum.
2:00pm Caffe Cuore（カフェクオーレ）
A super stylish cafe tucked away in the hills of The Hill of Hope.
I can’t stop being excited…
Menu
There are many menu items that you may be interested in. Happy blue tea …
Interior
The inside is also pretty in a marble style!
You can relax and enjoy the view of the Seto Inland Sea from the window.
Blood orange juice (450 yen)
It is very easy to drink because it also has a refreshing feeling characteristic of citrus fruits!
Spot Outline
Caffe Cuore is located in Setoda-cho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Located in the hills of The Hill of Hope, the exterior is also pure white and has a strong presence along with beautiful sculptures. It is an ideal place to take a break.
4:00pm Shimagokoro SETODA Main Store（島ごころ SETODA本店）
Next, we were hungry and went to a restaurant where we could enjoy freshly baked lemon cake.
The lemon cake here is really good!
Lots of souvenirs
The store is filled with lemon souvenirs!
Lemon cake was even used as a pastry for the G7 summit✨
Interior
Cute table seating.
The restaurant is all about lemons.
showcase
You’ll want to eat all kinds.
Menu
Lemonade looks good too.
Perfect for hot days!
Lemon cake (250 yen)
Crispy on the outside, moist on the inside.
The key to this cake is the lemon peel in the batter.
This makes it not too sweet and has an elegant adult taste✨
Spot Outline
Shimagokoro SETODA is a lemon cake store located in Setoda-cho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. The lemon cake “Shimagokoro” made from Setoda lemons, which are safe and secure and can be eaten even down to the peel, is very popular, and freshly baked cakes are available in the store.
5:00pm Mt. Shirataki and the Gohyaku Rakan (500 arhat statues)- 白滝山（五百羅漢）
It is time to leave Ikuchijima and head back toward Onomichi! But I’m going to make a little detour.
It is a tourist spot with approximately 700 Gohyaku Rakan scattered from the approach to the mountaintop.
I was overwhelmed by the number of items, which was more than I had imagined!
View from the summit
It was worth the effort to climb up!
summit bell
This is the first time in my life that I ring the bell.
I felt like a resident!
Spot Outline
Mt. Shirataki and the Gohyaku Rakan is a sightseeing spot located in Shigei-cho, Innoshima, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. The summit of the mountain is enshrined with Gohyaku Rakan, and one of the highlights of the mountain is the number of arhats and their rich expressions. There are also clear streams and waterfalls in the mountains, where visitors can enjoy nature walks.
7:00pm Teppanyaki and Okonomiyaki Mari（鉄板焼き・お好み焼き まり）
Returned to Onomichi and returned the rental car.
We will have dinner at an okonomiyaki restaurant with a homey atmosphere.
This is the first time I’ve had okonomiyaki called “onomichi-yaki.”
Menu
So many menu items to choose from…
They all look delicious!
Interior
It is fun and exciting to watch them bake in front of you.
Onomichi-yaki (950 yen)
The half-boiled egg and cheese are well mixed with the noodles and rich. This is good!
Spot Outline
Teppanyaki and Okonomiyaki Mari is a restaurant located in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, serving mainly okonomiyaki. Popular menu items include “Onomichi-yaki” and “horumon”, which are staple foods of Onomichi City. The thin batter and crispy noodles are savory, and the restaurant is crowded with regular customers. The restaurant’s at-home atmosphere makes it a favorite among locals.
8:30pm HOTEL BEACON ONOMICHI（ホテルビーコン おのみち）
The hotel where we will be staying is on the second floor of Onomichi Station! It has excellent access.
There is also a deck with a view of the harbor and a beautiful view ✨
Interior
There was an espresso machine in the room! I’m not sure which one to drink.
bathroom
In the bathroom, there is a lemon shampoo that is typical of Onomichi.
It will have a nice lemon aroma.
bike rack
This may also be unique to Onomichi! Cycle racks are in the room.
workspace
It’s nice to have a work space!
Spot Outline
HOTEL BEACON ONOMICHI is an accommodation facility located in Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture. A total of six types of concept rooms meet diverse needs. In addition, the hotel is located on the second floor of JR Onomichi Station Station, offering excellent accessibility. In addition, there is a deck on the second floor from which you can view the harbor and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
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Watch the video
See article on Day 2
