The Setouchi area of Japan is charming vacationers with its number of hidden-gem locations that reveal the nation’s wealthy tradition. Amongst these treasures lies Hiroshima Prefecture, a vacation spot that blends its storied previous, vibrant cultural scene, and distinctive delicacies. Past its historic significance, Hiroshima is house to lesser recognized websites ready to be explored—from charming alleyways full of native artwork and tradition to culinary havens that remember the area’s distinctive flavors.
Onomichi Metropolis, situated within the southeastern a part of Hiroshima Prefecture, is a treasure trove of cultural experiences that transcend the peculiar. With its mix of historic temples, creative alleyways, and modern areas, this charming metropolis provides guests a deeper understanding of the area’s cultural tapestry:
- Senkoji Temple –Based in 806 by the monk Kobo Daishi, founding father of the Shingon sect of Buddhism which emphasizes enlightenment by the chanting of particular phrases, Senkoji Temple is a historic and cultural landmark in Onomichi. Senkoji will be reached by way of the Senkoji Ropeway after which a 5 minute stroll alongside the promenade. As soon as there, guests can discover the temple grounds and quite a lot of actions. Probably the greatest highlights of the go to comes upon reaching the Senkoji PEAK Observatory, the place you’ll be able to see the great thing about town, a Japanese Heritage web site, and the slender channel between Onomichi, a port city going through the Seto Inland Sea, and Mukojima on the opposite facet of the ocean. Ranging from the Senkoji Ropeway summit station, guests can first take within the panoramic views from the Senkoji PEAK Observatory. As they descend alongside the Bungakuno-komichi, or “Literary Path,” they’ll uncover stone monuments inscribed with poems and writings by famend Japanese literary figures, earlier than arriving on the historic Senkoji Temple.This pathway provides a reflective, mental layer to the go to, permitting visitors to attach with the literary historical past that has been impressed by the landscapes of Onomichi. The temple grounds are full of stunning components, together with cute Rilakkuma-themed ema (votive tablets) and omikuji (fortune slips). Rilakkuma is a well-liked Japanese character, often called the “relaxed bear.”
- Tenneiji Temple – Tenneiji Temple is a Soto Zen temple situated in Onomichi metropolis, Hiroshima prefecture. It was based in 1367 and is a part of the Soto faculty, a part of the sect of Buddhism, which emphasizes psychological self-discipline by the follow of seated meditation. The three-story pagoda, the image of the temple, was initially inbuilt 1388 as a five-story pagoda, however in 1692, because of growing older, the higher two tales have been eliminated to make manner for the current three-story pagoda. The temple can be recognized for its symbolic three-story constructing. It’s now designated as a Nationwide Essential Cultural Property and enshrines Miroku Bosatsu. An individual who aspires to develop into a Buddha, the very best attainment of Buddhist religion, is known as a Bosatsu, and the very best of those Bosatsu is known as Miroku Bosatsu. Visiting Tenneiji begins with a pleasing 15-minute stroll from Onomichi Station by the charming Hondori Shotengai, lined with native outlets, cafes, and eating places. One of many temple grounds’ most original options is the Gohyaku Rakan—a set of 526 stone statues representing the Buddha’s disciples, every with a particular expression and posture, providing deep insights into Buddhist teachings.
- Slim Cat Path – Slim Cat Path, also called Neko no Hosomichi, is a captivating 200-meter alley in Onomichi that has develop into a beloved vacation spot for cat lovers and artwork lovers. Adorned with whimsical “Fukuishi Neko” (cats painted on spherical stone) created by artist Shunji Sonoyama, the alley is a visible delight. Cafés, museums, and conventional shops dot the realm, making it a great place to get pleasure from a leisurely stroll whereas discovering Onomichi’s quaint appeal.
- LOG – LOG is a contemporary, multi-purpose facility nestled on a hillside overlooking the Onomichi cityscape. A collaboration with the Indian architectural collective Studio Mumbai, LOG reimagines a Sixties condo constructing right into a vibrant area that includes a café, restaurant, bar, gallery, and lodging. Its use of conventional Japanese paper and regionally sourced delicacies create a singular vacation spot.
For vacationers within the gastronomic facet of Hiroshima prefecture, there’s no higher place to savor the area’s delicacies than Okonomimura. Positioned in Naka-ku, Hiroshima Metropolis, Okonomimura is a vigorous vacation spot that brings collectively 23 okonomiyaki eating places below one roof. Originating as a set of post-war meals stalls, Okonomimura has remodeled right into a multi-level gastronomic hub the place guests can get pleasure from genuine Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, ready proper in entrance of them on a teppan grill. The interactive cooking expertise, pleasant environment, and flavorful dishes make Okonomimura a must-visit spot for these desirous to savor Hiroshima’s native specialties.
At Tetsu on the second flooring, the energetic employees create a vigorous and enjoyable ambiance, participating with clients whereas skillfully making ready Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki proper in entrance of them on a teppan grill. Sitting across the teppan permits guests to totally expertise the culinary course of, making it an particularly satisfying expertise for these enthusiastic about Japanese gastronomy. For worldwide guests, the restaurant provides an English menu and a useful infographic detailing the layers of Hiroshima okonomiyaki and the preparation course of. Well-liked dishes embody the tetsu yaki, that includes squid tempura and inexperienced onions, and buchi nikutama, which comes with double pork and an egg. The mix of scrumptious meals, participating employees, and the genuine cooking expertise makes eating at Tetsu a spotlight of any go to to Okonomimura.
For genuine Japanese historical past, tradition, and delicacies, Hiroshima Prefecture is a vacation spot that shouldn’t be missed. With its wealthy culinary traditions, historic temples, and charming creative enclaves, the area provides quite a lot of genuine experiences that transcend the standard vacationer path.
For these in search of a deeper understanding of Setouchi’s distinctive choices, the Setouchi Vacation spot Advertising Group (DMO) offers tailor-made journey itineraries and insider suggestions. From culinary excursions to historic explorations, Setouchi DMO helps guests plan memorable experiences that transcend typical locations. For inspiration on journey itineraries all through the Setouchi area, go to Setouchi Journey.
