JR Onomichi Station

JR Onomichi Station is the main station in Onomichi on the JR Sanyo Line and serves as the gateway for visitors. The station building was renovated in 2019 and now combines a tourist information center, a waiting area and shops.

Step out of the south exit and the Onomichi Channel is right in front of you, with Mukaishima close across the water. Your first impression of the harbor town is set by this view of the sea the moment you leave the station. For sightseeing and for starting a Shimanami ride, everything begins here.

Many sights are within walking distance of Onomichi Station.

South (sea side) A promenade runs along the waterfront in front of the station, and you can walk east or west. The ferry pier for Mukaishima is about 5 minutes away. Ferries run frequently and are easy to catch.

North (hill side) From the north exit, slopes and stone steps lead up to the Onomichi Temple Walk area, with temples such as Jikoji, Komyoji and Hodoji. Senkoji main hall is about 20–30 minutes on foot, and the ropeway's lower station about 10 minutes.

East (shopping street) East of the station is the Onomichi Hondori shopping street, lined with cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops. Head this way to find Onomichi's typical back lanes.

The standard Shimanami Kaido ride starts in Onomichi and runs about 70 km to Imabari. Cyclists from all over Japan gather at JR Onomichi Station to start.

There are several bike rental points near the station, and at nearby Onomichi Port you can transfer to the Cycle Ship (a boat you can board with your bike). The cycling road along the Shimanami Kaido suits beginners and experienced riders alike. You can ride it all in one day or stay overnight on an island along the way.

Even without your own bike, renting one near the station and riding just Mukaishima is a popular introductory day trip. See the Shimanami Kaido cycling guide to plan your route.

About 5 minutes on foot from JR Onomichi Station is ONOMICHI U2, a renovated Meiji-era shipping warehouse that now combines a hotel, restaurant, cafe and bike shop.

It is known as a cyclist-friendly place where you can stay with your bike, and many cyclists use it the night before or after a Shimanami ride. Visitors to Onomichi can also simply drop in at the cafe or restaurant.

From Onomichi Port, about 5 minutes on foot from the station, ferries to Mukaishima leave frequently. The crossing takes only about 5–10 minutes and is inexpensive (you can bring a bike).

Mukaishima is the first island on the Shimanami Kaido and the starting point for its own sights, such as Tachibana Beach and Mt. Takami Observatory. If Onomichi alone is not enough, taking the ferry to Mukaishima and spending half a day to a full day on the island makes for a fuller trip.

On weekends in peak season (spring cherry blossoms, Golden Week, summer vacation, autumn leaves), the station area, ferry piers and parking lots are all crowded. If you come by rental car, parking near the station fills up quickly, so look up lots a little further away in advance.

Coming by train gives you more flexibility, but the ropeway and shopping street are busy around midday, so arriving early in the morning or in the evening makes it easier to get around.