Onomichi and Ikuchijima Island Tour Temples Ropeway and Ferry

Overview

To the east of Hiroshima prefecture, lays a small town called Onomichi - the “miniature garden.” Within, one can visit famous Buddhist temples such as Senkoji which is located at the top of a mountain and is accessible via a mountain ropeway. Onomichi is also well known for the several small islands in the Seto Inland Sea which can be accessed from its port such as Ikuchijima. Ikuchijima is home to the Kosanji Temple Grounds. The various structures located within the temple complex include stunning attractions such as the ornate Koyomon Gate, the Thousand Buddha Cave, and the marble garden “The Hill of Hope.” This 1-Day Tour of Onomichi will give guests the opportunity to visit various remarkable temples and learn more about Buddhism in Japan. You will also be able to enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Seto Inland Sea and access one of its remote islands. Enjoy the beauty, charm, and culture of Onomichi by joining this tour!

Itinerary

1. 生口島

   After lunch, your guide will take you to the Onomichi Port Terminal, where you will board a ferry and depart on a 40-minute boat ride to the island of Ikuchijima. As you sail across the Seto Inland Sea, you will have access to a fantastic view of the many small islands lying within it.

   · 40 min· Admission included

2. Kosanji Temple

   Once you disembark, you will be led to the next destination, Kosanji Temple. Located not too far from the port, these temple grounds were founded in 1936 and built in honor of the founder’s late mother. Kosanji belongs to the school of True Pure Land Buddhism and the whole temple complex took more than 30 years to be fully constructed. Your guide will provide you with an in-depth tour of the extensive grounds and the necessary historical context to fully appreciate this exceptional location. Kosanji fairly unique since it is not an ancient temple, but rather an eclectic collection of structures modeled after some of Japan’s most famous religious sites. Its elaborate Koyomon Gate is inspired by the Yomeimon Gate at the well-renowned Nikkō Tōshogū Shinto Shrine whereas the five-storied pagoda modeled after the Buddhist Muroji Temple’s ancient pagoda. The multiple pavilions located within the temple grounds are also based on various halls which can be found throughout Japan.

   · 2 h· Admission included

3. The Hill of Hope

   Within Kosanji also lies its arguably most recognizable landmark, “The Hill of Hope.” This marble garden was created by the Japanese sculptor, Itto Kuetani, over a period of 16 years. The garden opened in late 2000 and is filled with various monuments which incorporate the surrounding scenery in order to achieve harmony with nature. This type of structure cannot be found anywhere else in Japan and thus is a must-see for people visiting Onomichi. At the top of the hill, you will not only be able to admire the marble structures, but also gain a fantastic view of the island.

   · 30 min· Admission included

4. Senkoji Park

   The walking trail will lead us to the iconic Senkoji Temple, one of Onomichi's most famous landmarks. This stunning temple was founded in the 9th century and is easily recognizable for its vermillion Main Hall located on the hillside. Enshrined within this hall is Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion, who people pray to for multiple reasons such as good health, traffic safety, finding a partner, etc. The smell of incense, the beautiful view of the city, and the surrounding nature, all come together to create an unforgettable experience. Guests will have the opportunity to pray, purchase amulets, and briefly explore the temple grounds and its surrounding area on their own before descending the mountain on foot.

   · 1 h

How to use your ticket

Meeting point

What to know before you go

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Tour Availability Disclaimer: All listed events, activities, and experiences are subject to availability. Please note that while certain tour options may appear bookable through our platforms, this does not guarantee that every experience can be carried out as scheduled in the tour itinerary. Many activities require direct confirmation with our partner venues, and availability may vary based on the date and other factors. Should any part of your ordered itinerary require adjustment or deviation from the original schedule, or if a specific experience is unavailable, we will contact you promptly to discuss suitable alternatives or amendments
• There is a 40-minute-long ferry ride on this tour. We ask that you take precautionary measures if you are prone to experiencing seasickness

Travelers

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• From 1 days before : 100% refunded
• From 0 days before : 0% refunded

Product code: 9582P166

Activity offered by Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.) via Viator.