The Setouchi area of Japan is fascinating 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 dwelling to lesser identified websites ready to be explored—from charming alleyways crammed with 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 strange. With its mix of historic temples, inventive alleyways, and progressive areas, this charming metropolis presents 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 means of the chanting of particular phrases, Senkoji Temple is a historic and cultural landmark in Onomichi. Senkoji might be reached through the Senkoji Ropeway after which a 5 minute stroll alongside the promenade. As soon as there, guests can discover the temple grounds and a wide range of actions. Top-of-the-line highlights of the go to comes upon reaching the Senkoji PEAK Observatory, the place you’ll be able to see the great thing about the town, a Japanese Heritage web site, and the slender channel between Onomichi, a port city dealing with 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 company to attach with the literary historical past that has been impressed by the landscapes of Onomichi. The temple grounds are crammed with stunning parts, together with lovely Rilakkuma-themed ema (votive tablets) and omikuji (fortune slips). Rilakkuma is a well-liked Japanese character, generally known as 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 means of the apply of seated meditation. The three-story pagoda, the image of the temple, was initially in-built 1388 as a five-story pagoda, however in 1692, as a consequence of growing old, the higher two tales had been eliminated to make manner for the current three-story pagoda. The temple can be identified 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 change 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 means of the charming Hondori Shotengai, lined with native outlets, cafes, and eating places. One of many temple grounds’ most unusual 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 change into a beloved vacation spot for cat lovers and artwork fans. 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 world, making it a super place to take pleasure in a leisurely stroll whereas discovering Onomichi’s quaint allure.
- 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 Nineteen Sixties condo constructing right into a vibrant area that includes a café, restaurant, bar, gallery, and lodging. Its use of conventional Japanese paper and domestically 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. Situated in Naka-ku, Hiroshima Metropolis, Okonomimura is a energetic vacation spot that brings collectively 23 okonomiyaki eating places underneath 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 take pleasure in genuine Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, ready proper in entrance of them on a teppan grill. The interactive cooking expertise, pleasant ambiance, and flavorful dishes make Okonomimura a must-visit spot for these wanting to savor Hiroshima’s native specialties.
At Tetsu on the second ground, the energetic workers create a energetic 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 completely expertise the culinary course of, making it an particularly satisfying expertise for these obsessed with Japanese gastronomy. For worldwide guests, the restaurant presents an English menu and a useful infographic detailing the layers of Hiroshima okonomiyaki and the preparation course of. In style dishes embrace 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 workers, 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 inventive enclaves, the area presents a wide range of genuine experiences that transcend the everyday vacationer path.
For these looking for a deeper understanding of Setouchi’s distinctive choices, the Setouchi Vacation spot Advertising Group (DMO) gives tailor-made journey itineraries and insider suggestions. From culinary excursions to historic explorations, Setouchi DMO helps guests plan memorable experiences that transcend standard locations. For inspiration on journey itineraries all through the Setouchi area, go to Setouchi Journey.