Onomichi and Ikuchijima Island Tour Temples Ropeway and Ferry

5.0 (one review) 9 hours Free cancellation

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one review

5.0

Onomichi and Ikuchijima Island Tour Temples Ropeway and Ferry — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Onomichi and Ikuchijima Island Tour Temples Ropeway and Ferry, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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!

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At a glance

Duration: 9 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 20 people
People per booking: 1–14
Guide: English
Operated by: Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.)

Ages: Infants (0–5 years) · Children (6–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: English speaking guide
Included: Transportation to/from activities (public transport)
Included: Ferry tickets (Round-Trip)
Included: Ropeway tickets (One-Way)
Included: Entry fees at all tour locations

Not included

Not included: Lunch
Not included: Accommodation
Not included: Transportation to meeting point

Itinerary

Ikuchijima

40 min Admission included

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.
Kosanji Temple

2 hours Admission included

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.
The Hill of Hope

30 min Admission included

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.
Senkoji Park

one hour

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.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

If you are joining the tour from Onomichi Station, please wait for the tour guide by the South Entrance/Exit.
The meetup point is in front of the Shinkansen gates inside Shin-Onomichi Station. When you arrive, be sure to look for the guide holding a tour sign.

End point

If you are joining the tour from Onomichi Station, please wait for the tour guide by the South Entrance/Exit.
The meetup point is in front of the Shinkansen gates inside Shin-Onomichi Station. When you arrive, be sure to look for the guide holding a tour sign.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

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

Options

Join from Onomichi Station

Starting point:

Onomichi Station, 1-1 Higashigoshochō, Onomichi, Hiroshima 722-0036, Japan
Join from Shin-Onomichi Statio

Starting point:

Shin-Onomichi Station, 9381-4 Kuriharachō, Onomichi, Hiroshima 722-0022, Japan