Step back into Setouchi History in Kurashiki, Tomonoura and Onomichi

Including Okayama’s striking “Crow Castle” and majestic Korakuen Garden, Kurashiki’s beautifully preserved merchant district, the retro charm of the historic port towns of Tomonoura and Onomichi, and beautiful Seto Inland Sea vistas, this 3-day itinerary has more than enough to delight those in Japan for the first time, as well as repeat visitors looking to get off the beaten track.

Travel: Tsuneishi Port to Momoshima Island

・Take a taxi from Bella Vista Spa & Marina Onomichi to Tsuneishi Port (Approx 5 minutes)
・Take the ferry from Tsuneishi Port to Momoshima Island (Approx 10 minutes)

・Alternatively, take a taxi direct from Bella Vista Spa & Marina Onomichi to Onomichi (Approx 40 minutes)

Art Base Momoshima

An interesting way to access Onomichi from Bella Vista is by the colorful polka-dot ferry which leaves from Tsuneishi Port, calling at the island of Momoshima on the way. Momoshima’s main attraction is Art Base Momoshima; a contemporary art gallery and space in a repurposed school which had closed due to island depopulation. The brainchild of Yukinori Yanagi, the artist best known for his World Flag Ant Farm and the incredible Seirensho installation on the island of Inujima, Art Base Momoshima is as much a rural revitalization project as it is an art project.

Travel: Momoshima Island to Onomichi

・Take the ferry from Momoshima Island to Onomichi (Approx 25-50 minutes)

Explore Onomichi, town of temples, cats and bicycles

Like Tomonoura, Onomichi is also a port town with a long history, but while Tomonoura is known for its 17th and 18th century townscape, Onomichi is famous for retro ambience, evocative of the Showa era (1926-1985).

Whether you visit the temples and cats on Mt Senkoji, the retro shopping arcade, or the stylish boutique hotels and restaurants, Onomichi has something for everyone. Begin your adventure at Onomichi U2, a repurposed warehouse that has been transformed into a must-visit destination. The complex boasts stylish shops, a restaurant and the Hotel Cycle – a chic hotel designed and built for cyclists. If you would like to sample some of the Shimanami Kaido cycle route, which starts from just across the Onomichi Channel, bicycles are available for rent from the Giant store here or from the public rental bike service adjacent.

Ride the ropeway to the top of Mt Senkoji for a panoramic view of Onomichi and Mukaishima Island across the strait and say hello to the cats along Neko no Hosomichi (Cat Alley) on the way down. Stroll along the retro shopping arcade and explore the maze of alleyways branching off the main street.

Seek out Tea Stand Gen, a charming tea shop with a loyal fanbase who travel from far and wide to sample the delicious organically grown teas. Those who prefer something a little stronger might like to check out Onomichi Brewery, run by a friendly couple who use local agricultural by-products and produce in the brewing process. Join one of the lines that snake from the town’s most popular shops serving the town’s soul food, Onomichi Ramen, made with soy sauce based soup, locally caught fish and pork fat.


LOG, a boutique hotel designed by renowned architect Bijoy Jain, sits halfway up on Mt. Senkoji overlooking Onomichi. This one-of-a-kind accommodation is the perfect choice for anyone looking to spend an extra night in Onomichi.