Onomichi: A Cyclist's Paradise

Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture. Nestled along the tranquil Seto Inland Sea, this charming city has prospered as a port town since ancient times, captivating visitors with its steep hills, literary heritage, and photogenic landscapes.

Onomichi is also renowned as a cyclist's paradise. The Shimanami Kaido, a scenic route connecting islands across the Seto Inland Sea, has been designated as a National Cycle Route, attracting cyclists from around the globe.

As the starting point of the Shimanami Kaido, Onomichi is an essential destination for cycling enthusiasts.

But Onomichi's allure extends beyond cycling. It is a town steeped in cultural heritage, with its historical sites featured in literature and film, charming retro architecture lining the hills, and traditional performing arts woven into the fabric of local life. The Onomichi Tourist Association is committed to fostering guides who can showcase all facets of Onomichi's unique character, from its cycling routes to its vibrant cultural tapestry.

Need For Qualified Guides

With the growing influx of tourists from both Japan and abroad, the need for knowledgeable guides in Onomichi has become increasingly apparent.

For international visitors, particularly those unfamiliar with Japanese language and culture, guides serve as more than just navigators; they are cultural ambassadors, enriching the travel experience and fostering deeper understanding.

For discerning travelers seeking authentic and enriching experiences, guides are indispensable to unlock the true essence of a destination.

However, Onomichi faces a shortage of qualified guides.

Even many of those aspiring to become guides lack the necessary information and resources to hone their skills and find opportunities to practice their craft.

Guides Taking Initiative

Rising to this challenge, a dedicated group of local guides has formed the BINGO Guide Network.

The guides seek to enhance their expertise through peer learning, knowledge-sharing, and skill-building workshops.

Recognizing the need for more structured training and broader opportunities, they approached the Onomichi Tourist Association for support.

Onomichi Tourist Association's Challenge

Inspired by their enthusiasm, the Onomichi Tourist Association collaborated with the BINGO Guide Network to develop a comprehensive guide-training program.

Notably, the association partnered with Imabari in Ehime Prefecture, adopting a regional perspective for the program.

Such inter-prefectural collaboration is uncommon among tourism associations in Japan.

However, recognizing the Shimanami Kaido as a cross-regional tourism route, the Onomichi Tourist Association actively reached out to partner with Imabari City.

This forward-thinking approach has facilitated the development of "through-guides", who can operate across prefectural borders to significantly enhance visitors’ experiences.

Through-Guides: Unlocking New Potential

Through-guides are guides who can provide tours across multiple regions.

For multi-regional tourism routes such as the Shimanami Kaido, through-guides offer significant advantages.

Hiring separate guides for each region can be time-consuming and costly for travelers exploring multiple areas.
Through-guides streamline the process, providing a seamless and efficient touring experience across various regions.

Moreover, through-guides eliminate the need to constantly introduce and adjust to new guides, allowing travelers to build a trusted relationship with a single guide throughout their journey.

While the Onomichi Tourist Association does not specifically train through-guides, the guides it has worked with on multi-day tours are expected to be active not only along the Shimanami Kaido but also in other regions, such as Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture.

Conveying Regional Charms

The Onomichi Tourist Association is committed to effectively showcasing the region's allure through its guide-development program.

For instance, it designs multi-day tours based on the islands, offering opportunities for in-depth exploration of Onomichi and its surroundings, including interactions with local residents.

Guided by these experts, visitors can unlock captivating stories behind Onomichi's historical landmarks, cultural traditions, and scenic wonders.

Towards Sustainable Tourism

The Onomichi Tourist Association is dedicated to fostering sustainable tourism that benefits both visitors and local residents.

It aims to contribute to the local economy, create employment opportunities, and preserve the cultural heritage through guide development.

Preserving culture extends beyond merely protecting tangible heritage such as old buildings and artifacts.

It involves honoring the intangible legacy of traditions, customs, and stories passed down through generations. By empowering guides to share these narratives, the Onomichi Tourist Association ensures that the heart and soul of the region are passed on to future generations.

Furthermore, guides play a vital role in mitigating the negative impacts of overtourism.

Excessive concentration of tourists in specific areas can disrupt the lives of local residents and strain tourism resources.

By managing tourist flow and promoting dispersal throughout the region, guides contribute to a more balanced and sustainable tourism model.

Future Outlook

The Onomichi Tourist Association's guide program is still in its early stages.

However, the guides’ enthusiasm and their efforts to collaborate with local communities point toward a bright future for tourism in Onomichi.

The program has expanded the scope of opportunities for guides, with some now leading tours on the “Japan’s longest luxury route” bus operated by Shinki Bus.

The Onomichi Tourist Association will continue to evolve its guide program, sharing the allure of this captivating region with the world.