20110816 Journeys in Japan - Onomichi

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/tv/journeys/archives20110810.html

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"Getting Lost in Onomichi's Secret Alleys"

Aug. 16, Tue.
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• Alley with panoramic view of Onomichi
• An encounter with a friendly cat
• Walking with Tony to Saikokuji Temple

This week, we visit the picturesque hills of Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture. Located about an hour's drive away from Hiroshima, Onomichi is a little known gem, riddled with maze-like alleys. Our reporter, Gow explores its warrens and meets its easy-going residents.

Senkoji Cable Car
One-way: ?280 (adults); ?140 (children)
Round trip: ?440 (adults); ?220 (children)
Open: 9:00 am - 5:15 pm
URL: www.ononavi.com/model_course/course01.html

Senkoji Temple
Onomichi's most famous temple also boasts the best view to the sea.
URL: www.ononavi.com/facilities/#menu2

Saikokuji Temple
Giant straw sandals mark the entrance!
URL: www.onomichiguide.com/351992228323546
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Komyoji Temple
Special monuments to the legendary Edo sumo wrestler, Jinmaku Kyugoro, surprise visitors.
URL: www.onomichiguide.com/208092612623546
---komyoji-temple.html

Cat Alleys
Artist Shunji Sonoyama runs a mini art complex of café, bar and museum. You will also discover his "Lucky Stone Cats" here and there in the alleys.
URL: www.nekono-hosomichi.com/hukumap.html (Japanese only)

Onomichi Abandoned House Reclamation Project
Masako Toyota renovates abandoned hillside homes and shops with the help of artists and students. Her salon cum office, Kitamura Clothing Store, is open to the public.
URL: www.onomichisaisei.com/ (Japanese only)

Chai Salon Dragon
After a walk on the hillside, quench your thirst with Chaider: green tea soda!
One drink: ?450
Open: 10:00am-7:00pm
Tel: 0848-24-9889 (English O.K.)
URL: chaider.jp/chaider_en/index.html

Jikoji Temple
Sculpt your own Buddhist statue out of clay. Fee (materials incl) ?1500
URL: www.ononavi.com/model_course/course01.html

Traveler: Gow
Access Map

Access: The easiest way to reach Onomichi is to take a bullet train to Fukuyama and transfer to a local line. It takes about four hours. Or it's about an hour's drive from Hiroshima airport.