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Senkoji Temple

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Senkoji Temple

A historic temple steeped in legend, with plenty of spectacular viewpoints.

3.32 5

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Located about halfway up Mt. Senkoji, Senkoji Temple has a long history dating back to its founding in 806.
The main hall, also known as the “Red Hall,” is painted a vivid vermilion. Its striking color forms a picturesque contrast with the blue sky and sea and the surrounding greenery. The temple sells a variety of amulets for wishes such as road safety, family well-being, success in exams, and good relationships.

The temple has many attractions, including Tama-no-Iwa, or “Jewel Rock,” which is associated with a legend about a glowing jewel; Kagami-Iwa, or “Mirror Rock,” said to have reflected the light of the jewel, sun, and moon; the bell tower, renowned for its “Bell of Time”; and the Thirty-Three Kannon Hall, where worship is said to bring the same spiritual merit as completing the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage.

At Kusariyama, or Mt. Ishizuchi, a former ascetic training site, anyone can climb the rock face using chains after making a ¥100 offering and reviewing the safety precautions. Although the climb involves some risk, it offers both the experience of ascetic training and an exciting challenge. If you are confident in your physical fitness, give it a try! The view from the top of the rocky outcrop is spectacular.
Tsuzumi-Iwa is also known as Ponpon-Iwa because striking its surface with a stone produces a hollow “pon-pon” sound like a hand drum. It is the second-largest boulder at Senkoji Temple and also offers outstanding views.

Highlights

  • This historic temple, located halfway up Mt. Senkoji, is associated with many legends.
  • The vivid vermilion main hall forms a picturesque contrast with the blue sky and sea and the surrounding greenery.
  • The Kachi-Kachi Prayer Beads in the Thirty-Three Kannon Hall make a clicking sound when pulled while wishing for happiness.
  • At Mt. Ishizuchi, a former ascetic training site, visitors can climb the rock face using chains for an exciting taste of ascetic practice.

Photos

  • The main hall and a view of Onomichi(photographed from the ropeway)

    The main hall and a view of Onomichi(photographed from the ropeway)

  • Spectacular view from the main hall

    Spectacular view from the main hall

  • Bell tower

    Bell tower

  • Tama-no-Iwa and the ropeway

    Tama-no-Iwa and the ropeway

  • Tsuzumi-Iwa (Ponpon-Iwa)

    Tsuzumi-Iwa (Ponpon-Iwa)

Reviews

5

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Jk
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    A landmark on the hillside—Senkoji Temple! From the foot of the mountain, take the cute, colorful ropeway upward. As you climb higher, the view opens up, revealing the streets of Onomichi and the blue Seto Inland Sea dotted with islands. The aerial view alone is worth the fare.
    As soon as I entered the temple grounds, I was struck by the unique landscape. The temple is cleverly built alongside steep, massive rock formations. The iconic Kusariyama rock and bright red Main Hall (Akado) complement each other, while the traditional buildings look especially mysterious and magnificent against the blue sky and green trees. Walking slowly down the stone steps, you can pray for blessings, spot cute cats weaving between the stone walls, and visit the famous Senkoji Park Observatory (PEAK) for a stunning 360-degree ocean view.
    Although there are quite a few steps and slopes along the way, every turn brings a different surprise, so it doesn't feel tiring at all. I highly recommend adding Senkoji Temple to a leisurely walking itinerary when visiting Hiroshima or the Seto Inland Sea area. It will definitely leave you with incredibly beautiful, unforgettable memories!

  • Linda Liao
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    You can take the cable car up the mountain to save yourself quite a bit of walking. If you have enough time, you can also try walking up, but most of the route consists of slopes and stairs, so it's best to consider your fitness level.

    Once you reach the top, the peaceful, pleasant surroundings offer views of Onomichi Port and the Seto Inland Sea. The city and seascape come together in a tranquil scene, creating a relaxed atmosphere.

  • William Guo
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    Standing at Senkoji Temple, you get a fantastic panoramic view of Onomichi City.

  • 陳盈燕
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    The temple is built along the mountainside. It's not very big, but it's beautiful and attracts a lot of visitors.

  • HUANG CHIUYEN
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    This ancient temple sits on top of a mountain, offering a fantastic view of the Onomichi area and the Seto Inland Sea.

Details

Name in Japanese
尾道 大宝山 千光寺
Postal Code
722-0033
Address
15-1 Higashitsuchido-cho, Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture
Phone
0848-23-2310
Hours
9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Mt. Senkoji Ropeway Hours
9:00 a.m.-5:15 p.m. (every 15 minutes)
Closed on
December 29-31
Admission
Free
Access
From Onomichi Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line, take a bus for 5 minutes and get off at Nagaeguchi. Ride the Mt. Senkoji Ropeway for about 3 minutes to the summit station, then walk about 5 minutes along the Path of Literature.
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa