If Morisaki-san, Sanfrecce Hiroshima Ambassador, proposes a refreshing plan to heal the mind and body in Hiroshima to those who work hard every day
Recommended for the following people
- People who want to refresh themselves both physically and mentally.
- People who like to walk and explore the city.
- People who want to enjoy beautiful scenery.
- People who want to enjoy interacting with people.
As a professional soccer player, Mr. Morisaki played for Sanfrecce Hiroshima for many years. After a tense game or a long trip, he would go around Hiroshima to refresh himself both physically and mentally. One of his favorite places is the Onomichi area. The nostalgic atmosphere of the intricate alleys and sloping streets is perfect for a stroll. While enjoying the view of the Seto Inland Sea and the delicious food, you will feel refreshed before you know it. After a day of walking around, you can recharge your batteries with Hiroshima's soul food.
Mr. Morisaki, with his light footwork, will guide you on a liberating journey to free your mind and body.
“If Morisaki-san, Sanfrecce Hiroshima Ambassador, proposes a refreshing plan to heal the mind and body in Hiroshima to those who work hard every day”
Oyatsu to Yamaneko (Snacks and Wildcats)
Travel time : 30 minutes
1/7
Onomichi Pudding in Retro Jars.
Pamper yourself for your hard work.
This is the best place to get a snack in Onomichi.
It's also a great souvenir.
You can start off your tour of the Onomichi area at “Oyatsu to Yamaneko", located on the west side of the shopping street. The moist and smooth pudding is made with Hiroshima’s “Sagotani” pasteurized milk, fresh cream, and local eggs.
The retro jars are not only cute, but they are also slow to heat up, which gives them a pleasant taste. You can also add lemon sauce from a small fish-shaped bottle to change the flavor. You can also buy snacks such as cookies and scones.
Mr. Koji MorisakiSanfrecce Hiroshima AmbassadorYou can also sit and eat on a bench in front of the store. The warm color of the shade is nostalgic and relaxing. Take-out is available at the counter.
walk 2-minute
Onomichi Hondori Shopping Street
Travel time : 45 minutes
2/7
There are so many wonderful stores that it is hard to decide where to stop. Enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere!
Todo area, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, 722-0035
After filling our stomachs with pudding, let's walk around the shopping street. For a salty snack, we went to the long-established "Keima Kamaboko Shoten," founded in 1913. They have a variety of tempura, but the "Keima style okonomiyaki," tempura with yakisoba noodles and sauce, is a novelty.
There is a toaster next to the store, so you can heat up your food. The old-fashioned shopping street is also a good photo spot.
Yamato-yu, a renovated public bathhouse, is the most photogenic spot in the shopping arcade. Take a stroll through the back alleys and take a great snapshot.
- Mr. Koji MorisakiSanfrecce Hiroshima Ambassador
What kind of restaurant is it? When we peeked into the shop, I was told by a local, "This place is delicious!” The warmth of the people is another charm of Onomichi.
Todo area, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, 722-0035
walk 20-minute
Yamaneko Café
Travel time : 60 minutes
3/7
Nutritious lunch in the Seto Inland Sea on a coastal street where you can feel the sea breeze.
This is a famous cafe in Onomichi with a wildcat on its signboard!
After enjoying a walk, let's fill our stomachs with lunch. The Yamaneko Cafe, located on Kaigan Dori facing the sea, is an affiliate of the first restaurant we visited, "Oyatsu to Yamaneko”. It offers a variety of sweets such as parfaits and sodas made with citrus fruits from the Seto Inland Sea and figs from Onomichi, but don't miss the handmade lunch.
There are three to four types of healthy vegetable lunches that are nutritionally balanced. You can also add a smoothie after your meal.
It's by the sea, so it's very pleasant.
- Mr. Koji MorisakiSanfrecce Hiroshima Ambassador
On the same street, there is a famous homemade ice cream store called "Karasawa". So, after lunch, you can take an ice cream to go and enjoy a walk along the beach.
walk 30-minute
Senkoji Temple
Travel time : 90 minutes
4/7
For some light exercise.
Walk and refresh on the stones steps!
A temple with a long history, founded by Kobo Daishi.
Try the Senkoji path on the walking route.
Senkoji Temple, located halfway up Mt. Taiho, is a great view point from which you can see the whole city of Onomichi. You can take the ropeway to and from the temple, but we recommend that you walk up to the temple. Active rest is effective in relieving fatigue. This is one of the ways to recover from fatigue that I myself practiced when I was a professional soccer player.
When you exit the shopping street to the mountain side, you will come to an intersection with National Highway 2 and a railroad crossing, which is the start of the Senkoji path. Follow the stone steps to Senkoji Temple without getting lost. It's a bit of a tough walk, but reward yourself for your hard work with one of the best views of Onomichi waiting for you at the finish line.
- Mr. Koji MorisakiSanfrecce Hiroshima Ambassador
The surrounding area has been developed as Senkoji Park, and the cherry blossoms in spring and the leaves in autumn are beautiful. You may even meet Ken, the signature cat of the Onomichi City Museum of Art!
By car 45 minutes
Mirai Shin no Oka (The Hill of Hope)
Travel time : 20 minutes
5/7
Powerful sculpture of Italian marble!
Enjoy the exotic atmosphere with the Seto Inland Sea in the background!
Enjoy the feeling of openness in the white marble garden floating on the Shimanami Sea.
After enjoying the city of Onomichi, go for a drive along the Shimanami Sea Route. The bridges that connect the islands and the boats that come and go are all part of the Setouchi scenery.
The best place to visit in the Shimanami area is "Mirai Shin no Oka" (The Hill of Hope) inside the Kosanji Museum on Ikuchijima Island. The chalk-white garden made of marble was created by Itto Kuetani, a sculptor from Hiroshima, and is often introduced on SNS as the "Santorini in the Aegean Sea” of Setouchi. Don't forget to take your camera with you.
You can see different expressions depending on the season and time of day.
- Mr. Koji MorisakiSanfrecce Hiroshima Ambassador
It's also quite a walk, so it's a good idea to take a break at "Cafe Cuore" in the garden. The colorful Kosanji Temple is also worth a visit.
By car 90 minutes
Ekimae Hiroba
Travel time : 60 minutes
6/7
Eat and compare authentic “okonomiyaki” at the sacred place of okonomiyaki right outside the station!
Hiroshima Full Focus Building 6F, 10-1 Matsubaracho, Minami-ku, Hiroshima City 722-2411
082-568-7890
Try to find your favorite flavor from among the many stores.
In the evening and into the night, when you’ll be quite hungry, we want you to remember to enjoy Hiroshima's specialties, so we’ll return to the area around Hiroshima Station. Hiroshima Okonomi Monogatari Ekimae Hiroba, located on the 6th floor of a building just outside the south exit of Hiroshima Station, is a memorable place where I once served as an “okonomiyaki” goodwill ambassador. About 15 okonomiyaki restaurants line the street, where you can discover your favorite flavor. There is also a rental space equipped with a large griddle, so you can learn how to cook your own okonomiyaki with the help of an instructor. Be sure to try the hot, freshly made okonomiyaki on the large griddle.
- Mr. Koji MorisakiSanfrecce Hiroshima Ambassador
A wide variety of restaurants, from up-and-coming newcomers to famous old establishments, gather here. The ultra-fast spatula work is truly craftsmanship! You can't help but fall in love with it.
Hiroshima Full Focus Building 6F, 10-1 Matsubaracho, Minami-ku, Hiroshima City 722-2411
082-568-7890
walk 3-minute
Ekinishi (West side of the station)
Travel time : 30 minutes
7/7
Ekinishi is the best place to drink in Hiroshima!
Drinking area with a charming atmosphere.
“Hashi-go sake” (pub crawl) and experiencing hospitality and flavor
After filling your stomach with okonomiyaki, it's time for “nomi-nication” (drink and communication). Ekinishi, the bar district on the west side of Hiroshima Station, is a must-visit nightlife spot for drinking enthusiasts.
The charming streets are crammed with everything from red lanterns, to trendy stands, to the hottest Korean restaurants. The best way to experience this place is to go out for a drink. You can enjoy it alone or with your friends.
- Mr. Koji MorisakiSanfrecce Hiroshima Ambassador
There are many restaurants that sell Hiroshima specialties such as oysters and sea eels.
“If Morisaki-san, Sanfrecce Hiroshima Ambassador, proposes a refreshing plan to heal the mind and body in Hiroshima to those who work hard every day”
Café Ponte
Travel time : 90 minutes
1/1
End your trip with a refreshing morning at the riverside.
Enjoy authentic Italian food in a stylish cafe with an exotic atmosphere.
After enjoying the bar and a good night's sleep, the next day you can enjoy breakfast or brunch at the riverside.
Cafe Ponte, which means "bridge" in Italian, is located on the opposite bank of the Peace Memorial Park at the east end of Motoyasu Bridge. You can enjoy authentic Italian food while feeling the pleasant river breeze.
A teammate from Brazil praised the café for having an atmosphere like his home country, and you can feel a sense of exoticism even though you are in Hiroshima. The Caesar salad with prosciutto and scrambled eggs or the bacon and eggs breakfast are a great way to start the day.
- Mr. Koji MorisakiSanfrecce Hiroshima Ambassador
As you can see from the piles of oranges in front of the store, fresh squeezed orange juice is the specialty. It tastes especially good the morning after drinking.
Editor's Note
When you're tired, it's better to move your body and change your mood rather than sitting still. Walk steadily, eat, drink, and relieve daily fatigue and stress! In particular, Onomichi walks quite a bit, so it's best to wear clothes that are easy to move in There are many places where ups and downs are intense, so don't overdo it and try to move your legs.
My favorite thing about Hiroshima is that the mountains and the sea are close together, and you can enjoy both at once. Even if you just put yourself in a completely different place than you normally do, your mood will change. Traveling alone or going around with friends is good, but it's actually recommended for a date!