Senkoji Temple
千光寺
A vermilion ancient temple built into the rock face of Senkoji Mountain. Its main hall stage overlooks the Onomichi Waterway, making it Onomichi's signature landmark.
Senkoji is a Shingon Buddhist temple founded in 806. Its vermilion main hall, known as the 'Red Hall' (Akado), hangs from the rock face, and the stage and bell tower look out over the Onomichi Waterway and Mukaishima, the most classic view in Onomichi. The temple grounds contain giant stones with legends, including Tama no Iwa (Jewel Rock) and Kagami Iwa (Mirror Rock), and a chain-climbing ascetic path called 'Kusari no Shugyō' (Chain Training). Admission for worship is free. The usual route is to take the ropeway up, walk down through the Literary Path to Senkoji Temple, then descend via the Neko no Hosomichi (Cat's Narrow Path). The whole walk takes about 1 hour.
Opening hours
09:00–17:00 (areas inside the park open all day)
Nearby sights
- Path of Literature
- Cat Alley (Neko no Hosomichi)
- Tenneiji Temple Three-storied Pagoda
- Senkoji Park & Ropeway
- Onomichi Hondori Shopping Street
- Saikokuji Temple
- Jodoji Temple
- ONOMICHI U2