Onomichi is a fascinating town built largely on a hillside overlooking a saltwater channel that looks like a river. At the top of the hill is a sacred site of huge boulders, and the town is dotted with shrines and temples linked with alleyways. Many cats live here. Onomichi escaped bombing in WWII, and consequently it remains an authentic Japanese town, with buildings from every historical period.

Onomichi marks the northern end of the Shimanami Kaidō cycling route and starting point from the Honshū side.