Mt Senkoji Ropeway Tickets

Onomichi is one of the loveliest small towns on the Seto Inland Sea, a tumble of temples, cats and steep lanes stacked above a narrow shipping channel, and the Senkoji Ropeway is the effortless way to its summit. The three minute ride floats you over temple roofs and hillside houses to the top of Mt Senkoji, where the observation deck looks across the channel to the islands of the Shimanami Kaido.

At the top

The modern summit observatory offers a sweeping panorama that takes in the town, the shipyards and the chain of bridges hopping island to island toward Shikoku. Just below sits Senkoji temple itself, wedged photogenically among giant boulders, with its vermilion main hall a symbol of the town for over a millennium. Cafes at the top do a decent coffee with what may be the best view on the inland sea.

Walking back down

The classic move is to ride up and descend on foot along the Path of Literature, a winding trail studded with stone monuments to writers connected with Onomichi, passing temple after temple and the famous cat alley where the town’s feline residents pose for photographs. The descent takes a leisurely 40 minutes and is the heart of the Onomichi experience.

Getting there

The ropeway base station is about 15 minutes on foot east of JR Onomichi Station along the shopping arcade. Onomichi is on the JR Sanyo Line, roughly 90 minutes from Hiroshima by local and rapid services, or reachable via Shin-Onomichi shinkansen station with a short bus connection.

Frequently asked questions

Should I buy one way or return? One way up, walking down, is the popular choice and the right one.

Is the walk down hard? It is all downhill on paths and steps, fine for most fitness levels with decent shoes.

We may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Details and inclusions can change, so always check the booking page for the latest.