Onomichi, Port city in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
Onomichi is a port city in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, where homes and shops press between the water and forested slopes. Stone steps wind upward between buildings, leading to Buddhist sites and lookout points over the Seto Inland Sea.
The port opened in the 12th century and grew into an important trading point for rice and other goods along the coast. By the end of the 19th century, the city had grown into a major commercial center in the region.
The city's name combines characters meaning small and path, reflecting its beginnings as a modest waterfront settlement. Residents still maintain many temple gardens by hand, following traditional methods passed down through families for generations.
Visitors can take ferries from the harbor to nearby islands or start a temple walk that takes several hours. Streets on the hillside are often steep, so comfortable footwear is advisable.
Filmmakers return here to use the narrow lanes and temples as backdrops for stories about everyday life and family ties. The city's topography creates natural frames that are widely recognized in Japanese cinema.
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