kitothailand..Kito Travelling: Onomichi 2008

Steven and I were teacher at ACT, bangkok. We arrived at night by train from Hiroshima

Onomishi is Aki's home town....Aki is Steven's girlfriend. Her family is very nice oldest is Bajang ( grand mom she is 95 years old)...Shikeru, Misako, and Aki

Aki"s house Japanese style I love it so much

Shikeru

Misako

Lovely Aki

footbath go to house

everywhere narrow walkway

shrine?? everywhere

allmost house on the hill

Planting everywhere

from hill

next to house everywhere

narrow road

old house

small shop

Old house

Flowers in the morning

Vegetable

Bullet train just passed Onomichi in the morning

go to city by bus from Aki's house 180 y

we were excited about old woman tried to cross the road

Saikokuji Temple

It is believed that Onomichi's Saikokuji Temple was built by the priest Gyoki around 739.Go through the Deva Gate, the one with the hanging, two meter long, giant straw sandals and climb up the long flight of stone steps; you will then reach the Main Hall, an Important Cultural Property.

Another flight of stone steps will take you to a three-storied, red pagoda standing among the green leaves of pine trees. This pagoda was also designated as an Important Cultural Property.

Big slipper for worship??????

Start in the Temple

Onomichi is famed for its temple walk. Apparently, fans of famed locally born director, Nobuhiko Obayashi, love to take off and walk around for an entire day visiting all the temples that were featured in his films. His admirers apparently still come and follow in his footsteps. Most people walk around the temples and buildings on Senko-ji hill which is east of JR's Onomichi Station.

It is believed that the founder of Onomichi's Jodoji Temple is Prince Shotoku, who lived more than 1400 years ago and credited for the first Japanese code of laws. This temple is also famous for its connection with the Shogun Takauji Ashikaga, who is said to have worshipped here.

Jodoji Temple is called a treasure house of Cultural Properties. Its main hall and two-storied pagoda are designated as National Treasures, and its gate and the Amida hall as Important Cultural Properties.

School next to the temple

Onomichi shopping center

dried fish for sale

fist meal in Onomichi...Oishiiiiiiiii

Teru..publish dog

Innoshima Suigun Castle

I've never beenInnoshima was home to the Murakami Suigun (a word that means “navy”, “pirates” or “privateers”) that were active across the Seto inland sea between the Muromachi and Sengoku eras.

The Murakami Suigun Castle displays many weapons, armors, ancient documents, etc. that were left by the Murakami Suigun.
to this imitation castle. It is in Senko-ji Park and a brisk walk from where the cable car drops you off.

The Statue of Fumiko Hayashi

The Statue of Fumiko Hayashi is located to the east of the JR Onomichi station (Sanyo line), at the entrance of the shopping arcade.

The house where Fumiko lived in while she was in Onomichi is also nearby, in the alley called “Uzushio Komichi” which connects the shopping arcade and the seaside road.

Fumiko Hayashi

Born in Kita-Kyushu. She moved to Onomichi in the 5th year of the Taisho era (1912 ～ 1926) and attended Onomichi's 2nd ordinary school (now the Tsuchido Elementary School). She graduated from Onomichi High School's school for girls (now Higashi High School). She then moved to Tokyo and, in spite of many difficulties, published “Horo-ki” in 1930 and become a very successful writer.

Teru goes everywhere

free drink for Steven

Octopus hanging and facing the sea

Komono's shop

Thai restaurant" maipenrai"

Onomichi views

Tsureshio Stone Monuments

Located at the base in Innoshima Park, behind the statue of Kobosaishi, the Tsureshio stone monuments are eternal reminders of the famous writers who left their imprints in the hearts of the islanders.
※The picture on the left shows a monument with a quote by a former resident of Innoshima, Honin Boshusaku, a renowned igo player.

Senkoji Temple

Legend has it that Onomichi's Senkoji Temple was established in the first year of the reign of emperor Daido, in 806. The vermilion-lacquered main hall is referred to as the Red Hall, and it has become a landmark symbolizing Onomichi. The same is true for the Kyo-onro (“Amazing Sound Tower”) which is famous for its bell that is rung just before midnight on New Year's Eve.

The sound of the Kyo-onro's bell was designated as one of “Japan's 100 soundscapes we need to preserve” in 1996.

cable car

Onomichi is well known throughout Japan for the numerous writers and poets who were inspired by the city's beautiful scenery and quiet lifestyle, and the Path of Literature is a silent reminder of this.

The Path is dotted with 25 stone monuments on which have been inscribed some part of the famous authors' works. Take a stroll down from Mt. Senkoji on the Path of Literature and let yourself be soothed by its quiet atmosphere. Let the poems made by those who loved Onomichi fill you with dreams and wonder.