Laidback town

Sometime you are walking in a street and your attention get hypnotised by a strong smell. This morning it was the smell of France. The sweet smell of warm bakery items.

This is where that smell came from.

This is a very popular bakery in Onomichi. They have a big selection of high quality items. The influence of French culture is strong in Japan. I have to say theses bakeries are awesome. The quality is there despite the distance from the country of origin. Japanese cuisine is fine , just like French cuisine therefore they can easily reproduce it and even improve it.

Just grab a tray a pick up what you feels like eating.
It’s actually difficult to stop when there is so much wonderful food in front of your eyes.
This was super yummy by the way.

In a foreign country it’s always good to sit down and look around. You might be suprised to notice how different it’s from your home country.

Young Japanese students cleaning the shopping street.

No wonder why Japan is such a clean country. From their younger age Japaneses get to learn about cleanness. I was quite a suprise to see them actually. I wasn’t expecting students to do theses tasks in the town’s streets. There is something to learn about other countries.

It was time to go to the Senkoji park. To go there you can walk up thoses stairs.

On the way toward the park.

Expect to see a few cafés along the way.
It only takes about 15 min to reach the top. The good things about going up is that you get great views.

Onomichi from higher.
This is only one part of the town but it’s not a big place. It has almost 140 000 habitants. Onomichi has apparently the 3rd smallest university of Japan.

If you feel a bit lazy you can also use the iconic ropeway to reach the top of Senkoji park

Ropeway cars.

It will be nicer to walk at least one way. Along the way there is nice things to see such as temples , good nature , views and cats !

Just chillin.
What Onomichi would be without his cats ?

And people love them ! Cats are regarded as important animals. In Japan they are considered as attracting good luck.

It was saturday so many young people were hanging around the park. I had some fun with some of them.

Nihonjin tomodachi !
Nice people.

For the way down I used the ropeway. A single way will cost you 300 yen (about 2 euro).

The cablecar last 2 min and gives you a nice panorama of the town.

30 meters close to the ropeway station you’ll find an old shrine with a gorgeous tree right next to it.

Grandfather.

In Onomichi there is a place called Cats alley. It’s a picturesque street with cool cafés / restaurants and also an original museum.

“Musée de Maneki Neko”.

Inside you’ll find an impressive collection of cat sculptures. From every sizes , colors and shapes. But the best about this small museum is hidden in a back room. There is this small “temple like” room where hundreds of cats are staring at you. You can sit down in the middle of that room. This was a unique experience. The guy behind this massive collection is apparently a very interesting person that lived in France.

Not far away you can catch a sweet view of the town.

Small pagoda overtaking Onomichi.

This area is great to explore. Onomichi is such a picturesque town. Just get lost in thoses streets and I guarante that you’ll have lots of fun. Even on week ends this is not a crowded destination. To me it was perfect.

There might not be a lot to do in Onomichi if you compare it to other destinations in Japan. But to me this little town have even more charisma than most of theses more touristy destinations. Onomichi is a very cool unknown destination. I had the most amazing quality time with the people here. This town has a very young and creative energy which to me feels like a perfect place to live.

On the way back to downtown.

Picturesque streets. Countless hidden indie stores and cafés lies in Onomichi. There is that flow of creativity all around. Many young artists and people create cool places. I have find bookstores that only opens at 11 pm.

Last colors of the days.

“Fancy boat” along the waterfront. This had some sort of Swedish name. We thought it was an Ikea boat. The colors were pretty cool at sunset.

Onomichi also has a small nightlife scene. Nothing crazy like Tokyo but rather convivial  with cool places to share a fews drinks.

“Mamatabe” Izakaya / ramen place where we had sake.

This small place only have 7 sits. It actually creates a very confortable atmosphere were everyone talk to each other. The last night I had in Onomichi was amazing. The people I have met have interesting stories to tell. You can feel that the Onimichi people have a different approach on life. I love it.

To close this beautiful chapter we treated ourselves in the iconic café of Onomichi , the “Yameneko café”.

Inside the café. Cool vibe and mouth watering food on the menu ! I had to try something crazy.

“Matcha Parfait ice cream” with Chai latte.
No comment on this. Just make sure you try this place.

It’s already time to leave. I have to says I’m feeling sad to leave already this town. I have met wonderful Japaneses and foreign people here. We had great times at the Yadocurly café. The community aspect feels strong here. The town being relatively small , it make it much easier to connect with the local community. I felt so inspired being here. I would have stay way longer but my journey was calling for me. I know I will be back thought.

As humans we all want to relate with others. Being all unique we have to find what is our tribe. What is our community. It’s doesnt matter where it’s ,or who it’s. As long as it feels right , cosy and harmonious. Onomichi is one of the coolest place I have been and I would highly recommand it to people interested in “authentic alternative” living in Japan.

Thanks you Onomichi. Thanks you to all the creative souls that make this place so special.

Yokata 良かった

It was good