Onomichi｜The 1,200-year-old temple that the cable car passes overhead The Tenth Monastery of the Thirty-three Guanyins of China

It is said that Senkoji Temple was founded by Kobo Daishi in 806 AD, and was revived by the famous general Minamoto no Mitsunaka in the Heian period in the 10th century. In fact, Minamoto no Mitsunaka was later deified and given the name Tada Daigongen. Back to Senkoji Temple, in 1894, the abbot, Tada Jien, tried every possible means to attract worshippers. He planned the 1,347 tsubo of land owned by the temple next to Senkoji Temple into Kyoen Park; Senkoji Temple later donated Kyoen Park to the Onomichi City Government, and now Senkoji Park has become the most famous attraction in Onomichi. Senkoji Temple belongs to the Shingon sect and is the tenth temple of the "Thirty-three Kannon Shrines of China". The main deity is Guanyin Bodhisattva, while the Master Hall is dedicated to Master Hongfa. In the temple, there is the Smiling Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, the different guardian Bodhisattvas of the twelve zodiac signs, and the Bishamon Hall which is dedicated to blessing wealth. Bishamonten is enshrined in the hall and it is said that it was built by the Buddhist master Anzaku Shiri, who built the statue of Prince Shotoku. This time we followed the ancient path and climbed up more than 500 stone steps. I was breathless and counted as I climbed until I finally arrived at Senkoji Temple. But there are beautiful scenery along the mountainside. Now that the Senkoji cable car has opened, there is an endless stream of tourists going up the mountain. Due to the route design, there are unexpected and unique sights such as the cable car pressing over the Buddhist temple, or the cable car and the bell tower being in the same frame. Senkoji Park is also a great place to view cherry blossoms. Don't miss it if you're visiting Hiroshima in early April. 📍Address: 〒722-0033 Hiroshima Prefecture Onomichi City Higashidodo-cho 15-1 🚗Get off the bus at the Yangtze River Estuary and walk up the mountain for 15 minutes. #MarchGoodPlaces2025