Top Page	Mountains, Valleys & Waterfalls
Mt. Jodoji (178m)
Higashi-Kubo Town Onomichi City
浄土寺山 尾道市 東久保町
Map	Jodoji Temple sits at the foot of the 178-meter Mt. Jodoji.
Onomichi is a popular tourist destination. A two-kilometer strip of the land of central Onomichi stretches along the Onomichi Channel. Narrow streets go up the sloped hillside, and houses stand close together between them. Many temples and literary monuments of noted novelists dot the area. It is said Jodoji Temple was founded in the seventh century, shortly after Buddhism’s arrival via China and Korea, by a famous prince, Shotoku-taishi, who shaped the basic structure of the state of Japan. Hondo ( Main Hall) and Tahoto (Treasure Tower) of the temple are national treasures that can be seen along with other cultural assets including statues of the crown prince. Onomichi has been a busy trading port since old times. It produced many wealthy merchants. It is said that they spent their fortunes to build as many as 81 temples at their peak in the Edo Period (1603-1867). There are now 25 temples remaining. Three peaks facing the sea stand in the area. They are called Mt. Senkoji (136m), Mt. Saigokuji (116m) and Mt. Jodoji (178m) from west to east, respectively, being named after the temples which sit at the foot of each mountain. From JR Onomichi Station, walk east for about 2.5 kilometers on the coastline to Route 2 at the Jodoji-shita intersection. Then cross Route 2 and soon cross under the Sanyo Railway Track and walk up to Jodoji Temple. From the grounds of the temple, take a 30-minute ascent to Mt. Jodoji. Needless to say, the views of the Onomichi Channel with studded islands on the Inland Sea as a background are breathtaking. To return to Onomichi Station walking on a stone-paved zigzag path on the mountainside visiting temples is recommended. Click this link to see a tour map of seven temples including Jodoji Temple (Nihongo). Getting there: Take a train on the Sanyo Line at Hiroshima Station, and change to another train at Itozaki Station, and get off at Onomichi Station. Suggested schedule: Hiroshima Sta.(8:45)==(Sanyo Line)==Itozaki Sta.==Onomichi Sta.(10:18)--- ---Jodoji Temple(10:45)---Mt. Jodoji(11:30-12:30)---Jodoji Temple (13:00)--- ---Onomichi Sta.(15:48)==(Sanyo Line)==Itozaki Sta.==Hiroshima Sta.(17:15) *Train timetables may be subject to change. Note: To be safe, especially in winter, keep in mind not to go into the mountains alone, and be sure to go with a well-experienced hiker.