Onomichi city in Hiroshima prefecture has been the stage for numerous literary works and films.

As you look at the city from the top of a hill, the scent of people's everyday lives and the gentle air of Setouchi drift your way.

An expert on all things Onomichi, our guide this time was Ms. Noriko Nakamoto (AKA NORi-sensei). She holds photography courses in Onomichi, and loves the town greatly.

Well then, grab you camera and let's go for a walk!

Our first stop is Koujindo-dori, a retro street that stretches from the side of Hondori shopping street, Onomichi's main road. We take a shot of the nostalgic scene filled with the scent of the Showa era!

 

We enter a small alleyway off Koujindo-dori. Visible beyond the blue signboard is the famous sightseeing spot of Senkouji Temple. I got a shot that gives you a feel of Onomichi as a "town of hills".

There is laundry on a veranda in the alleyway. "I like how in Onomichi you can feel the presence of people even in small alleyways," says NORi-sensei.

 

What? A fish in a place like this?!

What I found in a corner of the alleyway was "debera", an Onomichi winter sight.

Apparently, exposing the fish to the cold wind enhances its flavor, but it's difficult to say much about this fish drying all by itself in a backstreet…

"Oh~ This debera looks so sad! But I like this side of Onomichi," NORi-sensei says happily. Filled with love for Onomichi, she took a video of the dried fish swaying in the wind!

Well then, here's an animal you can't avoid in Onomichi!

 

If you walk along the hill road, which is lined with ancient temples, you can meet both pet and stray cats. And furthermore, Onomichi cats are good at posing!

"If you look from the animal's point of view, you'll get good photographs!" (by NORi-sensei)