MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- In nearly every Japanese town there is at least one temple, but for those who enjoy seeing these ancient buildings, some of which date back more than 1,000 years, there is no better place to view them than Onomichi City.
Onomichi, located about three hours by train from Iwakuni, is host to more than 25 temples, which can easily be seen by following the city's "path to old temples."
Although Onomichi may seem to be a small town, there is one noticeable difference - its labyrinth of temples.
A large green map in English and Japanese is the first insight to the extensive trail system, which begins just up the main street from the Onomichi Train Station on Route 2.
The cobblestone path covers more than a mile and makes the journey extremely easy to follow, with signs and stone posts to point the way. No other paths in town are as distinct as the "path to old temples."
Some of the temples that line the path have recently been built, and others have been well weathered by centuries of history.
The Buddhist temples range in age, size and shape. Each is uniquely and ornately decorated with colorful paintings, gardens, sculptures, fountains and the occasional dragon guarding the entrance.
However, it's not just the temples that make the walk worth taking. The route passes by old buildings that have survived fire, earthquakes, war and storms, giving the town a historical aura.
Although each of the temples on the tour is worth seeing, one attracts more visitors than the rest.
The scarlet buildings and stone steps of Senkoji twist around the giant boulders and cherry trees of Mount Senkoji.
Founded in 806 A.D., the temple has stood overlooking the town and surrounding islands for more than 1,000 years. While walking through the incense-filled passageways, small statues, wooden heart-shaped placards and small trinkets for good luck and to remember the dead can be seen tucked in the nooks of the rocks.
One small building at the temple often has a line of people waiting to make wishes. Others bypass the line and go straight to the small vending stand that offers a multitude of charms for good luck.
Above this temple is an observation platform with cherry tree-shaded trails, a scenic view of the area and an ice cream shop. For those not interested in climbing the dozens of stone steps, a cable car goes directly to the top of the mountain for a fee, bypassing many statues and shrines tucked into the woods along the trail.
Trinket stores, restaurants and other small souvenir shops line the paths making some parts look like outdoor folk museums. The temples are interesting, but the road between is often just as entertaining.
To complete the entire hike takes four to five hours, depending on how much time is spent at each temple. The path eventually turns into a dirt trail that leads to the last temple atop a mountain. From the top hikers can see Onomichi crawling up the side of the mountains out of the sea.