ONOMICHI U2

In short

ONOMICHI U2 is a complex facility facing the Onomichi Channel, created by renovating an old shipping warehouse. "Prefectural Shed Warehouse No. 2," built in 1943, was reborn as a new facility in March 2014. It was designed by SUPPOSE DESIGN OFFICE, led by architect Tanijiri Makoto.

• ​A building that makes use of a warehouse​​: Based on the theme of "a small town within a town," small buildings like those of the town of Onomichi line up inside the warehouse, which retains its high ceilings and thick pillars
• ​A hotel for cyclists​​: "HOTEL CYCLE" inside the facility is designed for people traveling by bicycle, and its guest rooms are equipped with cycle hangers
• ​Dining and shopping​​: Besides a restaurant, café, and bakery, there are shops carrying Setouchi foods and sundry goods, and a specialty bicycle shop

History and Highlights

​ONOMICHI U2​ is a complex facility created by renovating an old maritime shipping warehouse facing the Onomichi Channel. The original building was a shipping warehouse called "Prefectural Shed Warehouse No. 2," built in 1943 (Showa 18), and it was reborn as a new facility in March 2014.

It was designed by SUPPOSE DESIGN OFFICE, led by architect Tanijiri Makoto. Based on the theme of "a small town within a town," small buildings reminiscent of the town of Onomichi are arranged inside the large warehouse. By utilizing and reinforcing the original warehouse framework and incorporating light steel-frame buildings inside, the remnants of the port warehouse and the new space are brought together as one.

The facility brings together a hotel, restaurant, bar, café, bakery, shops selling daily household goods and food products, and a specialty bicycle shop. Onomichi is the starting point on the Honshu mainland side of the Shimanami Kaido. It serves as a new hub for the port town, welcoming people heading to the islands by bicycle and those returning from them.

Viewing and Experience Points

• ​A Building That Repurposes a Warehouse​​: Retaining features from its days as a maritime shipping warehouse, such as high ceilings and thick pillars, the large space has a unique structure where small buildings line up. You can explore inside the facility with the sensation of walking through the town's alleys.
• ​A Hotel for Cyclists​​: "HOTEL CYCLE" inside the facility is a hotel designed for people traveling by bicycle, and guest rooms are equipped with cycle hangers where bicycles can be hung.
• ​Dining and Shopping​​: In addition to the restaurant, café, and bakery, there are shops carrying Setouchi foods and sundry goods, as well as a specialty bicycle shop, making it a place to take a break during your journey.

Tips for Exploring

It is about a 5-minute walk from JR Onomichi Station. From the seaside deck, you can enjoy views of the ferries crossing the Onomichi Channel and Mukaishima Island on the opposite shore. To the northeast of Onomichi Station, on the hillside, highlights of the sloping town such as Senko-ji Temple and Neko-no-Hosomichi Alley continue, so combining a visit here with a stroll along the port is also recommended.