Warehouse-turned-cycling hub draws foreigners to Japan's Shimanami Kaido scenic highway
ONOMICHI, Hiroshima -- A renovated waterfront warehouse complex in this western Japan city has become a popular hub for cyclists and a major draw for
ONOMICHI, a city in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, has witnessed a surge in foreign tourism, with 707,400 visitors from abroad in 2025. This growth is attributed to the popularity of the scenic Shimanami Kaido cycling route, which connects the city with Imabari in Ehime Prefecture via numerous small islands in the Seto Inland Sea.
A prime example of this cycling hub is ONOMICHI U2, a multipurpose complex formerly a waterfront warehouse complex. Built in 1943, the warehouses were operated by the Hiroshima Prefectural Government before being renovated and opened in 2014 as a cycling hub. Run by Tsuneishi Land & Sea Inc., U2 offers a modern atmosphere with exposed steel framing and is designed like a small town, featuring specialty bicycle shops, clothing stores, general goods stores, a bakery, and a restaurant.
At the complex's western end lies a 28-room hotel where guests can check in with their bicycles. In fiscal 2025, more than half of U2's hotel guests were international, predominantly from the United States, Europe, Australia, and Taiwan. The hotel's 200,000 annual visitors highlight its popularity among international tourists.
Shunichi Osumi, a 40-year-old general manager of U2, joined the company in 2020 and oversees the facility's operations. He emphasizes the importance of preserving Onomichi's history, nature, and food culture while fostering new attractions for visitors. Foreign tourists continue to frequent U2 during their visit, enjoying the unique blend of retro charm and modern amenities.
Written by urgent.news from The Mainichi's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
