News in Easy English: Onomichi U2 brings cyclists and tourists to Hiroshima Pref. city

Onomichi, a city in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, has become a popular destination for cyclists and tourists alike. A renovated waterfront warehouse complex, known as ONOMICHI U2, has contributed to this popularity. In 2025, Onomichi welcomed around 707,400 foreign tourists, with many visiting the city's famed cycling route, the Setouchi-Shimanami Kaido. This route, stretching between Imabari in Ehime Prefecture and Onomichi, traverses numerous small islands in the Seto Inland Sea.

ONOMICHI U2, established in 2014, is situated adjacent to these old warehouses that once served as shipping facilities for the Hiroshima Prefectural Government in 1943. The hub, designed to blend historical elements with modern amenities, offers a diverse range of services including a bicycle shop, clothing stores, a bakery, and a restaurant. A hotel with 28 rooms is also located at the west end, accommodating guests who wish to bring their bicycles.

Over half of the hotel's guests in fiscal 2025 were from overseas, including many from the United States, Europe, Australia, and Taiwan. These visitors often appreciate the unique opportunity to store their bicycles within their hotel rooms—an uncommon feature among hotels worldwide. Shunichi Osumi, the general manager of ONOMICHI U2, has been at the helm since 2020, having previously worked in various roles in Canada and Australia before managing the restaurant, cafe, and bakery in his current position.

Osumi emphasizes the importance of preserving Onomichi's rich history, natural beauty, and local food culture while continuously introducing new experiences for visitors. The fusion of old-world charm with contemporary facilities at ONOMICHI U2 not only highlights the city's historical depth but also offers a fresh perspective on what the area has to offer.