"Cycle, travel, and good things," the motto of the Onomichi U2 complex in Hiroshima, Japan, doesn't begin to cover what awaits bicyclists who peddle up to the giant seafront warehouse. Located in the town of Onomichi—and comprising a futuristic cycle-through hotel, a restaurant/bar, bakery, cafe, and shops—the new enclave is situated at the head of the Shimanami Kaido, a scenic 70K trail that leads across bridges and islands. But you might want to just stay put.
Above: The complex occupies what had been a drab 1943 maritime structure on the Seto Inland Sea reinvented by local architecture firm Suppose Design Office.
Above: Wintery planters flank a wall of windows.
Above: The check-in desk looks formal, but bikers are welcome to peddle right up. Photograph by Toshiyuki Yano.
Above: The cavernous interior has restaurants and shops at one end and hotel rooms at the other. "Our building materials, wood, mortar, and steel, recall the old houses of Onomichi and the shipbuilding that's been such a longstanding tradition here," the architects write, adding that they were after "the discovery of newness in a place long established."
Above: Dual bike racks await in a moody guest room with a wood-paneled ceiling.
Above: The perfect souvenir: Onomichi U2 pajamas.
Above: Tolix chairs outside the ride-up Yard Cafe.
Above: Cyclists' footwear on the boardwalk.
Above: In addition to a cafe, there's a restaurant, bar, bike shop, and a terrace for lounging.
Above: The restaurant end of the warehouse has an open-plan layout partitioned by concrete columns. The offerings include food to stay and to go. Photograph by Toshiyuki Yano.
Above: Wood shelves and bentwood chairs lend the restaurant a human scale. Photograph by Toshiyuki Yano.
Above: Waterfront seating on the terrace.
Above: A place for post-ride periodical reading.
Above: Furniture to suit every taste.
Above: The in-house bakery. Photograph by Toshiyuki Yano.
Above: You might want to bring more than a backpack. Far from just cycling gear, the U2 Shima Shop offers "living rich clothing," plus an array of housewares and plants, too.
Above: Taiwanese bike manufacturer Giant rents wheels and stands ready to offer tune-ups.
Above: The resort overlooks the cargo-ship-filled harbor with the islands of Setouchi in the distance. Photograph by Toshiyuki Yano.
Explore more at Onomichi U2.
Onomichi is a picturesque ancient city in Hiroshima Prefecture. Its famous cycling route traverses six islands.
Go to Hotels & Lodgings to see more of our favorite places to stay around the world.
And have a look at some of our other cycling-related posts:
- Bike Bags from Save the C
- An Entry-Worthy Bike Rack
- 10 Favorites: Indoor Bike Storage
- A Pedal-Powered Ice Cream Parlor in LA
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