Now the world is becoming aware of Onomichi, which is a famous sightseeing spot with slopes,temples, and of course cycling on Shimanami Kaido.
JR Onomichi Station has been reborn with a new building called “Onomichi Ekisha (Station Building),” a place for cultural exchange.

ONOMARU SHOUTEN

“ONOMARU SHOUTEN (Shop),” which you can find on the left side after going through the ticket gate, sells Onomichi “soul food,” limited edition items for the station, and so on.

▲Onomichi Wappa from 550 yen

“Onomichi Wappa” is the new Onomichi specialty sold at ONOMARU SHOUTEN.
“Wappa” means circular bento box, and this menu item was developed to represent Hiroshima’s “ekiben (a boxed lunch sold at a railroad station).”

▲Tochu Tea Parfait 690 yen

There is an eat-in space with open atmosphere.
The most recommended menu item is “Tochu Tea Parfait,” which is not too sweet and has the pleasant aroma of tea.
Tochu tea is also known as gutta percha tea,which is high in minerals.

▲Onomichi City emblem tote bag 2,315 yen

You can find many original items unique to this shop.
The bag in the photo is the tote bag with the Symbol of Onomichi City, done in the color of blue (the original emblem’s color is red).
There is also a T-shirt with the emblem, and you can only get these items here.
So, these are going to be very unique and special souvenirs!

＞“ONOMARU SHOUTEN” is the shop which has all of Onomichi’s fascinations. / JR Onomichi Ekisha (Onomichi-shi, Hiroshima)

Café & Grill NEO

“Café & Grill NEO” is on the second floor of the station, and this is a café restaurant where you can have lunch, dessert, and even dinner.

The space has a high ceiling and expansive atmosphere.
From the big window, a view of Onomichi Channel can be seen in right front of you.

One recommended selection is a “genuine” hamburger steak

▲Cheese Hamburg Steak 1,100 yen

We would like to recommend having the hamburger steak here.
The hamburger is made of 100% of Japanese ingredients, and tastes so genuine.
Obviously, this menu item is very popular among men and women of all ages!

▲Parfaits 790 yen

You can choose various kinds of parfaits from the café menu, and aren’t they so instagrammable?
The style and ingredients for parfaits change from season to season, so look forward to having a new type once in while!

Café & Grill NEO
Phone／0848-29-9332
Open／11:00〜21:00(L.O.20:30)
Closed／None

㎥ HOSTEL

“㎥ (M three) HOSTEL” introduces the new concept of “staying in the station” (what a unique and fun experience!). It is on the second floor of the station building.

There are 3 types of overnight stay options: private rooms, bunk beds in mixed dormitory room, and mixed compartment rooms with 2 bunk beds (for a maximum of 4 people).

You can enjoy the view of the trains and railroad from the windows of the lounge room/sharing space or the rooms on the railroad side.

This is the mixed dormitory room with bunk beds.
The space is minimal, but the design includes a ceiling of 5.5 meters. This makes this space special, and maybe you won’t feel like it is too narrow.

When you step inside of the curtain, it is like a room on a sleeper train!
The bunk bed and the iron ladder invite you on an unexpected trip.

This is the private room on the railroad side.
It is a unique experience for you to stay in this room and observe the platform without people in the early morning or late at night, or even the crowded platform during the rush hour.
Even if you are not a railfan, this rare stay will be one of the highlights of your trip!

㎥ HOSTEL’s Rail Side Plan
If you are a railway enthusiast, don’t miss this plan.
We can make sure you will have the room on the rail side and can see trains coming and going with a view of Onomichi.
You can see the luxurious sleeper train “TWILIGHT EXPRESS MIZUKAZE” stopping at Onomichi Station!

The reservation website is here.
https://www.489pro.com/asp/489/menu.asp?id=34000016&lan=JPN

㎥ HOSTEL
Phone／0848-29-9330
https://m3hostel.com

Shokudo Michi

The last spot in the station building we introduce is “Shokudo (Diner) Michi” on the westernmost side of the ground floor.
This is a typical nostalgic style of diner, and it is crowded with local customers at lunch time and early in the evening.
If you stop by the station building, it is a good spot to have a glass of beer!

Shokudo Michi
Phone／0848-29-9337
Open／Weekday:11:00～14:00、17:00～22:00 Weekend:11:00～22:00
Closed／None

Photographs and text by Akiko Isonaga