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An hour from Hiroshima, perched overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, a former maritime warehouse has been given a new lease of life as a design-focussed stopover for cyclists preparing to take on the Shimanami Kaido.

Japan’s most famous cycling route, 60km of purpose-built track follow the expressway connecting Japan’s main island of Honshu and the island of Shikoku. Traversing six small islands via a series of impressive bridges, the scenic Shimanami Kaido attracts cycle-enthusiasts from across the world to the once sleepy coastal town of Onomichi, marking the starting point of the route.

Answering their needs, Onomichi U2 is an architect-designed destination for those looking for somewhere to gather their breath before taking to the road. Home to a restaurant, café, bakery, bar, bike shop and boutique, the waterfront-warehouse provides a one-stop-shop for cyclists and their two-wheeled companions. At the heart of the project, Hotel Cycle offers 28 simple yet stylish guest rooms with plenty of room to park your bike – on a convenient stand at the foot of the bed, in fact. A cycle-through café sells snacks and sports drinks to arm cyclists for the journey ahead and for those needing to fix their ride, hire some wheels or pick up some extra gear, bike manufacturer Giant plays host to an on-site store and workshop.

Then after a long day in the saddle once the sun goes down, look no further than the aptly named Kog Bar – on-hand to serve up a restorative beer to road-weary cyclists. Book your stay via the hotel website.

Onomichi U2: 5-11 Nishigoshocho, Onomichi, Hiroshima 722-0037

Images: Tetsuya Ito, courtesy of DISCOVERLINK Setouchi