Green Hill Hotel Onomichi

I spent time enjoying the harbor view from the armchair in my room, which was a good size for a Japanese hotel. The air conditioning was a relief after the heat, and there were two complimentary citrus snacks. Breakfast the next morning was excellent, with lots to choose from, including delicious seafood. I would have stayed another night, but I had a ride to do. If I get to cycle the Shimanami Kaido again, Green Hill Hotel will be my preferred stop in Onomichi, and I'd recommend it without hesitation. I was there to ride the Shimanami Kaido, and the location worked brilliantly for the start. The hotel is across the street from the train station, right by one of the ferry crossings to Mukaishima Island, where the ride begins. The Giant store, Red Bicycles, and other bike rental options are an easy walk away. There are plenty of places to eat nearby, including the hotel's restaurant, and the nearby end of Onomichi's quaint shopping arcade made for a pleasant walk while I had time to kill. The staff were extremely polite and helpful, and service was great. Check-in was easy, and they arranged to transport my bags to my next hotel on Omisihima Island. Cyclists can store their bikes on hangers in the lobby.

The room felt rustic, but it was kept in excellent condition and was impeccably clean. It had more space than a typical business hotel and all the usual amenities. The complimentary local Onomichi snacks in the room were a nice touch. Onomichi is a quaint seaside town. You can visit from Fukuyama, Okayama, or Hiroshima for the day, though staying overnight gives you more time to take in its charm. The hotel faces the sea and connects to the JR station by a pedestrian bridge. From there, it's easy to walk along the coast, through the shopping alley, and along temple street.

We stayed here both before and after cycling the Shimanami Kaido. It's very conveniently placed near the bike rental shop at Onomichi station and the ferry terminal for Mukaishima. The rooms are quite tiny, but clean and comfortable. Breakfast was a generous, tasty buffet.

For anyone cycling the Shimanami kaido, this makes a great starting point. It's right across from the JR station, next to the ferry terminal, and there are bicycle rental shops nearby.