
The streets of Onomichi are full of interesting, cute, and quirky shops. Since the town’s unusually high cat population is one of its trademarks, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that most of the local merchandise is feline-themed as well. Here are some of our favorite shops down Onomichi’s quaint cat alleys.
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01
Misaka
This charming shop on the Ichibangai shopping street is Misaka, specializing in interior decoration goods from both near and afar. If you want to pick up some Onomichi-made plates with cat motifs, or some hand-painted lucky cats, Misaka comes highly recommended. They do have plenty of non-cat-related products too, so it’s worth a visit even if you’re not as fond of cats as everyone living in Onomichi.
Misaka
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02
Onomichi Saikobo
This combined bag factory and shop with it’s feline silhouetted logo is located on the Ichibangai shopping street, and well worth a visit if you are in need of something to put all your omiyage in. The company prides itself in producing domestic canvas without chemicals, including the dye, which was originally produced in Onomichi as sails for ships. These days, apart from bags, Saikobo also sells a range of smartphone cases and hats.
Onomichi Saikobo
- Onomichi honuno irodori Work
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- Hiroshima Pref. Onomichishi Tsuchidou 1-6-9
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- 0848241744
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03
Cat Alley
Yet another place worth checking out is the narrow street known as “Neko no Hosomichi”, or “cat alley”. This area has a few small shops and art galleries specializing in -- you guessed it -- cat related goods and art. As the name implies, this part of Onomichi is indeed also very full of cats, most of which seem to be good friends with the shop owners, frequently visiting the shops and the streets around them.
Cat Alley
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04
Reikodo
Probably Onomichi’s quirkiest record shop, Reikodo has been around for many years and has the clutter to show for it. The owner is the star of the Japanese independent movie “Supaa Rokaru Hiiro” (That’s Super Local Hero pronounced in Japanese), that got some attention at European film festivals when it was released back in 2014. In here you will find everything from CDs of local indie bands (and some mainstream ones as well), to used electronics and locally grown organic vegetables. Reikodo is located just north of JR Onomichi Station. Just look for the big hand painted sign with a big cat.
Reikodo
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05
Tecoubou
Near one of the smaller temples on the hillside of Onomichi you’ll find a small building that has been converted into a gallery, atelier and shop called “Tecoubou”. In here, you’ll find a nice selection of hand painted cups and postcards, as well as other products made by various local creators. Some of which, are of course, inspired by the many cats in this town.
Tecoubou
- attic‧Onomichi Te Workshop
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- Hiroshima Onomichi-shi Higashitsuchidocho 10-3
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- 0848247210
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