Onomichi City Office

Known for its beautiful archipelago of some 700 islands, Japan’s Setonaikai (Seto Inland Sea), is the largest waterway of its type in the country. Located in the center of the sea, Onomichi is surrounded by the Onomichi Channel, a key historic point for maritime traffic, and by a trio of mountains home to ancient temples. Used as a setting for many literary works and movies, the area’s scenery has more recently been recognized as a Japan Heritage Site. It has also become a mecca for cyclists, and attracts both domestic and overseas interest. Onomichi City Office is more than a government office building. The first and second floors and the rooftop have terraces with a view of the garden-like landscape. Connected by stairwell, they remain open to the public after office hours and on holidays. More than a municipal administrative facility, the goal was to create a government building that would also serve as a new Onomichi landmark, and a site to see.