[Hiroshima local travel recommendation] How to get to the factory front direct store of SPINGLE, a handmade sneaker made in Japan

• Table of Contents
• What is Fuchu City, Hiroshima Prefecture?
• How to get to Fuchu City, Hiroshima Prefecture
• How to get to the SPINGLE factory store
• Things to see around the SPINGLE factory store

What is Fuchu City, Hiroshima Prefecture?

Fuchu City, Hiroshima Prefecture, is located in the southeastern part of the prefecture.

The image is an English translation of an image borrowed from the website of Fuchu City Hall in Hiroshima Prefecture.

It is a city surrounded by rivers and mountains with a population of about 40,000. Its history is long, dating back to 646 when the Bingo Kokufu was established in Fuchu as part of the Taika Reforms. Kokufu refers to a national government office, and Bingo is the name of the region that refers to the Fuchu City area. The name Fuchu is said to have been derived from the fact that this Kokufu was established there. Perhaps for this reason, there are still several place names with the name Fuchu in them in Japan, other than Fuchu City in Hiroshima Prefecture.

When I travel, I sometimes stop by the local libraries, and I recommend visiting Fuchu City Library, where you can find simple materials about the history of Fuchu City.

How to get to Fuchu City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Now, let us show you how to get to Fuchu City, Hiroshima Prefecture.

By plane

From Hiroshima Airport, take a bus and arrive in Fuchu City, Hiroshima Prefecture in about 60 minutes.

1. Take the limousine bus from Hiroshima Airport and get off at the Takasaka bus stop.

2. Transfer to the express bus and get off at the last Michino-Eki Bingo Fuchu.

Michino-Eki Bingo Fuchu has a shop selling products from Fuchu City, Hiroshima Prefecture, a restaurant, and is a facility where you can also get tourist information.

As of March 2024, there are direct flights to Hiroshima Airport from Tokyo, Sendai, Narita, Okinawa, and Sapporo.

By train

Take the JR Fukuchi Line from JR Fukuyama Station, where the Shinkansen stops, for 45 minutes and get off at Fuchu Station.

This is a JR Fukuchiyama Line train and the ticket gates at Fuchu Station.

By express bus

Take the Reed Liner express bus from Hiroshima Bus Center, the starting point, and get off at the final Michino-Eki Bingo Fuchu.

Michino-Eki Bingo Fuchu bus stop

Many buses stop at Hiroshima Bus Center and it can get very crowded, so it's a good idea to check the bus stop and destination carefully.

For more information on how to get to Hiroshima Prefecture, see this article from the Hiroshima Tourism Federation.

How to get to the SPINGLE factory store

Michino-Eki Bingo Fuchu, accessible by highway bus, and JR Fuchu Station, accessible by train, are both within walking distance. SPINGLE Factory Shop is a 6-minute walk from both stations.

A shop in Fuchu, Hiroshima where you can get fitted for SPINGLE

Things to see around the SPINGLE factory store

Koishiki

It is a Japanese-style building that has been designated as a national registered tangible cultural property. Admission to the building is free.

Opening hours are 9am-5pm.

There is a small Japanese garden on the premises, which is a perfect place for taking photos.

Nishikigoi carp are bred in the Koishiki Garden.

Fuchu City Tourism Association Tourist Information Center

There is a tourist information center right next to Koishiki. You can get tourist information and take a rest here. There are two okonomiyaki restaurants in the annex of the tourist information center.

Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is a popular dish all over Japan. Okonomiyaki is a dish made by combining eggs, cabbage, noodles, etc. in a flour batter, and each region in Japan has its own unique ingredients and cooking methods. There are many types of okonomiyaki, just like ramen, and there are many types of okonomiyaki that even Japanese people have never tried.

The biggest feature of okonomiyaki in Fuchu City, Hiroshima Prefecture is that it uses minced meat. The fat from the minced meat makes the okonomiyaki, which is made by combining noodles, cabbage, and eggs with a thinly fried wheat flour batter, crispy. Okonomiyaki restaurants are relatively concentrated in Fuchu City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Look for the flags and curtains. It is one of the gourmet foods you should definitely try when you come to Fuchu City, Hiroshima Prefecture.

There are several ways to eat okonomiyaki: leave it on the hot plate and use a spatula to bring it directly to your mouth, use a small plate, or transfer the okonomiyaki to a plate and eat it. Regulars tend to use a spatula to eat it. Takeout is also available.

Vulca CAFE

This is a shop where you can enjoy freshly brewed coffee when you're tired from walking, after a meal, or while waiting for the bus or train on your way home. You can also enjoy sweets and drinks made with Japanese ingredients such as amazake and yuzu. Wi-Fi is available. It is located in the same building as SPINGLE's directly managed store in front of the factory.