Springtime Citrus Bliss: 7 Must-Try Lemon Sweets & Drinks in Onomichi

義成布田
May 11
2 min read

Onomichi’s sunny streets are bursting with citrus charm—ready to taste Setoda lemon at its peak?

Discover the Flavor of Setoda Lemons

Setoda, a small town on Ikuchijima Island in Onomichi, Hiroshima, is Japan’s top producer of domestic lemons. Thanks to its mild coastal climate and rich soil, Setoda lemons are known for their balanced sweetness, fragrant peel, and extra-juicy pulp. These lemons are at their most flavorful in spring—perfect for seasonal sweets and refreshing drinks.

Where to Enjoy Lemon Treats in Onomichi

1. Lemon to Spice (檸檬とスパイス)

Located just steps from Onomichi Station, this lemon-focused stand serves over 35 varieties of house-made lemonade. Their spring-limited "Peach Apple Lemonade Smoothie" blends Setoda lemon with sweet seasonal fruits for a fresh twist.

Website: https://lemon-spice.com/

Tip: Grab one to-go and stroll along Onomichi’s waterfront promenade.

2. Shimanami Dolce (しまなみドルチェ)

This Setoda-based gelato shop is a local gem. Their spring collection includes lemon and Dekopon orange flavors—made with freshly picked local citrus. You can even order their seasonal sets online if you can’t make the trip in person.

Website: https://www.setoda-dolce.com/

3. Lemon Café Shiomachi-tei (汐待亭)

Set in a restored traditional house, this café offers a peaceful escape with lemon dishes you won’t find elsewhere—like lemon hotpot and homemade lemonade using naturally farmed Setoda lemons. A great stop after temple-hopping.

Info: https://onomichill.jp/spot-items/レモンカフェ　汐待亭/

4. Shimanami Brewery

Yes, there’s even lemon craft beer. Shimanami Brewery in Onomichi crafts the zesty “Super Salt Lemon Sour” and a quirky treat: “Shimanami Cat Lemon Ice Cream,” a boozy float perfect for sunny afternoons.

Website: https://shimanami-brewery.com/

5. Shimagokoro SETODA (島ごころセトダ)

Founded by local patissier Ryuzo Okumoto, Shimagokoro SETODA produces about 8,400 lemon cakes daily, utilizing hand-cut Setoda lemon peels. Their café offers a variety of lemon-based sweets, including seasonal flavors like green lemon and black sesame

Website: https://www.patisserie-okumoto.com/

6. HYAKKOYA Café

Located in front of Kosanji Temple on Ikuchijima Island, HYAKKOYA offers distinctive lemonade made from Setoda lemons. Their menu features unique items like the "Kari-Fuwa Tamago Sandwich" with lemon mayonnaise, providing a refreshing stop for travelers.

Website: https://hyakkoya.com/english/

7. Souvenir Favorites: Cakes with Character

Looking for something to take home? Try the adorable “Marunyan Lemon Paw Cake,” shaped like a cat’s paw and filled with sweet citrus flavor. Or go for “ShimaShima Lemon,” a striped sponge cake with a caramel twist—moist, mellow, and great with tea.

Wrap-up

Whether you're here for a bike ride on the Shimanami Kaido or temple views along the Onomichi hillside, make time for these lemony indulgences. They're fresh, locally made, and a true taste of Onomichi in spring.

Looking to plan your sweet trip? → Visit each shop’s website above and build your own lemon trail!