An Unmanned Takeout Store Blending into a Tourist Landscape
Spatial Branding that Highlights Local Resources and Flow Design
A Minimalist Architectural Experiment That Radiates Warmth—Even Without People
｜Onomichi Nidosando｜
In recent years, unmanned retail models have surged in popularity—often sacrificing spatial quality for operational efficiency. In tourist destinations, however, visual harmony with the surrounding environment and a clear reason to be chosen are essential. “Onomichi Nidosando,” launched in the historic town of Onomichi, addressed these challenges head-on. INCROCCE designed a space that communicates hospitality even without staff. With thoughtful material selections suited to the local context and a layout derived from human movement, the result is a compact store with presence and warmth—unmanned yet undeniably welcoming.
Property Overview
Name｜Onomichi Nidosando (Unmanned Takeout Store)
Location｜Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
Client｜Prize Co., Ltd.
Design｜INCROCCE Co., Ltd.
Display｜INCROCCE Co., Ltd.
Photography｜Arcion
Scope｜Design of unmanned store, spatial branding, traffic flow planning, fixture production
Installation Area｜Full scope: exterior, shelving, signage, user flow
Display Format｜Exterior/interior finishes, wall surfaces, counter zones
Completion｜2023
Design Concept
In a town as visually rich and storied as Onomichi, the design embraced minimalism with a focus on quietly existing rather than standing out. The space harmonizes natural wood, glass, metal accents, and the brand’s logo to express Nidossand’s identity in a soft yet clear way. The result is a design that respects its surroundings while establishing a memorable, understated presence.
Design Challenges
To create a store that “functions” in the absence of staff
To ensure visual harmony with the traditional Onomichi townscape
To support both open-access browsing and simple takeout routes
To allow the space itself to serve as a substitute for human interaction—through form, flow, and narrative
Our Proposal
We designed a split-flow layout, allowing one side of the store to welcome customers inside and the other to offer a self-contained takeaway window.
Fixtures were crafted from locally sourced wood, with finishes chosen to gain richness over time.
The signage and logo were designed for both subtlety and visibility—scaled and placed to blend into the cityscape while retaining brand clarity.
Lighting included exterior and ambient sources, with intentional shifts between day and night—a breathing rhythm that quietly draws attention without shouting.
Design and Execution Details
Façade｜Balances traditional Japanese aesthetics with the functionality and material beauty of a modern takeout format
Shelving and Fixtures｜Open wooden shelves designed for easy access, visibility, and hygiene
Walls｜Unified minimal design combining timber, white-painted surfaces, and the brand logo
Doors and Service Windows｜Non-contact operation with clear visibility, ensuring a sense of safety even in an unmanned context
Client Response and Feedback
The project earned organic praise on social media, described as “photogenic yet humble” and “adorably Onomichi.” Remarkably, data revealed that approximately 40% of visitors stopped in spontaneously, clearly demonstrating the power of its visual appeal. Following this success, inquiries for regional expansions and mobile formats such as branded food trucks have already begun.
Creating immersive spaces that merge “brand identity × drawing power” — why not start with us?
At INCROCCE, we bring out the unique character of each space using authentic materials and upcycled elements. From commercial facilities to offices and public venues, we specialize in crafting immersive spatial experiences. If you're considering a similar approach to spatial branding, we’d be delighted to discuss your project.