Ryokan Onomichi Nishiyama.

A meticulous 2023 restoration of the historic Nishiyama Bekkan tea house, this ryokan balances Showa-era heritage with sharp, modern sensibilities. The property is anchored by a sprawling Japanese garden overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, where guests stay in detached villas featuring original mid-century woodwork, thatched roofs, and updated, minimalist interiors. While the architecture leans into tradition—reusing vintage scrolls and ceramics—the experience is decidedly contemporary, featuring a lounge with all-day sake and a restaurant serving Japanese-French fusion. Guests can explore Onomichi’s hilly terrain on complimentary local bicycles or take a private fishing boat out from the nearby port. It is a quiet, refined retreat that feels deeply rooted in the local maritime culture without the stiff formality of a traditional inn.