The mountain side of Onomichiwas considered a sacred area. Only shrines and temples were built here. But near the end of the Edo period, Izumo House, a mansion that overlooks the town and the sea, existed as a district office and residence for salt and cotton traders. The exact year in which the house was built is unknown, but the first floor tea room is in the style of the Edo period. Minato no Yado renovated this historical property based on their impression of how its former occupants lived.

From the outside, the two houses that make up Setouchi Minato no Yado couldn’t be more different. Shimazui Manor, with its distinctive Spanish Revival-esque style, and the Edo-era Izumo Yashiki standing beside it certainly make an odd pair. 

But behind the mismatched facades are two carefully restored historic houses, each revealing a different part of Onomichi’s past. Both buildings are also fully equipped deluxe accommodations, giving visitors the chance to live like a local in Onomichi.

Nakamura added modern conveniences to the house, including plumbing, a full kitchen, and a Western-style living room. The stunning tearoom, with its neighboring garden, were both carefully restored by Nakamura, who specializes in Japanese teahouse architecture. The balance of traditional and modern elements means guests can step back in time without leaving their comfort zone.