Along Hiroshima's Onomichi coastline, where sea breezes and centuries of history meet, Ryokan Onomichi Nishiyama (operated by Setouchi Ryokan Co., Ltd.) is unveiling a completely new dining concept starting in July 2026: "Onomichi Gastronomy." Reviving the spirit of the "Saen" tea garden, once a gathering place where writers, artists, and wealthy merchants exchanged ideas over tea, the ryokan's restaurant "Yosoro" now offers an experience that goes beyond an overnight stay, inviting guests to savor memories unique to this land.
A Story Built Through European Technique
Moving beyond the traditional French cuisine it has served until now, Ryokan Onomichi Nishiyama has built a new "local gastronomy" using free-spirited ideas and European culinary techniques. The port town of Onomichi's own history of trade, preservation, and fermentation has been reconstructed as cuisine, not simply an arrangement of luxury ingredients, but a singular story built on the idea that there is a reason to eat here.
The "Three Terroirs" That Shape Onomichi's DNA
At the heart of the restaurant's cooking are three elements that define Onomichi's character.
Terroir of the sea: Local fish nurtured by the fast-moving currents of the Seto Inland Sea. From leading catches such as oniokoze, red sea bream (madai), and Japanese seaperch (suzuki) to accent players like small sardines (koiwashi) and octopus, the richness of this multi-island sea is condensed onto a single plate.
Terroir of the land: Lemons and hassaku citrus grown on sun-drenched island slopes. Their vivid acidity and aroma sharpen the outline of each sauce and leave a lasting impression.
Terroir of history and culture: The wisdom of preservation and fermentation built up by earlier generations, from Onomichi Zousu, a vinegar brewery founded in 1582, to the kelp and dried fish once carried by Kitamae trading ships, lends the cuisine layered depths of umami.
The ryokan offers six detached buildings with eight rooms in total for guests seeking privacy, along with three rooms in the refined, simply appointed main building. With only 11 rooms in all, chefs deeply versed in the region welcome guests to enjoy Onomichi Gastronomy at a lively open kitchen, pursuing the true meaning of dining here.
Sample menu ※Contents may vary depending on available ingredients.
About Ryokan Onomichi Nishiyama
Originally opened in 1943 as "Nishiyama Bekkan," a historic inn beloved by literary figures and celebrities, the property was renovated and reopened in April 2023. Centered on a lawn garden, the building holds 11 rooms in total, six detached buildings with eight rooms and three rooms in the main building, along with an open-kitchen restaurant, a lounge, and a banquet hall.
Official website: https://o-nishiyama.co.jp/
