Onomichi developed as a merchant town where the Saigoku Kaido and Ginzan Kaido roads intersected in the Edo period and where Kitamae ships made port calls, prospered as a strategic point in Japan where people, goods, information, and culture were exchanged.
The wealthy merchants who made their fortunes in shipping and shipbuilding contributed to the temples and shrines to foster art and culture. They used to treat their guests to tea ceremonies in tea gardens. Historically, the Murakami-suigun(the local coast guard) who protected the shipping routes of the Seto Inland Sea were also proud cultural figures
In this town steeped in history, the Nishiyama Bekkan, which played the role of a tea garden, has been revived as Ryokan Onomichi Nishiyama, an inn that preserves Onomichi culture.
While preserving tradition, we aim to be a place of comfort, warmth, and with a welcoming environment for a new era.

Opened in 1943, Nishiyama Bekkan is a historic and beloved guest house in Onomichi. Its history has been preserved, not only in terms of the building but also furniture, lighting, tea ceremony utensils, hanging scrolls, and tableware. Some are in their original form, some have been restored, and other things have been repurposed, but we cherish all of them. For example, wood that used to be part of an alcove has been turned into room keys, and some roof tiles have been put to use as design materials for the entrance. We hope that these efforts will help to preserve Onomichi culture and put the skills of Japanese artisans on display for guests.