Benton Guesthouse Ōmishima

Welcome to your home away from home on Ōmishima island! “Benton Guesthouse” is a former abandoned ‘akiya’ that we’ve lovingly renovated into our Shōwa-era private guesthouse vacation rental. You can experience slow life in the ‘inaka’ Japanese countryside. Just minutes from the Shimanami Kaido bridge network spanning the Seto sea.

Coming up on our year of operation in 2027, we’ve been happy to host over 350 guest groups, including over 1,000 guests! We’re happy to be’ve been recognized with AirBnB Superhost status, as well as the ‘Gold Level’ Guest Favorite. We are currently the only rental listing on the Shimanami Kaido islands to earn Top 1% Guest Favorite! We’ve also received the Traveller Review award on Booking, and recently joined the Preferred Partner Program, which is by invitation only.

Stay with us! Benton Guesthouse is on these reservation platforms:

       
 
   Based on 143 reviews

       
 
   Based on 96 reviews

       
 
   Based on 97 reviews

       
 
   Based on 1 reviews

Benton Guesthouse is a true Shōwa-era style countryside home. Built in 1953 with traditional Japanese joinery, this house was formerly an ‘akiya’ abandoned for 10 years. Many of the antique belongings were carefully restored and used to decorate this house. We hope guests will enjoy stepping back in time, with a few modern amenities. The furnishings are simple, era-appropriate, and true to the history of the home.

This is a true private full-house rental, so there are no “shared spaces”. We only rent to one group of guests at a time. If you are a solo traveler, or a large group, the whole house is private just for you.

We’re attentive hosts, but we do not live on-site. Our house is just around the corner, so we’re easily available when needed. We enjoy meeting guests, and have a lot of love for Ōmishima and the surrounding area, so we’re happy to answer questions! We help almost all of our guests by making restaurant reservations in advance, so they’re sure to have a delicious meal after a long day cycling. Our ‘ryokan’ license ensures that we can rent to guests 365 days a year.

Ōmishima is essentially the center of the Shimanami Kaido, making it a perfect location for cyclists. It’s a great halfway point for an overnight stay. Or even better, stay in our guesthouse as a base for exploration of Ōmishima and neighboring islands, over multiple relaxed days. Some fun day-trips include cycling to the Setoda neighborhood on Ikuchijima, cycling to the viewpoint on Hakatajima, and of course, taking the nearby ferry to Rabbit Island to feed the bunnies.

We’re in the process of renovating the building next-door to Benton Guesthouse into a retro shop and tiny taco kitchen. The former garage building needs a lot of work to bring it back to life, but we hope to have a soft opening over winter 2026, with a grand opening spring 2027. We currently have a small assortment of vintage items listed online, but once the shop is open, it will be stocked full of cool stuff from the 1940s to the 1980s. We will also serve a small Mexican food menu, including our homemade salsa with homegrown tomatillos and spicy peppers. Coming soon!

We’ve been documenting the entire remodeling process on our YouTube channel and our photo blog, so you can watch us bring this ‘akiya’ back to life! We have the blessing of the former owner’s son, who was the only child to grow up in the house; he’s now an elder who still lives in the neighborhood. We’re doing our best to honor this home’s history, while solidifying its place in Ōmishima’s future.

Benton Guesthouse maintains a 5-star rating across all platforms:

       EXCELLENT  
   Based on 58 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Svetlana Lebedeva 
 6 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. An absolutely wonderful and unique place to stay! We loved being able to immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese home. The hosts have done an incredible job recreating the house and filling it with so many thoughtful details that make the experience feel truly authentic and nostalgic.

One of my personal highlights was finding the Nintendo console - I hadn't played one since the 1990s, so it was such a lovely trip down memory lane!

Above all, we were touched by the incredible kindness and hospitality of the hosts. They went above and beyond to make our stay special: they booked a restaurant for us in advance, gave us helpful recommendations on what to see and where to go, and explained where to rent bicycles.

Most importantly, they helped us with our luggage in the most thoughtful way. They personally drove our suitcases to the neighbouring island while we cycled there, allowing us to enjoy the ride without having to carry our bags.

We are incredibly grateful for everything they did for us. Their kindness made this stay truly unforgettable. Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Linda Komori 
 14 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Staying at Dani’s place was a real treat. A lot of thought and effort has gone into making the space comfortable and welcoming, and the vintage furnishings and beautiful restoration of the house were wonderful to see.

Dani is a super helpful host - she made made sure we were fully informed with directions and instructions, and also made dinner reservations for us at a nearby spot that we would never have found on our own.

She also took the time to come over once we’d arrived to make sure we had all we needed and to show us interesting features of the house. One night wasn’t enough - we’d love to visit again!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Kathy Kiser 
 16 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Outstanding! Hosts were great to work with and very helpful. The accommodations were perfect for our group of 5 cyclists. Lovingly restored and decorated. Highly recommend!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Christina D 
 23 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If only we had more time at this amazing guesthouse! This was our 2nd time staying with Evan & Dani (first was back in New Orleans!) - and it definitely won't be our last. They are kind and will go out of their way to make sure you have everything you need, including help you with making dinner reservations! The renovations they have done to preserve the history of the place are just remarkable. Such a special experience. You won't regret your time here!!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   しゅっぺー 
 23 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. ホストのお二人はメッセージの返信も早かったので不安なく滞在できました。
車で利用しました。

室内もおばあちゃんの家を思い出すような雰囲気で、レトロで古いけど手の行き届いた素晴らしい場所でしたを

また大三島に泊まる際もここを利用します！

ありがとうございました！
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Mark Guthrie 
 41 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dani was amazingly helpful and could not do enough for us. They booked our dinner at a local restaurant (which was amazing), and were really accommodating with our time issues. The rooms were spacious and clean, and very funky in a Showa-era style. For that price, it was an absolute steal! I would definitely go back if I were to be in the area again. Thanks so much!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   jj walsh 
 50 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +14
One of my favorite places to stay in Japan - beautifully renovated AKIYA abandoned house brought back to life that feels like you are staying in a retro doll house filled with salvaged vintage Japan items that capture your interest with a sense of whimsy. Watching my 58 yr old husband play the FAMICON game on the old TV and playing records on the portable record player or even picking up an old rotary phone and feeling again how tedious it is to dial a number that way as we used to brings back lots of nostalgia fun.
The guest house is big with lots of room to relax in as well as kept in pristine condition & hyper clean. I love the addition of local juice and retro popcorn and other snacks you can buy if you'd like, but also free chilled water, tea, coffee and all the amenities you need in the bath. It was also nice to try the famous local IMABARI towels they have available for use.
Dani & Evan are inspiring creatives who are also doing so much good work for their community in collaboration, farming, beekeeping, taking in stray dogs & cats as well as renovating old structures to provide a service for travelers. Looking forward to trying their taco stand and shop when it opens soon too. They can also recommend great local places to eat or stay if they are fully booked- such wonderful local ambassadors!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   ahyeahno 
 65 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +2
A wonderful guesthouse with everything you could need for a relaxing visit. Dani and Evan were helpful every step of the way with prompt responses to any questions we had. It can sometimes be difficult to traveling in more rural areas, but they helped make it easy for us;)
It’s nice to see a traditional Japanese house get a new life and still maintain its character. A great building and kind hosts made our stay very enjoyable even after many hours of travel.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   petra truchla 
 89 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Remarkable house in unique location! We were a group of 5 people incl. kids, we stayed 3 nights. This house was our base for cycle trips through the islands.  We enjoyed mostly sleeping on tatami and playing Nintendo together. House is full of interesting decorations, it has a great atmosphere. Host is super helpful, lives nearby and is exceptionally supportive.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Luca Giaccone 
 91 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The host is really nice, super helpful and always very kind. The traditional house - restored with a very good taste - is a hidden gem. Everything was perfect, can't wait to be back again.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 143 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Airbnb  
   
   Matheus 
 3 days ago
 
 
 Verified A estadia foi ótima! a Dani foi uma anfitriã muito atenciosa, reservou jantar para a gente e nos tirou todas as duvidas possíveis. Alem disso, a casa era completa e muito bem cuidada!!
  
 
     Posted on Airbnb  
   
   Ashley 
 24 days ago
 
 
 Verified Dani was an extremely helpful host! Our planned accomodations fell through and she helped us out last minute with our booking. She explained everything we needed to know about the house and area and her and her husband even helped us make dinner reservations.This is an excellent spot if you are also biking as there was a huge doma/genkan area for all our wet stuff after it rained (There were 6 of us).The house is so cute with all the retro items and our kids loved the working famicom (original nintendo). We also were happy to have complementary coffee and they even had honey for sale from their own honeybee farm (we bought one to take home :) )The town is so peaceful and safe and we met some of the neighbours who were also lovely.I cannot praise our host and accomodations enough!!!From Ashley and Family
  
 
     Posted on Airbnb  
   
   Linda 
 25 days ago
 
 
 Verified Staying at Dani’s place was a real treat. A lot of thought and effort has gone into making the space comfortable and welcoming, and the vintage furnishings and beautiful restoration of the house were wonderful to see. Dani is a super helpful host - she made made sure we were fully informed with directions and instructions, and also made dinner reservations for us at a nearby spot that we would never have found on our own. She also took the time to come over once we’d arrived to make sure we had all we needed and to show us interesting features of the house. One night wasn’t enough - we’d love to visit again!
  
 
     Posted on Airbnb  
   
   周平 
 30 days ago
 
 
 Verified ホストのお二人はメッセージ返信も早かったので、不安なく滞在できました。家もおばあちゃんの家を思い出すような雰囲気で、レトロだけど手の行き届いた素晴らしい場所でした。また大三島に泊まる際もここを利用します。ありがとうございました！！！！！❤️
  
 
     Posted on Airbnb  
   
   Christina & Martin 
 43 days ago
 
 
 Verified If only we had more time at this amazing guesthouse! This was our 2nd time staying with Evan & Dani (first was back in New Orleans!) - and it definitely won't be our last. They are kind and will go out of their way to make sure you have everything you need, including help you with making dinner reservations! The renovations they have done to preserve the history of the place are just remarkable. Such a special experience. You won't regret your time here!!
  
 
     Posted on Airbnb  
   
   Jj 
 51 days ago
 
 
 Verified It's like staying in a retro doll house filled with Shows Japan vintage items in good repair that you can actually try them out. So many free services available like chilled water in fridge, lots of coffee & tea & lots of amenities to choose from. But also wonderful local juice to buy in fridge if you want as well as their own honey (so good) and some fun snacks which saves you a trip to the local store. So much space to spread out and relax in. I even liked using the bean pillow. You'll be surprised that this was an abandoned house before Dani & Evan transformed it as everything is so clean, comfortable & in good repair. The communication is also so friendly and helpful - can't wait to stay again!
  
 
     Posted on Airbnb  
   
   Laura 
 62 days ago
 
 
 Verified Time travelling as comfortable as possible haha We’ve had an amazing, unique time at Benton Guesthouse. Dani and Evan are lovely hosts who helped us with any topic within minutes.This is definitely a “we’ll be coming back here” place - and already can’t wait for it to happen 🌞
  
 
     Posted on Airbnb  
   
   Nataly 
 76 days ago
 
 
 Verified We had a most comfortable stay at your guest house. The house had everything and more than what we needed. Big thanks for Evan and Dani spending extra time with us. We hope to stay with you again before long. All the best,Colin and Tomoko————My parents really loved their stay here. They really appreciated all the help and the dinner at Kitsune No Botan. They were having a great time with the vinyl and were talking about the great retro nostalgic deco. ❤️ Thank you!Nataly
  
 
     Posted on Airbnb  
   
   Ayano 
 79 days ago
 
 
 Verified A wonderful guesthouse with everything you could need for a relaxing visit. Dani and Evan were helpful every step of the way with prompt responses to any questions we had. It can sometimes be difficult to traveling in more rural areas, but they helped make it easy for us. It’s nice to see a traditional Japanese house get a new life and still maintain its character. A great building and kind hosts made our stay very enjoyable even after many hours of travel.
  
 
     Posted on Airbnb  
   
   Brian 
 98 days ago
 
 
 Verified Dani’s place was astonishing. Super nostalgic and cozy. We stayed in and played the fami computer on the CRT TV all night. We had a lovely stay!

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 96 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Booking  
   
   Emily 
 0 days ago
 
 
 Verified ☺11/10 if we planned the trip again we would stay here for 2 nights!

☹Nothing
  
 
     Posted on Booking  
   
   Svetlana 
 6 days ago
 
 
 Verified ☺An absolutely wonderful and unique place to stay! We loved being able to immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese home. The hosts have done an incredible job recreating the house and filling it with so many thoughtful details that make the experience feel truly authentic and nostalgic.

One of my personal highlights was finding the Nintendo console - I hadn't played one since the 1990s, so it was such a lovely trip down memory lane!

Above all, we were touched by the incredible kindness and hospitality of the hosts. They went above and beyond to make our stay special: they booked a restaurant for us in advance, gave us helpful recommendations on what to see and where to go, and explained where to rent bicycles.

Most importantly, they helped us with our luggage in the most thoughtful way. They personally drove our suitcases to the neighbouring island while we cycled there, allowing us to enjoy the ride without having to carry our bags.

We are incredibly grateful for everything they did for us. Their kindness made this stay truly unforgettable. Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience!
  
 
     Posted on Booking  
   
   Donna 
 12 days ago
 
 
 Verified Memorable experience

☺Dani was amazing with her help and communication.  Nice that we had enough space for 4 people.  Good local coffee shop and restaurants.  Great spot for doing day trips.

☹Nothing.
  
 
     Posted on Booking  
   
   Kathleen 
 17 days ago
 
 
 Verified ☺Lovingly restored, spacious, outstanding hosts.
  
 
     Posted on Booking  
   
   Mitsuhiro 
 27 days ago
 
 
 Verified ☺食事処や温泉等の紹介や予約をしていただけました。また、忘れものの時計を届けて頂きました。古民家好きの息子は「こんな古民家に住みたい。」と言い、車の運転のできないかもう1人の息子は「バスや電車を使ってでも来たいなぁ〜」と言ってます。さらに、こんなにメールをやり取りできたguesthouseは初めてです。そして、和室onlyでなく、ベットがあるのは老人にとって、寝起きが楽です。
  
 
     Posted on Booking  
   
   Anne 
 28 days ago
 
 
 Verified Découverte de la vie japonaise, loin des centres touristiques

☺L’accueil de notre hôtesse et l’emplacement au cœur du Shimanami Kaido
  
 
     Posted on Booking  
   
   Silvia 
 40 days ago
 
 
 Verified Nostalgie und Historie auf unserer Radwanderung mit fantastischem Gastgeber

☺Sehr schönes Haus voller Nostalgie und Geschichte, sehr geschmackvoll eingerichtet, viel Raum für alle, schöne Küche als Aufenthaltsraum mit vielen Annehmlichkeiten, alles sehr schön und sauber
  
 
     Posted on Booking  
   
   Mark 
 41 days ago
 
 
 Verified A wonderful place in a traditional home with the most amazing hosts you could ask for!

☺Dani was amazingly helpful and could not do enough for us. They booked our dinner at a local restaurant (which was amazing), and were really accomadating with our time issues. The rooms were spacious and clean, and very funky in a Showa-era style. For that price, it was an absolute steal! I would definitely go back if I were to be in the area again. Thanks so much!
  
 
     Posted on Booking  
   
   Youlia 
 49 days ago
 
 
 Verified C’était un parfait endroit pour s’arrêter en faisant nos 75+km de Shimanami Kaido. Dani était toujours très proactive et

☺La gentillesse et la disponibilité des hôtes, l’authenticité de l’endroit
  
 
     Posted on Booking  
   
   Reiko 
 57 days ago
 
 
 Verified 田舎暮らしが体験できる快適なお宿

☺ベットルームが複数ある
懐かしいゲームや音楽がある
キッチンや洗濯機などがあり長期滞在にも向いている
ハイシーズンであっても割安

Location: Ōmishima island, Imabari, Ehime, Japan.

Neighborhood: Kamiura-cho Inokuchi. We are located close to the Tatara Bridge, and Ōmishima Bridge. Our neighborhood has some delightful restaurants within 10 to 15 minute walking distance. We’re happy to make reservations for you!

Address (English): 2290 Kamiura-cho Inokuchi, Imabari-shi, Ehime-ken 794-1402

Address (Japanese): 〒794-1402 愛媛県今治市上浦町井口2290

Private Groups: You can enjoy the whole house, with a group of 1 to 10 guests.

Bedrooms: 1 Western-style bedroom suite (double bed), 2.5 Japanese-style bedrooms (10 futon floor mat beds), fully equipped kitchen, living room, bathroom (bathtub and shower room, laundry room, 2 toilet rooms), ‘doma’ entrance room, and traditional ‘engwa’. The whole house is private for you.

Parking: Our driveway has parking for 1 or 2 vehicles. We have outside covered space for bicycle storage.