With its unique flat-topped mountain, Yashima Island, Kagawa prefecture, is one of the sites related to the Gempei War. And as Yashima-ji is located here, one of the temples on the Shikoku pilgrimage, it’s also a popular sightseeing spot.

We heard that at the base of Yashima Island there is a place worthy of being called “the hidden Setouchi restaurant”, so we dropped by to check it out. 

This is it!

In 1998, the”Auberge de Oishi” restaurant opened, and in 2005 a boutique hotel began operations in a separate building. To start off, we went to eat at the restaurant, which serves French cuisine made with local ingredients. 

Creating a cozy atmosphere, sunlight streams in from the large windows. It’s a refined restaurant perfect for grown up’s.

Well then, here are two of the chef’s recommended dishes! 

The first is sautéed wild sea bream, which is laid on top of ratatouille and topped with balsamico sauce. I take a bite, and am immediately taken by the crunchy yet juicy fish. The crispy texture and sweetness of the vegetables, as well as the rich flavor of the ratatouille spread in my mouth in perfect balance.

The second dish is sautéed Sanuki olive beef. A Kagawa Japanese Black cattle brand raised on olives, the beautifully lean meat has a good, rich flavor, and the thick red wine sauce makes it even better. 

With deep reluctance, I leave the restaurant behind. However, the hotel was equally as superb as the cuisine I just ate! 

Behind the hotel you can see Yashima Island rising up… Well then, let’s take a peek inside… 

“Is that the Mediterranean I see outside the window?” is what you might think when you see this European style room with its white walls! It’s like another dimension where even people from within the prefecture come to forget the banalities of everyday life. I’m moved by what I see, and as I look around, a member of staff tells me that I can also go up to the deck on the roof!

Yes, please!!

Ohhhhh myyyy!! It’s amazing! Without any further explanation, just imagine how you would spend your time here!

Do come and visit this hidden auberge in this quiet corner of the Seto Inland Sea!

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Auberge de Oishi (Hotel)
Location: 65 Nishimachi, Yashima, Takamatsu city, Kagawa prefecture
Reception time: Check-in 15:00, Check out 11:00
Closed: Mondays, 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month
Tel:
Accommodation: Starts at JPY32400 for 1 room used by 2 people incl. tax & service fees (meals not included)

Auberge de Oishi (Restaurant)
Open: Lunch 11:30-13:30 (last order), Dinner 18:00-20:00 (last order)
Closed: As above
Tel: As above
Price range: Lunch starts at JPY3780, Dinner JPY8640 incl. tax (service fees not included)

Setouchi Finder Photo-writer: Izumi Furukawa