Former Elementary School Accommodation

Down by the ocean on Omishima Island, an elementary school from a bygone era still stands.

Since closing its doors to pupils in 1986, Munagata Elementary School has undergone a little bit of renovation and been turned into nostalgic accommodation called Omishima Furusato Ikoinoie. It was also used as a location in the movie “Her Island, My Island”, starring Yoshino Kimura.

With its offbeat charm, the wooden construction makes it seem like we’ve gone back in time.

The first thing that greets you when you enter the building is this long hallway. Suddenly, I have a tremendous urge to run and to do floor cloth racing.

Although impossible to guess from outside as the facade has not changed, the classrooms have been made into pleasant guest rooms.

The rooms come in many different sizes, so individuals, families, and larger groups alike can stay here comfortably.

If you’re lucky, you might even get the chance to stay in the principal’s office.

Excellent Seafood In The Old School Cafeteria

Meals are served in the old cafeteria, which was the place where the good health of the school children was ensured. The menu consists of excellent seafood from the nearby Seto Inland Sea.

Named Naminoho, this is one of the dinner courses.

The ocean lies only 10 seconds away! Just 10 seconds! It’s just like a private beach where you can take off your shoes and run barefoot into the waves. There’s also an art gallery installed within the school grounds. Only here can you enjoy the combination of art, ocean, and nostalgia. This place is packed with charm!

Omishima Furusato Ikoinoie
Address: 5208-1 Omishimacho Munagata, Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture
Tel: 0897-83-1111 (8:00 – 21:00)
Closed: No regular holidays (please confirm in advance regarding end-of-year)
Parking: Available (free-of-charge)

Setouchi Finder Photo-writer: Futoshi Hineno