ABOUT US
We are Martine and Alain, a Belgian couple who have spent over a decade exploring Japan. Over the years, we’ve developed a deep love for the country and a genuine appreciation for its people.
Japan fascinates us with its unique balance between tradition and modernity—where values like respect and discipline seamlessly coexist with contemporary life. We are especially inspired by the deep connection with nature that is felt throughout the country. Of course, we have also fallen in love with the cuisine.
About five years ago, we began seriously planning our move to Japan. We travelled extensively across the country, searching for a place where we could not only settle but also contribute meaningfully to the local community.
In 2024, we discovered Shikoku and the islands of the Shimanami Kaido—and immediately fell in love with the region.
The area offers breathtaking nature, a perfect balance between sea and mountains, and a more authentic atmosphere than major tourist destinations—while still being easily accessible from larger cities.
This is why we chose to start a new chapter of our lives here.
Our Guesthouses
We are excited to welcome you to our two guesthouses on Omishima.
We speak English, a little Japanese, French, Dutch and German; so we will surely be happy to assist you with any requests.
Le Sanglier is a guesthouse where our passion for design truly comes to life. With Martine’s background as an interior architect, we have carefully created a refined space that blends modern comfort with the charm of a traditional Japanese home. Located close to the Shimanami Kaido, it is the perfect stopover during your journey or an ideal base for exploring the island and surrounding area.
The house is still under renovation and we look forward to welcoming you there very soon.
La Plage is located on the western side of the island, just a 10-minute drive from the Shimanami Kaido. Situated in a quiet, rural neighbourhood near the beach, it is perfect for a relaxing stay on Omishima. This authentic Japanese house has been thoughtfully renovated to offer modern comfort while preserving its original character.
Our Vision
Our ambition extends beyond offering a place to stay.
Alain has spent more than 50 weeks travelling throughout Japan—from the snowy landscapes of Hokkaido to the tropical islands of Ishigaki. Martine joined him on many of these journeys, and together we’ve explored a large part of the country.
With this knowledge, we aim to create experiences that connect our guests to a more authentic side of Japan—one that is often overlooked, yet deeply rewarding. By sharing the beauty of lesser-known regions, we hope to contribute to a more balanced and sustainable way of travelling.
Looking ahead, we will expand our concept to include curated experiences and personalised stays, allowing our guests to discover Japan through a more intimate and thoughtful lens.
We invite you to be part of this journey.
