Yoshidaya — Hotel in Sado

We had the greatest time at Yoshidaya, I think we could not have chosen a better place to stay in Sado. Several people said this ryokan is old, but it was perfectly fine for us. On the inside, the hotel lacked absolutely nothing, only from the outside it looked discouraging. We booked a stay at Yoshidaya through their website (Japanese version) and purchased a discounted room+meals package. We got a very spacious Japanese-style room (entrance with a rock garden, bathroom, toilet, 2 tatami rooms and a long break room facing the lake) on the 4th floor with a stunning view of Lake Kamo. When we arrived, a tea set and Japanese sweets with toki design were waiting for us in the room. ||There was an outside bath (open only in the afternoon) on the roof. ||It smelled pleasantly of wood and offered even better views of the lake. The place did not have soap, but you can take a bottle from your room's bathroom. It was amazing to watch the sunset from that spot, and when it gets fully dark, you can do stargazing. There is also a larger hot spring with the same type of water (I think) on the bottom floor and it is open in the mornings as well as at night. Also, this one has soap and all the other amenities.||The dinner at Yoshidaya was exquisite and consisted of around 10 individual dishes representative of local cuisine, which is based mainly on seafood. We even got served a whole crab. The staff prepared our futon beds for us while we were in the restaurant. The breakfast was also large, delicious and nutritious. It costs around 1000 and it sustains you for hours of sightseeing. ||At around 21, we saw a (free) local dance performance that lasted for around 30 minutes. They happen only when there is enough guests, so depending on the day you visit, you could miss it.||We only spent one night here, but we would definitely visit again. It was one of the best hotel experiences we...

The location was very nice, on the lake and not far from the ferry. The food was very good, the service strong as is typical of Japanese ryokan. The staff member that personally saw to our needs during our 3 days, 2 nights was prompt and professional, helpful as well. Squid and ama-ebi (sweet shrimp) were in season (September), and they were excellent. We splurged a bit to add awabi to our menu, and it was well worth it. The nihonshu was also very good, and we asked where it came from and visited the brewery on the island the next day. ||The room was nice, very clean and pleasant. The plumbing in the bathroom was a little dated though, and "a little dated" could be used to describe the lobby and other public parts of the inn. They had the outdoor baths (on the roof) set up so men faced the lake, and ladies faced the lake and part of the town. My wife and some of the other women customers felt this was odd because some of the other buildings nearby were tall enough so they worried there could be peepers. ||Overall the place was nice but was honestly hoping for a little more...

Room set-up was spacious with nice mix of Japanese and Western - with great view of the lake and sunsets through windows that open to let in the breeze. Like many places on the coast anywhere, it is a bit worn on the edges - ocean breezes in summer and harsh winter winds always penetrate and age buildings. Food was good and abundant (would have preferred higher quality and less food , but.. for the price, it was good) . Staff were very helpful. The woman serving our food in-room Japanese style, spoke perfect NZ English and gave us some tips about flowers blooming at the time we visited. And when we arrived before check-in time, the man in reception gave advice to go to a great tiny, local sushi place just around the corner and down an alley. They have a 30 minute evening presentation of local folk dance (their logo) that was pleasant. It was the perfect base for exploring Sado Island with rented car! There are two nice coffee shops on the next corner - for those who love coffee. Lots of Japanese staying at the hotel on holiday. ...