Kohan No Yado Yoshidaya
7,4/10 Very good - Based on 186 reviews
Kohan No Yado Yoshidaya sits on the shore of Lake Kamo on Sado Island, Niigata, combining a long-running ryokan tradition with unobstructed water and mountain views. The property presents traditional Japanese interiors—tatami floors, shoji screens and futon sleeping arrangements—alongside private bathrooms in each room and seating areas that frame the lake. Roof-level open-air baths capture dusk over the water, while the architecture balances classic materials with simple, contemporary fittings.
The bathing facilities center on a continuously sourced thermal spring: a large indoor onsen and rooftop open-air baths provide panoramic vistas, and public bathing hours are scheduled in early morning and late afternoon through midnight. After bathing guests commonly receive a cooling glass of tea; tattooed guests may be refused access to communal baths. Meals emphasize Sado seafood and seasonal produce, with Japanese breakfasts served in-room or in the dining space. Practical amenities include free parking, bicycle rental and an arrival shuttle from Ryotsu port in the mid-afternoon to early evening; the property enforces a non-smoking policy.
This ryokan is well suited for travelers seeking a calm lakefront stay with accessible hot-spring bathing, easy walking access to the port area and local sights, and straightforward logistics for island arrival. Rooms range from family-sized Japanese layouts to smaller two-person configurations, and staff can assist with local recommendations and arranging massages or excursions. For SEO-focused searches, note that searches for a ryokan with onsen Nagano often surface similar mineral-bath properties, but Kohan No Yado Yoshidaya remains a distinctive Niigata island option for a traditional onsen-led retreat.
Highlights of this ryokan
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Review summary for: Kohan No Yado Yoshidaya
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen and baths
Many guests praised the onsen facilities — both the indoor bath house and the rooftop/outdoor onsen. Reviewers enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere, star views from the outdoor bath on clear nights, and overall quality of the bathing areas.
Friendly, helpful staff and good service
Multiple reviews highlighted very accommodating, courteous staff and helpful services (including shuttle service to the ferry). Staff efforts to assist guests were frequently noted as a strong point.
Great lakeside location and views
The ryokan’s location on the lake was repeatedly mentioned as a major plus. Guests appreciated rooms with lake views, proximity to the ferry port, easy access to nearby restaurants, sunsets, and a peaceful setting.
Authentic traditional Japanese experience
Guests valued the traditional-style Japanese rooms (tatami, low tables, futons) and cultural touches. Several reviewers described the stay as an authentic cultural experience, with some enjoying local performances and museum recommendations.
Good food, cleanliness and value
Many visitors enjoyed the meals (breakfast and dinner presentations) and commented that the property felt clean and comfortable. Several reviews noted that, despite some dated aspects, the ryokan offers good value for money given the onsen, location and service.
Negative Reviews
Dated, worn rooms and public areas
A common criticism was that decor, furnishings and some public areas feel old or tired (faded wallpaper, old carpet, worn communal spaces). Multiple guests suggested the hotel needs refurbishment or interior upgrades.
Unpleasant odors and occasional pests
Some guests reported smells in parts of the building (cooking/cabbage odors reaching rooms) and noted bugs near the outdoor onsen during warmer months, which affected comfort outdoors.
Language and information gaps
A few reviewers experienced difficulties communicating due to limited English among staff and wished for more English signage or written materials explaining cultural practices and facilities.
Limited meal/timing availability and local nightlife
Several guests noted restrictions around meal availability (unable to get on-site meals if not pre-booked) and that there are few late-night dining options nearby. Others mentioned rooftop onsen access being limited at certain times (e.g., closed in mornings).
Comfort/detail issues (AC, pillows, room expectations)
Some minor comfort complaints appeared: weak air conditioning, unsatisfactory pillows, and at least one report that the booked room felt smaller than pictured. These factors reduced comfort for a subset of guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most rooms are traditional Japanese-style with futons and some rooms (family type) can sleep up to five guests; check the room description when booking. No extra beds or baby cots are listed, so contact the property for special requests.
Yes — there is a large indoor onsen and a rooftop open-air bath with views over Lake Kamo; public bath hours are typically early morning and late afternoon/evening (for example 05:30–08:30 and 15:00–24:00). The rooftop bath was reopened in 2025 and operating hours may vary by season, so confirm before arrival.
A complimentary shuttle from Ryotsu (the ferry port) is available but usually runs in the afternoon (commonly around 14:00–19:00) and must be arranged with the ryokan. Sado Airport is a short 3–4 km drive from the property and can be reached by taxi or rental car.
Travel to Ryotsu by ferry or jetfoil from Niigata (ferry takes about 2.5 hours; jetfoil is faster), then the ryokan is a short shuttle or taxi ride from Ryotsu port or about a 10–20 minute walk. Timetables for ferries and jetfoils vary, so check schedules in advance.
Staff can assist in English to a practical extent, though Japanese is the primary language; guests sometimes report varying levels of English. If you need detailed assistance, a translation app or basic Japanese phrases can be helpful.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 with arrivals usually accepted until late evening (commonly by 22:00), and check-out is by around 10:00. Note that there may be restricted access during late-night hours, so confirm arrival time with the ryokan if you expect to arrive very late.
A dedicated private (kashikiri) bath is not prominently listed, so guests should contact the ryokan to ask about private-use options or reservations. Customers with visible tattoos may be refused entry to public baths, following common Japanese onsen policy, so check rules in advance.
Pets are not permitted at the ryokan. There are convenience stores and small shops near Ryotsu ferry terminal and drugstores/supermarkets within a short drive for supplies, with some 24-hour options near the port area.
The ryokan serves traditional multi-course Japanese dinners featuring local Sado seafood and offers a Japanese breakfast served in-room or in the dining area. Dinner seating or course meals are limited by kitchen capacity, so it’s recommended to reserve evening meals in advance when possible.
Lake Kamo sits directly in front of the ryokan, and Ryotsu port, Sado Gold Mine, Shukunegi and tarai-bune (tub-boat) experiences are among nearby attractions. Local buses, taxis, bicycle rentals and rental cars are common ways to explore the island; plan transport times as services can be infrequent outside peak hours.