Dogashima Hotel Tenyu

We came by to drop off some guests, spent time in the area, then returned around 9 the next morning to pick them up. It was peaceful there in the evening, and we could hear bush warblers and other wild birds. The guests said they walked to Dogashima Park before breakfast. It’s about a 10-minute walk away.

Dinner was served one dish at a time in a kaiseki-style meal, and the temperature and flavors were impressively balanced. The five kinds of sashimi were thinly sliced and excellent, with careful knife work; the small abalone had a particularly nice crunch. Thin slices of local venison loin with butter and soy sauce were delicate and rich without being too strong. The clear soup relied only on kombu dashi, giving it a deep, clean taste without seaweed bitterness, though the shrimp dumpling was a little firm, almost like fish cake. The chilled starters, monkfish liver with grated daikon in ponzu and snow crab with egg yolk vinegar, were already on the table, a thoughtful touch so we had something to eat right away.

The sea and Tombolo Land Bridge are in view, and the rooms were clean and nice. Both breakfast and dinner were delicious and included with our booking. The staff were friendly too. Public onsen use is included, while the private onsen costs extra.

We visited in September 2019, in summer. The location is fantastic: step outside the lobby and you can watch a stunning sunset, and the hotel’s backyard has breathtaking scenery. I loved the onsen and the service was great. The lobby view is beautiful too. I’m taking off one star because the hotel needs a bit of maintenance.