Asahiya Ryokan (Shodoshima)

The owners are a sweet older couple who speak enough English to make conversation easy. They were kind, helpful, and accommodating, and I'd happily stay again. The rooms are clean and well maintained, and there are a shared bath, laundry and dryer, free coffee and tea, and a shared fridge. Getting around is easy: Tonosho Port and the visitor information center are nearby, as is a bus stop right across the road. A large 7-Eleven is a two-minute walk away. Buses go to Fukuda Port at the other end of the island, with fares capped at 300 yen. The one-day pass costs 1,000 yen and the two-day pass 1,500 yen, both good value, and you can buy them on the bus or at the ticket office.

We didn't stay at the hotel, but rented bikes on the first floor. The owners were so welcoming, and picking up the bikes was easy. Just note that they don't have electric bikes.

The owner was so nice and moved me from a six-tatami room to a twelve-tatami one. The ryokan had very good service, and the breakfast was only $5. I was really happy with it, felt at home, and would come back.

Just a heads-up that this is a traditional Japanese hotel. There isn't a bathroom in your room, only a shared public bath, so you'll be bathing or showering around other guests.