Shodoshima Seaside Hotel Matsukaze

Dinner was delicious, and there was soooo much food. The breakfast is very Japanese, so it might be a little challenging if you prefer toast and eggs. The staff are friendly, the food is nice, the onzen is good, and the view toward the beach is beautiful.

A really lovely Japanese-style hotel, with friendly, helpful staff and a great public hot spring bath. It’s well placed for popular sights on Shodoshima, and there are also some secret places you can reach by taking the local bus right in front of the hotel. They offer free bike rental and pickup service at Tonosho port. I recommend staying for 1-2 nights.

I had a horrible experience checking in and left feeling unwelcome. The older man at the front desk was rude, wouldn’t look me in the eye or address me directly, and asked me to cover my arm tattoo while I was in the hotel. I know it’s common for Japanese hotels with a large bath or onsen to keep people with tattoos out of the bath, but I’ve never before been asked to cover up in the lobby. I believe this hotel has an anti-foreigner bias. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone, whether they have a tattoo or not.

The hotel’s location and service were great, and the staff were very accommodating. We also really enjoyed both dinner and breakfast.