Sakadojo
Sakadojo (Shunsai no Sho Sakadojo) in Muikamachi Onsen of Minamiuonuma is a delightful ryokan that’s surprisingly affordable. It features Japanese tatami rooms (most with bathroom) and Japanese style rooms with western beds (with bathroom). It has lovely onsen baths, and in addition to a breakfast buffet, evening multi-course meals are available.
Where is Sakadojo?
Sakadojo is located in Muikamachi Onsen in Minamiuonuma. It’s northeast of
Yuzawa and 19km from the Echigo-Yuzawa train station, a drive that takes about 30 minutes.
The Muikamachi main street is about 600 metres away, which is reasonably quiet, especially relative to Yuzawa. You’ll need a car to get around and Sakadojo is in a good position to get to Hakkaisan Ski Area (which doesn’t have lodging at the base) and the other Minamiuonuma ski areas (ie the northern
Yuzawa ski resorts).
Ski areas near Sakadojo:
There is a 7-Eleven that’s just a 2 minute walk from the ryokan.
There are several restaurants that are about 10 minutes walk away.
Rooms
Twin Japanese Western Room
- Tatami flooring
- Up to 2 guests with 2 western beds
- 20 m²
- Private bathroom – shower & toilet
Family Room East Wing
- Japanese style
- Up to 6 futons
- 27 m²
- Private bathroom
- Spacious entry area
- No elevator in this wing
Family Room Main Building
- Japanese style
- Smaller than east wing family rooms
- Private toilet only
- Up to 6 futons
Business Japanese Rooms
- Small tatami rooms with up to 4 futons
- Utilises shared bathrooms
Hotel Facilities & Services
As to be expected considering Sakadojo’s location in Muikamachi Onsen, the onsen baths are the main feature of the ryokan’s facilities, with alternating public baths during the day between the genders. One area has a lovely indoor onsen, a cool pot for aromatherapy, and a sauna. The other bath features a small open air bath that is surrounded by tatami mats.
The onsen water that’s prolific in the area is also used to heat the car park, which you’ll appreciate when big snowstorms hit the area.
Other services and amenities:
- Guest lounge
- A little bit of English is spoken by reception staff
- Wifi
Dining
Breakfast can be included in your stay, which is a buffet with some western fare, fried eggs to order, and lots of Japanese items.
You can make a reservation for dinner. The dining room is housed in a building constructed from zelkova wood, using materials salvaged from a restored old mansion. Combined with the shoji screens and other traditional décor, it’s a beautiful spot to watch it snowing outside. Meals may include kaiseki or shabu shabu.
Otherwise there are several restaurants that are about 10 minutes or so walk from the ryokan such as Little Hokkaido, or if you want something simple, there is a 7-Eleven just a couple of minutes walk away.