Yutakaya Ryokan

Initially started as a restaurant in the Ansei Era of the Edo Period (1854-60), Yoshidaya is now a long-established Japanese-style inn with a hot spa drawing from the thermal waters of Sado Kamoko Onsen's hot springs. Seasonally scenic views over Lake Kamo and the Osado Mountains, as well as the view at dusk from an open-air bath fed with natural thermal waters continuously flowing from the source, are sights to behold. Multi-course dinners of Japanese cuisine feature Sado's seafood, and our uncompromising attitude toward nourishment, passed down from the time of its foundation, adds color to your table.

Christianity is considered to have been brought to Sado first in the Edo Period (1603-1867). Ryotsu Catholic Church was founded by a French Christian missionary, Fr. Drouart De Lezey. It was burnt down once in 1883, but was reconstructed by a missionary, De Noailles, in 1887. The church building was designed by Father Papino, who designed many churches in Japan.

As the signboard bearing "Izuei Bekkan (annex)" suggests, the long-established eel restaurant "Izuei" in Ueno Ikenohata, Tokyo, is the owner of the hotel. The hotel is located in the bustling areas in Ryotsu Ebisu, and offers a perfect setting for sightseeing and business. The hotel houses a restaurant with a view on the sixth floor, where not only hotel guests but also non-hotel guests can dine. You can enjoy the panoramic view over Lake Kamo and Osado mountains, while feasting on dishes including Unaju, rice with grilled eel in a lacquer box.

Lake Kamo, with approximately 17km of circumferences, is the largest one in Niigata Prefecture. Originally, the lake was freshwater, but it was cut open to the sea in the Meiji Period (1868-1912) in order to prevent flooding, and became a brackish lake. There is a promenade and a cycle path along the lake, and you can enjoy scenery with atmosphere, which was depicted in the poetry. In addition, oysters have been farmed in Lake Kamo since 1932.

Taro is an exciting restaurant offering creative dishes. A hospitable master chef will welcome you and skillfully serves his delicious dishes. "Tofu (bean curd) Pizza" is especially popular for ladies. The menu has an impressive selection of mouth-watering dishes such as beer-battered deep-fried chicken, German potato salad in downtown style, and Taro's mapo tofu (hot and spicy bean curd). It confidently provides an ample selection of shochu (Japanese distilled spirits).

This is a Japanese-style izakaya pub located in Ryotsu, where you can enjoy local sake and seasonal seafood. The chef skillfully brings out the best of each ingredient, carefully preparing every dish—from authentic multi-course kaiseki meals to simple sake accompaniments. The tranquil interior includes counter seating, perfect for solo diners looking to relax. Whether for a casual meal, an evening party, or daytime celebrations (reservations required), Ryanto invites you to savor the abundant blessings of Sado's gourmet culture to your heart’s content.

At Ishihara Sushi (sushi shop), you will be welcomed by the kind master chef and his family. The master chef's parents run a fish shop, and seafood is selected by the fish connoisseur at the nearby Ryotsu Fish Market every day. This means that freshness is guaranteed. Sushi toppings of the day displayed on the blackboard are full of seasonal flavours. Rice used is the koshihikari type grown in Sado. Ishihara Sushi is tucked away within "Yurakugai", an alleyway with eateries and bars in Ryotsu. The restaurant might be hard to find, but it is such a hidden gem that tourists take the time and effort to find and visit.

Hotaru is a Japanese-style pub with a home-like atmosphere. Nibbles such as deep-fried natto (fermented soy beans) and squid balls are well regarded for its deliciousness. Among them, the grilled pork skewers, which are freshly prepared once an order is made, is especially scrumptious. They are grilled with sweet miso (bean paste) sauce, which compliments the pork perfectly. Hotaru is also famous for its flavourful Chinese ramen noodles. The ever-popular "chilled Chinese ramen noodles" has a light taste and is also highly recommended.