World Class Experiences
Praise
Four of the guest rooms are in a restored merchant’s house with traditional Japanese touches like sliding shoji screens, washi paper lanterns, and tatami mats. Earthen walls, a ceiling designed to look a ship’s hull, and a uchigura—an inner storehouse that is unique to Niigata Prefecture—make this an authentic island retreat in Japan’s Snow Country.
Time Magazine, March 2025Awards
World’s Greatest Places to Stay 2025
The editors of Time pick 50 extraordinary destinations to visit and stay this year. We include the hotels and lodges on the list.
Time Magazine
More Info
Hotels Own Introduction
A Traditional Kominka Hotel in Sado’s Historic Gold Mining Town
Nestled in the storied town of Aikawa on Sado Island, our hotel invites you to experience the rich legacy of Japan’s gold mining past. Once a bustling center of prosperity, Aikawa rose to prominence in the early 1600s following the discovery of gold, becoming a tenryō—territory directly governed by the Edo Shogunate. At its height, the town was home to nearly 100,000 people, attracting workers and artisans from all over the country. This convergence of cultures gave rise to a vibrant community with distinct traditions that continue to thrive today.
Step back in time as you explore the preserved streets of Kyomachi-dori, stroll through the remnants of Sado’s gold mines, or experience the rhythm of the Sado Okesa folk dance. The spirit of Aikawa lives on not just in its history, but in the hospitality of its people.
Our kominka (traditional Japanese house) hotel is deeply rooted in this heritage. With a warm welcome from the local community, guests are invited to connect with the town's past while enjoying a fresh perspective on life in rural Japan. This is more than a stay—it’s a chance to discover the enduring charm of Sado Aikawa through the stories, scenery, and soul of a place like no other.
Hotel website