Hiogiso

My wife and I absolutely loved our relaxing stay, and wished we could have stayed longer. We parked our rental car in the hotel's spacious parking. We occupied the upstairs corner room with terrace and wonderful view over Ago Bay. The hotel is built on wooden stilts right on the water. You can see the famous oyster beds, boats and islands. The seafood themed multi-coursed Japanese dinner at the Bayside was delicious. There is a deck with a swing, ping pong and other games to enjoy. The cypress o-furo (hot tub) indoor and outdoor facilities with water from Ise are delightful, and are located in a building separate from the main house, next door, with view over the Bay. All facilities are kept very clean. In the early morning, I went swimming right at the guesthouse; the water is wonderful, but - beware - as getting out of the water, back on the pier is more difficult! The Watanabe couple are extremely good hosts. Watanabe-san has been in the pearl trading business for a long time, and this converted and expanded fisherman's house is his family home. His self-taught English is remarkably good. During the morning of our departure, Watanabe-san offered to take us for a boat ride, as he was bringing a family to a beach on a small island in the bay to swim, and we "tagged along". Rather than taking the quick way back, he took my wife and me for an hour along different islands. What a beautiful boat trip! I will not forget this peaceful place with its warm hospitality.

The ryokan is rather out of the way, but the proprietor brought me over in a mini van. Unfortunately, contacting him proved rather difficult, though I succeeded in the end. The view from my room, which was really two adjoining fairly big rooms, was amazing as it was just next to the bay. The food was delicious.

This is an amazing place. It is built on piers in the harbor. You can have a traditional Japanese tatami room literally 3 feet from the waters edge. This is on the site of a former pearl culturing business and in run by a husband and wife. The husband is proficient in English and both are excellent and accommodating hosts. I recommend staying in one of the corner rooms which have 2 sides facing the harbor. Also, take full board as the Japanese meals are well prepared. include a wide variety, and extremely interesting. The ryokan will provide transportation to and from Ugata Station. I cannot say enough good things about this place. I shall definitely be back.