The onsen offers an in- and outdoor bath, small but very nice. The room was spacious and clean, the restaurant serves most delicious and fresh seafood, the staff (hotel and restaurant) were very helpful, kind, friendly and courteous. Omotenashi at its best! thank you!
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Sanyoso is a lovely pilgrim hotel and onsen situated right on the beach that really doesn't deserve its second place rating (pity the more famous cousin up the hill). The staff here are amazing and really go out of their way to help their guests, especially the manager.
I arrived at Sanyoso rather unknowingly too late for dinner (dinner ends at 7:30, drinks at 8:00), at which point the manager took it upon himself to drive me to town so I could pick up a meal at the convenience store. An exceedingly kind act that I am forever grateful for.
The hotel itself has a mixture of Japanese and Western rooms, and the choice between beach and mountain views. Both are exceedingly good options. I chose the beach option and do not regret it for a moment. The sunrise over the beach was beautiful and a great way to start the day.
The onsen itself is well appointed with both indoor and outdoor baths. Sitting in the outdoor onsen at night and looking at the lanterns was very relaxing, if a little hot for the time of year I went! The onsen is open both in the morning and late into the evening and the rooms change quite frequently so you get to see both sides.
Getting there: If you are taking public transport catch the Y6 bus from Kochi and get off at second last stop (at the giant bridge). You will then need to walk about two kilometres along a picturesque coastline. Its not a hard walk. Alternatively you could drive or catch a taxi.
Even though I couldn't do any of the outdoor activities I had planned to do, I would highly recommend this hotel. Its clean, friendly and has great food. Its also only a short walk to temple number 36 if you are doing the Shikoku 88 temple walk.
If you are doing the 88 temple walk then I suggest stopping here for a few days to recharge.
This is a very relaxing ryokan. Service is very friendly and food is wonderful. If you do not have the chance to stay here then you can experience the great food in the restaurant next door which is owned by the same people. Additionally you can experience the onsen in the ryokan as a day visitor. However dinner in the evening here is truly delicious. This part of Japan is famous for its bonito.
