Ashizuri Kokusai Hotel

After visiting Kongofuku-ji (temple number 38) on October 1, 2025, I stayed at this inn for two days to recharge and prepare for the second half of my Shikoku pilgrimage. The inn has an excellent location, right next to Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park. The room windows offer expansive sea views. The room is modern and comfortable, with thoughtful touches like desserts and kettles for hot and cold water. A coin-operated washing machine is available in front of the bath. Lying on the open-air bath, gazing at the azure sky, watching the drifting clouds, and hearing the gentle sound of the waves, I felt completely immersed in the harmony and tranquility of nature. Dinner was a kaiseki meal, with each dish served in turn, a feast for the eyes and the palate, a truly enjoyable experience. I couldn't resist ordering a bottle of Kochi Tosaco's "Mibai Ale" (4% ABV). It's brewed using German wheat malt and "Tosa Sky Village" rice from the terraced fields of northern Kochi, with added Japanese peppercorns and cilantro from the Niyodo-gawa River for a spicy aroma. The sake is light-bodied with a subtle bitterness. The breakfast was very substantial. Guests served themselves a bowl of steaming white rice, topped with bonito flakes from Soda-bushi (produced by Shinya Shoten, a century-old shop in Tosa Shimizu), a soft-boiled egg, and a drizzle of soy sauce infused with Soda-bushi. After mixing it all together, it was incredibly delicious. Locally produced Soda-bushi is made from dried frigate tuna (Soda-bushi), and it holds a 70% market share in Japan. A closer look at the soy sauce bottle revealed two pieces of Soda-bushi inside. It's said that after soaking for two weeks, it becomes bonito soy sauce. All the staff at the inn, from the lobby, counter, shops, and restaurant, were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making me, a foreigner who doesn't speak Japanese, feel truly at home.

This is a slightly classical hotel located on Cape Ashizuri. The hotel staff were very friendly and even though I was a little selfish, they accommodated me with a smile. On good weather days, you can enjoy stargazing at night or taking an early morning walk. The rooms were quite spacious and had a great ocean view. The bath was also great, and I used it three times during my stay. The open-air bath was a little cold for this time of year, but the view was great and relaxing. The food was also delicious. Cape Ashizuri is far away, but I think it's worth going.

This was my second stay, many years later. The hotel was even cleaner and tidier than before. The staff remained as welcoming as ever. Each group of guests arrived at the entrance with a dedicated staff member in the parking lot to greet them, even when four groups arrived at once. There was plenty of parking. The rooms were also very clean and tidy, with air conditioning, a kettle, a water pitcher, and a coffee machine readily available. Although there was a wide variety of dishes, each was explained in detail. The food was delicious. The hotel is near Cape Ashizuri, and bicycles are available for rent. There are also simple indoor and outdoor onsen (hot springs) at reasonable prices. Highly recommended.