A slight blemish was a muted but constant creaking sound from the air-condition/heater unit in our room which affected my sleep despite very nice mattress and pillow, but I am a light sleeper...

1. Host. Mr Yamamoto was most personable. An artist. A really fun character. Very hospitable. Made us feel right at home immediately. Speaks English well and I think he is probably conversant in Spanish and French too. 2. Room. Western twin bed with ensuite. Mr Yamamoto assigned us a wonderful, East-facing room with glass windows on 2 sides, one looks out to the ocean, the other to the rustic hill nearby. Ensuite, while small (par for the course in Japan), was ergonomically designed and the water pressure was really strong. 3. Location: up on a hill in a quiet neighborhood but walking distance to the beautiful Shirahama Beach. The 4 storey house is built into a hillside and surrounded by nature. 4. Cleanliness: Impeccably clean everywhere inside the sprawling property. Cleanliness of our room and vacant rooms Mr Yamamoto showed us was just immaculately spotless, I must say very impressive. 5. We did not have any meals at Sakuraya due to time constraints but based on what we have observed, meals would have been really enjoyable. 6. Facilities: Onsen bath which Mr Yamamoto made arrangement for us to use privately was really nice and well-designed. Absolutely pampering to enjoy a nice, restoring Onsen bath at the end of a long day. 7. Keepsakes: Mr Yamamoto offers each guest, not each room, a postcard of local scenery expertly and artistically shot by him. That's sincerity and pride for his hometown. Yamamoto San's Sakuraya is a guesthouse I could stay for a prolonged period, given the chance.

Stayed in March 2024

satisfied with everything. Exceed expectations

Stayed in February 2024

Although minor, it's worth noting that the pension is situated uphill, and the road leading to it is quite steep.

This was my second visit to ペンション桜家, and this time, we traveled with family, enjoying a relaxing night at Sakuraya! Mr. Yamamoto, the host, was incredibly warm, friendly, and accommodating. He kindly gifted us beautiful postcards taken by himself as a memento. The overall cleanliness and comfort of the property were notable. Our tatami room was nicely decorated in traditional Japanese style. Behind the property stood two beautiful Sakura trees, and what I cherished the most was the peaceful moments spent walking and observing the Sakura tree and the small birds gracefully moving among its branches. I highly recommend it for family or group stays.

Stayed in February 2024

The accommodation is a bit dated, but it lends the place a certain vintage charm.

A charming accommodation overlooking the beach. Mr Yamamoto is a very gracious and welcoming host. He provided us with clear directions to the place and even offered to fetch us from the bus stop since it was dark by the time we planned to check in, despite not having any shuttle service in the first place. We received a token gift from him at the end of our stay! I really appreciate the attention to detail in making us feel welcomed. Truly a memorable and heartwarming experience.

Stayed in December 2023

The location itself is really near Shirahama beach, but it is located uphill. Our car was fully packed and almost could not go uphill.

They have tatami room, so it was warm and comfortable enough to sleep because we went on trip in November. They have sentou as well! Good experience for my group. The owner was really nice to us and even gave us postcards which photos were taken by himself!

Stayed in November 2023

It was very pleasant staying at this hotel. Host is super cool and helpful. The facilities on the hotel also very good. The most I like is the sea View from Balcony. And the bath with big bath tub.

Stayed in November 2023

The Pension Sakura owner, Yamamoto san, is so warm and helpful. Both he and Mrs. Yamamoto made you really feel at home.The room is good for the price, very airy and comfortable. The family bathroom is such a treat. Breakfast is so delicious, just regret that we did not reserve dinner at the Pension. That must be marvellous. Arigato gozaiimus, Yamamoto san!

Stayed in September 2023

This is not a dislike, but should be noted. As mentioned by other guest reviews, there is a portion of the road to the pension that is quite steep, but not insurmountable.

I cannot say enough good things about our stay at ペンション桜家. The hosts, Mr. & Ms. Yamamoto, are warm, friendly and accomodating. They can communicate in English and Spanish, if needed. Bookings for a private onsen are an available option, that we used daily. Breakfast and dinner are also available options. We did not have breakfast during our stay, but the dinner was exceptional and highly recommended. The property was clean, comfortable and very well looked after with the added bonus of an incredible view. Lastly, upon checking out, Mr. Yamamoto allowed us to choose postcards made from photos he took from the surrounding area. A thoughtful gesture to help us remember our stay. We truly enjoyed our time at ペンション桜家 and hope to have the opportunity to return again one day!

Stayed in August 2023

Very nice and friendly staff

Stayed in August 2023

The host is a very enthusiastic person, with an interesting soul and a kind heart. When we checked in, we encountered some difficulties, and the owner was very enthusiastic to help solve them. Thank you very much. The homestay is very clean, and the host has done everything himself. It turns out that the landlord is working very hard! Like it 👍

Stayed in August 2023

The road to the hotel is very steep. Maybe you can ask the owner in advance if he can drive and pick him up? I didn't ask in advance, so I don't know if there is a pick-up service.

The host is very good at English, can communicate easily, and is very friendly. The room is very comfortable, and you can see the beautiful scenery in the mountains. You can make an appointment for a bath downstairs, and the whole family can take a bath in the same room. It's great!

Stayed in August 2023

The location is very good. Can see all the stars at night.

Stayed in July 2023

Stayed twice at this little family hotel. Love the location and all the little rituals the owners have. For example, when checking out you can choose two of over 15 variants of photographs of the local nature that the owner takes himself. Since we stayed as a family, everyone got to choose two and now we have a great collection of photos of these beautiful area. The hotel is comfortable, clean and has it’s own small onsen. Thank you for the hospitality!

Stayed in June 2023

Very nice accomodation. Nice anf friendly staff! 200% recommend.

Stayed in June 2023

We loved it but if you need a western bed you need to book one of the rooms with these beds.

Mr. Yamamoto is a fantastic host. He does everything he can to make your accomodation perfect. We enjoyed staying in an authentic room with japanese tatami floor and futons. The view and the closeness to the beach is perfect.

Stayed in July 2023

Super friendly host !! I do recommend

Stayed in July 2023

Be aware that there are shared facilities (bathroom, shower) which is fine if you’re comfortable with it! Slightly outside of Shimoda city so not ideal if you don’t have a car. Also on a steep hill which is great for the view but important to note if you aren’t travelling by car.

Location is great with a beautiful view as it sits on a hill. Very close to Shirahama beach. The host is very caring and helpful and has many tips on what to visit/see.

Stayed in July 2023

Nothing. Everything was amazing

The owner is incredibly friendly. The view is stunning. We enjoyed a bath each night in the bathhouse. A short walk to an incredible beach.

Stayed in July 2023

The property is like a less than 10-min walk to the beach and convenience store.

Stayed in June 2023

It’s a little tight room and the stair of the facility is little stepper. We did need to be concerned when use the stair with our baby. But as it is a traditional type facility, we enjoyed that too. Thanks to owner.

The staff Yamamoto san’s service was wonderful. He helped us even to plan our local attractions tour and corresponded with the public transport company to get the appropriate bus service.

Stayed in May 2023

Being up on the hillside, be aware it’s a steep 400 m walk up from the beach. Well worth it for the view, but be aware if you’re walking.

Quiet location with a beautiful view. Mr. Yamamoto is an exceptional host. He was simply lovely; he speaks English, incredibly kind, and made everything effortless for us. The pension is spotlessly clean and well maintained. There is a 7-11 at the beach, so it was quite convenient. We took the bus from Shimoda station with no difficulty. It was a great stay.

Stayed in May 2023

Having to book a time slot for the baths - would have been nice to have more flexibility with kids.

Being able to use the down stairs dining area (because it was quiet season) for chat and a card game in the evening with our friends.

Stayed in March 2023

Beautiful traditional Japanese room with tatami floor and futons (note that you will have to make your bed which is common in Japan). The room was large with large French-doors and beautiful views. The futon beds were very comfortable. What made the difference was the kindness of the owner; very friendly and welcoming. He spoke good English, which made it easy to communicate. He got a hot bath ready for us, which was much appreciated. We really liked this place. We only wish we stayed longer!

Stayed in January 2023

There's nothing actually. We liked every bit of it.

warm hospitality of the host amazed us

Stayed in March 2023

Actually, nothing. I am very looking to come back again! :)

Except of the beautifully traditional interior of the room with the great view, it was Mr. Yamamotos exceeding helpfullness with everything, even things that were not concerned with matters of our stay, that made it incredibly convenient. Heartwarming!

Stayed in December 2022