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YOUR HOSTS

Yumi Sasaki

After spending two years in Banff, Canada, and six years in Tokyo,
I moved to New Zealand in 1996.

Following a period of life in Arrowtown on the South Island,I put down roots in Wānaka in 1999.
Before I knew it, many years had passed, woven together with this land.

Through my time working in restaurant kitchens and hosting Japanese cooking classes in my home,
I have cherished the moments of connection created around the table —
bringing New Zealand and Japan together through food.

On a journey, it means a great deal to have a place where you can truly exhale.
A place where you don’t need to stretch your words,where you can simply be, quietly.

Reimagined through renovations in 2020,Yado Sasanoki was born from that very wish —
a small, intimate guesthouse created with care.

I look forward to welcoming you here.

Renon Sasaki (Kiwi-Japanese)

Born in Queenstown (1997), grew up in Wanaka.

After the boarding school life in sunny Nelson, I returned to my hometown Wanaka,
and are helping mother for the guests of this yado-SASANOKI while enjoying working at local hotel.

Love to make heartful message cards, to hang up with friends, to care of dogs,
and love to eat Ramen noodle!

samuel Sasaki(Sam)

Samuel, known to everyone as Sam,was born on 27 January 2019.
After completing his guide dog training,he joined our family at the age of two.

Friendly, gentle, and wonderfully obedient,Sam loves nothing more than being close to people.
If you are sitting down, he will happily sit beside you.
At the front door, he greets guests with great enthusiasm
—his tail wagging in wide, joyful circles.

The kitchen, however, is strictly off-limits.
Durin g cooking time, he lies quietly on the other side,waiting patiently.

A black Labrador with a big heart —and an even bigger appetite.