Iioka Shiosai Hotel

The staff were super friendly and accommodating, easily five stars for customer service. The Onsen itself was basic, and there was unlimited drink service until 10pm. You can eat dinner in your room or in the restaurant. I picked the restaurant so the food wouldn’t get cold. There’s a nice distant ocean view, but people in the carpark downstairs can see into your room if the blinds are open. It also takes about 10 minutes for the room’s hot water to come through, no joke. I had to go back downstairs for a shower late at night. Hotel Management, I think guests should be warned, since it’s better to use the public shower after the Onsen.

Good food and a good bath, with the beach right out front for surfing.

After walking around the area on a cold, windy day, I warmed up in the hot spring and it felt great. The water was said to be 42°C, though it seemed a little cooler to me, so I stayed in for a long, relaxing soak. Sunlight coming through the window was lovely too. The bathing area has one large tub of brown hot spring water and about seven or eight washing stations. Day use costs 1,000 yen, and you need to bring your own towel.

The large bath has natural hot spring water, and the rooms are roomy and comfortable. Even when I’m here on business around Choshi, it feels a little like a holiday. It’s inexpensive, so I stay every time I’m in the area. Parking is free, there’s a 7-Eleven within walking distance, and you’ll need to drive to reach a supermarket. They offer a dinner plan too, so my wife and I might come back for sightseeing. One thing to improve: there’s no air conditioning in the large bath’s changing room, so in summer you don’t get too sweaty.