marine hotel harimo

The Sea of Japan views are the hotel's best feature. On my stay, just after a front had passed, the rough water and white foam along the shore looked exactly like you'd picture the Sea of Japan. It might be lovely on a calm day too. The hotel seems suited to different needs: business travelers connected with the nearby power plant come on weekdays, and tourists visit on weekends. The rooms and location can feel a little mismatched, with a more masculine feel to the lodging and food that may appeal more to women. Prices are surprisingly low these days, which is a real plus. Dinner was a high-quality bistro-style meal, and the chef talked us through the menu. There's a good range of alcoholic drinks, an ice machine on the second floor, and free use of the washer and dryer. Dinner portions are small, so bring a late-night snack. The lounge, restaurant, and public bath are stylish and clean, likely after renovations, while the rest of the building shows its age without trying to hide it. The twin room's unit bath has a 10 cm step, the toilet has no washlet, and the heavy auto-lock door feels like one from a multi-tenant building. From Mount Harimo across the road, I could see the town and inland area, but also the hotel's roof under blue tarps. Getting there from National Route 9 takes some planning, so look up the access in advance. After taking the Shimane Prefectural Highway and other roads, you pass under the San'in Line overpass, reach the coast, then climb a hill. Parking is ample for the number of rooms unless it's an especially busy season. Inside the double-door entrance, the front desk is to the right, the lounge straight ahead, and the restaurant farther back on the right, with counter seats facing the Sea of Japan. I recommend the hotel in any weather, especially if you want that rugged ocean view.

The food was tasty, and checking in before 5:30 pm gets you a free drink. The old-fashioned building has minimal amenities and service. I was surprised there was no elevator, even though my room was on the third floor.

It was wonderfully quiet, just right for relaxing, and the staff were very kind and helpful. From my room window, the view that day was truly breathtaking. I stayed in the annex, though, and the main building's public bath was more than 50 meters away across the outdoors. It wasn't too much of a walk for an older guy like me, but women might find it a hassle, so I'd recommend staying in the main building. The bath itself isn't especially large, with only three washing stations, and the water was very hot, probably too hot for kids. Still, it has an ocean view.

The room had a great horizon view, and my child got to try yo-yo fishing for free once during Obon. Staff were very friendly and helpful, and the price felt low for the breakfast and service. There are also a free washer and dryer, a self-service ice maker, and an automatic shaved-ice machine. The basement public bath fits about five or six people. I booked quickly during the Obon holiday on Yahoo! Travel because I couldn't find a room for more than five people elsewhere. The room and hallway wallpaper was coming loose, and there weren't many power outlets, but it worked fine for a one-night stay. Thank you very much. I don't often come to Shimane, so I probably won't be back.