Guest House Watanabe

There's no air conditioning in the rooms, but they're roomy and more comfortable than a business hotel. This beautifully renovated inn keeps its shared bathrooms and toilets very clean. Meals are generous, with Hanasaki crab and meat, and you're welcome to bring your own drinks.

I stayed here back in November 2019. Hama-naka makes a lovely base for sightseeing, with plenty nearby: Cape Kiritappu, Kiritappu Wetlands, Biwase Observation Deck and Boardwalk, Azechi Cape, and Lupin. The islands in this area have some unusual shapes, too. Dinner and breakfast were delicious, with lots of choices. I especially enjoyed hearing stories from a man who'd come from Iwate to hunt deer. I went to Kiritappu Onsen Yuyu for a bath, about a ten-minute drive away.

The meal was the most impressive and luxurious I've had at any accommodation: more than ten dishes, all filling and delicious. A medium bottle of beer cost 500 yen. The rooms and facilities are new and clean, and they provide towels, bath towels, pajamas, and toothbrush sets. I had a futon room, but there was also a mattress underneath, which made it soft and comfortable. The views from the big windows in the rooms, dining room, and stair landings are wonderful. When I said I planned to visit Yuuyu, they told me I could take the room towels along, which was helpful since towel rental there costs extra. The booking site isn't available right now because of equipment or technical problems, but the landlady said to call her cellphone to reserve. I asked about an early walk and was told the doors stay open, with a coastal promenade behind the inn and the wetland path just across the road. It's a great setting for enjoying nature. There's no instant water heater or cups in the room, but the dining room has a hot and cold water dispenser and paper cups. I don't get to Hokkaido often, but this place made me feel I really should try to return.

The rain kept us from seeing the view at its best, though with those big windows in the room and on the stair landing, I bet it looks amazing in sunshine. Everything was clean, and I was glad they supplied towels, yukata, and toothbrushes. Being able to stay with my cat was a real plus. The bath was spacious and relaxing. Dinner was surprisingly lavish, with plenty of food, and breakfast was generous and delicious too. 😆