Onsen Minshuku Hamayu

I’m unable to see my review on the booking account anymore because the hotel deleted one account and made a new one. We arrived an hour before check-in in heavy rain. The owner didn’t suggest that we wait in the lobby, which felt unwelcoming, so we stood outside until check-in. The check-in itself was late. During most of our stay, the owner sat on the lobby sofa using his phone. The onsen water was too hot, and the walls were so thin we could hear everything in the house from our room. After checking out the next morning, I realized I’d left a birthday cake with candles in the lobby refrigerator. I tried reaching the hotel through the booking system and by phone, but got no answer. A few hours later I went back and nobody was there, and my calls still weren’t answered. I heard nothing the next day either.

For a low price, you get a nice traditional Japanese tatami room and really friendly owners. There’s a small private onsen too. A really nice place.

The owner speaks Chinese, which made communication easy, and he was very warm and friendly. There’s parking in the yard, though space is limited, so guests need to coordinate. You can also leave your key with the owner if you’d like him to help park your car. It’s a traditional, old-style Showa-era guesthouse, with tatami floors and sliding doors. From the windows you can see both mountains and sea, and the summer cicadas make a soothing sound. My only issue was sleeping on the floor. I’m not used to it, and my back hurt.

The countryside views are relaxing, and at night you can see the stars. Getting here could be difficult without a car. The owner is friendly, the shared toilets and washrooms are clean, and there’s a bathhouse with a small tub that’s good for easing fatigue.