Hotel Hikari Hills

I was heading to Kaminoseki and had to find somewhere to stay at short notice. I was glad they could fit me in on the evening in the middle of the holiday period. The hotel is old-fashioned, but for one night it felt like good value, and parking is free. There weren’t any convenience stores or places to eat within walking distance, so I drove to the station and picked up food at a supermarket to have in my room. There’s a microwave in the hallway, and they offer highballs as a welcome drink. The large public bath is for men only; the water, gently treated with binchotan charcoal, is especially well regarded. Breakfast was much better than I expected.

For a work trip, this was a satisfactory place to stay. There aren’t many restaurants nearby for dinner, and the large public bath is open for only a short time, but I found it comfortable. The washing and changing area fits about three people. Depending on the time, that may vary, but I always had it to myself and could relax. It did take a while to get the faucet and shower temperatures right. My room was a smoking single, as usual, but I didn’t notice a cigarette smell. The room’s bathroom and toilet were comfortable enough. The breakfast buffet wasn’t bad, though everything was cold. If you want something hot, you can fry eggs on a plate or order curry rice. It’s a business hotel, a good shelter from wind and rain, and fine for getting a night’s sleep before the next day.

There’s a convenience store nearby, but the facilities aren’t great. They don’t provide cleaning service, and the phone is left on, which makes it hard to respond to calls from foreigners. If all you need is a bed to sleep in, it works, but I don’t think I’d stay here again.

For 11,000 yen, the twin room with breakfast is the one I’d recommend. The last time I paid 10,000 yen, the toilet seat wasn’t heated and only cold water came out. Staying in the cheaper room seems fine in summer.