Pension Half Time

The family bath was relaxing, and the owner was very kind. We were told there was no Wi-Fi, but we managed to connect, which was handy. As the weather got colder, they even brought us an electric blanket. Like others have said, the food was delicious. The toilet didn’t have a bidet, which was a shame. Walking downhill from the guesthouse toward the station, we were surprised by the view of the Yatsugatake Mountains and Mount Fuji.

The inn is cool, quiet and pleasant, and the owner is friendly. We took the two-meal plan, and dinner was tasty and filling, though I was sorry not to get to try their famous rice. The facilities are a little old but hygienic. I didn’t use either the unit bath or the family bath since we went to a nearby hot spring. A few things could be better: the antibacterial slippers stick to the floor, so washable mesh slippers would be nicer. The TV probably won’t work, so it’s best to expect that. There’s no washlet, and I wish they’d at least changed the shared bathroom. There were lots of insects, including dead ones, and even a stag beetle on the balcony. There’s no refrigerator, so staying several nights might be difficult.

The homemade bread at breakfast was chewy and really good. Meals are filling, as others have mentioned, and the owner is kind. The rooms are kept clean. Reception for 4G was fine, but the free Wi-Fi was too weak in the room. There’s no washlet in the toilet. Since it’s a unit bath, I imagine renovations would be quite expensive.

The owner has an easygoing manner that keeps things comfortable without getting too close. The facilities aren’t new, but they’re clean and well looked after. I trusted the other reviews and switched to a plan with dinner, which turned out to be a great call. There’s a stylish-looking restaurant down the mountain, but the food here is just as delicious. I’d definitely recommend the dinner plan, and I’ll stay here again.