Minshuku Takinoue Ikishima

The bay view from the room was a welcome bright spot. The rest of the stay was disappointing: the building wasn’t clean, and the guesthouse, run by an elderly person, felt dingy, with old facilities. I’d called to book one night with two meals for 6,500 yen, but later, when asked if I planned to go sightseeing, I said yes and was told the total would be 10,000 yen. I’d hoped the meal would be good, but it wasn’t.

The hilltop view was a highlight. Watching boats come into the harbor and the sun go down over the sea really lifted my spirits. The bath is heated with firewood, and that light smoky smell made the whole experience feel warm and atmospheric. Meals are a good reason to come here on their own. The husband cooks, while his wife takes care of the other household tasks. They’re both so kind and welcoming, and I had a wonderful time. The food is mostly fish, simple but tasty, and there was so much that even I, at over 100kg, felt a bit too full. There aren’t toilets or baths in the rooms, so it may not suit people who want privacy. Guests naturally say hello and see you later to each other in the hallway, which I enjoyed, though it may not be for anyone who’d rather avoid interaction. If Iki Island were closer to the Tokyo area, I’d want to come every year.

The place has a bit of age to it from outside, but inside it felt charming and comfortable. It’s a two-story building with the entrance on the second floor, the reverse of what you’d expect (lol), and the stairs down to the first floor are steep (lol). The elderly couple who run it were full of energy and even drove us home.

I spent two nights here during the Iki Ultra Marathon. The ocean right in front of the inn is a lovely view, and the food was delicious for such a low price. They can also pick you up or drop you off at the port or other places when the timing works out. It felt like going to my grandma’s house 😁 That’s what traditional guesthouses used to be like, right? 😆👍