Kyukamura Setouchi-Toyo

The long, steep walk uphill from the bus stop is a workout for your calves if you aren’t driving. There’s a bus from Imabari station and other major stations, but it’s a bit expensive at about 700 yen. The place was near and tidy, and I loved it. The neat room had a great view and basic amenities, including yukatas and socks. The sea outlook is gorgeous, with glimpses of sunrise and sunset and eagles flying around. The onsen is older style but clean. Lots of older people visit, and everyone was orderly at the buffet. Dinner and breakfast are buffet style, with traditional Japanese food, plenty of sides, stews, and seafood. Get half board, since there aren’t other options in the area. Extended checkout costs $1100 for each extra hour.

The buffet dinner and breakfast were okay, nothing special, but not bad enough to complain about. Our tatami room had an amazing ocean view. Still, both the room and the whole property felt very dated and badly in need of renovation. For what I paid, I wouldn’t stay again unless the hotel gets a major renovation. It’s a shame, because the location and beach are amazing.

The meals were extraordinary, especially the sushi, which was fresh and never frozen. The hotel sits on a ridge above a beach, with a magnificent view. Amazing hotel!

The restaurant's fried fish hamburgers are really nice.