Asanokan Inn

The hostess stayed up for our late arrival, then warmly showed us around once we were all settled. The lobby has an interesting metal artwork collection worth seeing, and the location makes it easy to get to local attractions. It's a little old and definitely not a fancy 5-star place, but our family of five had what we needed for two days. The room was spacious enough, and there was a private bathroom as well as a shared shower and bath. We liked our stay and felt the accommodation was worth what we paid, even if it isn't a high-end hotel or resort.

The sunset over the historic coast beside the inn was beautiful. I spent two nights in Futami while visiting Ise Grand Shrine, and the female staff member who showed me to my room and arranged breakfast was wonderful. Thank you so much.

The meals leaned mostly toward fish, and I was glad to try local spiny lobster, giant clams, and turban shells too. Our room, just as the website showed, looked out over the sandy beach and pine forest along the coast. Hearing the waves really brought out the feeling of being on a trip. I came with family in January 2024, more than half a century after my elementary school field trip here. The wooden inn has that warm, worn timber feel you don't get in modern or business hotels, and I think it suits anyone who likes a retro Showa-era atmosphere. Futamiura sits between Ise City and Toba City, and the whole town does feel quiet and tranquil. Still, there's now a direct bus from Ise Grand Shrine (Naiku), and scenic places and attractions like the Meoto Iwa Rocks and Ise Sea Paradise are within walking distance. That gives the area a charm that's hard to let go of. I hope the hotel stays here for many years.

The ocean view and easy walk to the Meoto Iwa rocks were about the only real advantages, and other hotels can offer those too. The room was roomy, but dusty in places, with a dirty bathroom wall and just a toothbrush for an amenity. The walls were so thin that neighbors drinking late into the night kept me awake. I tried calling the front desk, but the extension didn't connect, and the staff there were rude. The kaiseki meal was disappointing too. The food came slowly, cold, or overcooked and tough, and the fried shrimp was ordinary, more like home cooking. It was my first night staying awake all night, wishing I could check out early. For two people at year end, we paid nearly 50,000 yen, and the service was truly poor. I can't recommend this hotel.