Sangoboshi

The self-service check-in and checkout were easy, and you can rent the whole place. There's lots of room, including three adjoining Japanese-style rooms and other separate private rooms. From outside it looks like a large Western-style house. Inside are two shower rooms, two toilets, and two bathrooms, along with a spacious kitchen with a Showa-era feel. Daily necessities are supplied. A few practical things: insect repellent is a must, especially if you're grilling on the terrace in summer. The hot plate is small and isn't a flat iron, so I used a frying pan for yakisoba. The plumbing is a little dated, though water pressure is good. There are two refrigerators and plenty of dishes. Air conditioning is in the main rooms. Bring your own toothbrush and other amenities. Bath and face towels are provided, but their sizes and patterns vary, so bring your own if you care about that. The cutlery doesn't match, so you may want your own spoon or to pick one up at a local 100 yen shop. Sorry about the pictures. I forgot to take one, but I think you can find some by searching.

We spent one night here, two days in all, as a group of four. Having the whole house to ourselves in a local village gave us a small glimpse of everyday life there. The building itself also has that feeling, a bit like visiting grandma's house in the countryside. There's not much nearby, for better or worse. As the sign says, you're staying among local residents, so if you want to really let loose, a resort is probably a better fit. I'd stay here again if I get the chance.

There are no convenience stores nearby, so it's best to shop before you get to the inn. The road there is narrow and pitch black at night, so drive carefully. For families, the many roomy rooms are fun for kids. The bathroom is shower-only, but the hot water pressure is strong enough that it was fine to use. A washing machine and covered drying space make longer stays easy. It's close to the airport, which is handy if you're leaving early.

We had nine people in the house, and all the different rooms gave us plenty of space. The ocean is right in front, so it's a lovely fit for a big group trip. The kitchen and cooking tools were well stocked, and we still have fond memories of preparing and eating the fish we caught together.