Kappo Tsuunen Minshuku Yamaya

I usually stay in large hotels and business hotels for work, in Japan and abroad, so the tatami room here was a welcome change that made the trip feel more like a holiday. This is a traditional inn, and the building and facilities are still much as they were in the Showa era. That’s fine if you’re used to inns, but I honestly wouldn’t recommend it if you want modern amenities. The standard plan is 9,000 yen for one night with two meals, which I think is reasonable in peak season. It was impeccably clean and well maintained, with no particular issues. If you see old as dirty, it may not suit you. If you don’t mind the age or enjoy that character, I would recommend it. The local fish is the main draw. On my visit, the sashimi was mostly rockfish, red snapper, and other local white fish. It was about what you’d pay for in Tokyo, and I really enjoyed it. The grilled and fried dishes were mostly mild fish and tasted good. There were meat dishes too, though several were cold. Other reviewers seem to have mentioned this, but with so many dishes being served for two people, I think you have to overlook it. I was fine with it as long as I could enjoy the sashimi. Some people have called the staff unfriendly. They seemed modest to me, and I liked how informative they were about the fish and local climate. My room didn’t have a particular ocean view, just a natural view of the Sea of ​​Japan. I didn’t notice much at night, but I loved looking out the window in the morning. If you want to relax at an older inn and enjoy a dinner centered on local fish, I’d recommend this place. As with any inn, if the sea is rough and no fish are caught, that’s just bad luck (lol). I’d like to return in another season and try the fish then.

The food, made with local ingredients, is great. The building is an old-fashioned guesthouse, and the hallway floors creak loudly as you walk. If that doesn’t bother you, it’s totally fine. An elderly couple runs the place, and I hope they can keep it going.

The food was fantastic, with generous and delicious portions at both dinner and breakfast. We told the owner about our food dislikes beforehand, and they accommodated them, which impressed us. The sashimi and crab were especially delicious. Some of the grilled fish was a little cold, but they run the inn with a small staff and serve large groups, so that’s understandable. This is a traditional guesthouse with lots of character, much as other reviews describe. People who are particular about cleanliness might not like it. We could hear doors being locked in our room and sounds from the other rooms and hallway. The low price during beach season is a bonus. I’d recommend it to families who want to enjoy the food and swim at Niigata’s beaches without worrying too much about cleanliness.

It has the feel of a traditional fishing village guesthouse, an old Japanese building that I think is kept very clean. People used to nice city hotels might not rate it highly, and a loud snorer in the next room can make it noisy. The station, which is unmanned, and the sea are both close by, and some rooms have a sea view. I arrived late at night, so I only had breakfast, but it was delicious. Thanks for the hospitality. I hope I get the chance to stay again.