Amakusa Nagisatei

The meals were a real highlight, and there was plenty for even an adult man at dinner. The staff were helpful, especially when we needed something for the room, and we enjoyed our stay on January 27th and 28th. We chose Amakusa Nagisatei’s Western-style room in the annex, at about 30,000 yen per person, hoping to fish from the room. We could fish, but I regret not asking in advance which room would suit that best. At night, people nearby were casting lures across a wide area, so we had to watch our casts and couldn’t aim where fish seemed to gather. We were there for fun, though, and that was my only complaint. Next time I’ll bring lures and the rest of my gear!

The staff were all really nice, and it’s a rare place in Amakusa where meals can be served in the room. The spread is generous, with spiny lobster, whole flounder sashimi, and dancing prawns among the dishes. There’s a TV in both the bedroom and dining room, plus a water server. Samue work clothes are provided to wear around the room. You can fish from your room and soak in the hot spring, and finless porpoises even come by.

The ocean view from our room was a lovely way to unwind, and the food and hot springs left us very satisfied. We were here on a company trip and felt warmly welcomed right from the entrance. Weekday stays are a good deal, too. We’d be happy to come back if we get the chance.

We spent three nights and four days in early November in a detached room with fishing facilities. The food was varied and carefully prepared, especially the fish, so it stayed interesting over several nights. They cooked our catches the way we chose, with no apparent cutoff for bringing fish in. The sashimi was nicely presented, and the tempura and simmered dishes were tasty. One morning, a fish I’d caught was on the breakfast table as sashimi just 15 minutes after I brought it in for dinner. There was also a cheerful staff member who was glad to advise on fishing spots, and everyone else we met was smiling and easy to talk to. The layout worked well: besides the usual Japanese-style room, there was a sunken kotatsu and a fishing deck. We could relax around the heated table and spread out a futon in the tatami room. Two people could fish from the deck at once. With no roof overhead, light overhand casts for horse mackerel or squid were possible, though a building behind us meant we couldn’t cast with our heads raised. A fish-attracting light outside seemed to bring in bait, and flatfish appeared to be feeding much of the time. Depending on the hour, we could catch a worm and then catch quite a few fish. The pier was open to us anytime during the stay, and lures brought in a range of fish, including red sea bream, flathead, cuttlefish, rock croaker, flounder, and seigo. The room had a water server for chilled water. The men’s bath was small, but its open-air bath faces a wide stretch of ocean with nothing blocking the view. At high tide, seawater reaches right up to your feet. For guests staying multiple nights, baths were available anytime except 9:00-10:00 AM. That may just have been what the staff told us rather than official information, so please check. The recently renovated facilities looked beautiful, with stylish touches like the oceanfront deck just past reception and bells in a spot that seems reachable only at low tide. There are two things that need attention. The private fishing pier and the space between the annex buildings were regularly used by locals and other non-guests who arrived by car. Some left their gear to hold a spot while they ate, leaving it unattended. It felt like a lawless zone. If staff can’t monitor it, warning signs or an explanation at check-in would help. Also, an older man in a suit with what I think was a 7:3 part, working at reception from evening into the night, was very rude. I don’t think he was the manager. He spoke with his back to me and asked questions in a condescending way, which was unpleasant. It was a shame because the other staff were so nice. Those were the only two issues my family and I could point to; we enjoyed everything else, from the staff’s smiles to the food, baths, and facilities.