Hotel Kaikoen

Good.

The ocean was right outside, and my room was clean. The inn has a Showa-era feel, and I could relax in the bath even though it wasn’t a hot spring. I only wish there had been an outdoor bath. Dinner was tasty, if a little small. There’s no convenience store, and beer delivered to the room cost a ridiculous 800 yen. I ended up driving to a nearby 7-Eleven to buy alcohol. Vending machines do have juice and other drinks. I stayed using the Chiba Toku Travel campaign, and it’s about a 10-minute drive from Kamogawa Sea World. I didn’t come away with a bad impression, but it was neither especially good nor bad, and I probably won’t return.

The sea view was beautiful and so relaxing. Our room was cool with the air conditioner running full blast, though the hallways were hot. The food was varied enough that we didn’t get tired of it over several nights: abalone and rockfish the first day, then grilled spiny lobster, simmered golden-eyed snapper, scallops, and shrimp sashimi the next. It was a shame the game center my kids had been looking forward to was gone. For our family, game centers are a big part of traveling.

The staff were kind, and I liked the bath and being able to play table tennis. The building is old, but it was carefully cleaned and I felt at ease. There could have been more side dishes with the rice, though I was full. It was much better than a cheap hotel. I’d stay again. It’s a great inn, and I hope it keeps going for a long time.