Hotel Taiheiyo

The room was the cheapest type, just 6 tatami mats, but bigger than I expected, with enough room to stretch out and unwind. The comforter was fluffy, though the mattress was a bit thin, like typical training-camp bedding. This really is training camp-style accommodation, just as the reviews said. It was relatively quiet at night, but around 6 AM there was some hallway noise from elementary school through university students. Given the low price, it didn’t bother me. The place is great value. It had been fully booked at first, but I kept checking the website and got a room when one opened up during the October 2024 three-day weekend. The parking lot is large and easy to use, although I got a little lost finding the entrance. Check-in is at the desk in the large dining hall; for contactless checkout, you drop the key in a mailbox at reception. There’s a microwave, washer, dryer, and vending machines for drinks, instant noodles, and frozen food. There’s no elevator to the rooms. It’s conveniently placed, around a 10-minute drive from Kurukuru Naruto, and I’d like to stay again if I get the chance.

We had a wedding nearby during Golden Week and needed a place for our family of four. We thought we might need two rooms, but the affordable Japanese-style room could sleep about six, so we had lots of space. It’s an inn set up for school trips and large groups, and there were plenty of kids from a sports club, making it lively. We enjoyed that atmosphere, but it wouldn’t suit someone looking for a quiet stay. The women’s bath was being renovated and some areas were out of service, though we could still warm up. Breakfast starts at 800 yen. There are vending machines with cup ramen, ice cream, frozen foods, and more, plus a microwave, hot water, and a large dining room where you can have a light breakfast. It’s in town, with cafes and other places to eat if you have a car. The room also had its own bath, toilet, and slippers.

The staff were kind, and the room was clean. I could leave my luggage before check-in. It’s close to the airport, but public transport may be a bit inconvenient. Bike rental is 100 yen a day, and the bathhouse is free, though it’s closed on Fridays. There’s a Chinese-style soba restaurant right across the way. Breakfast appeared to cost 800 yen, but I didn’t try it. Hot water, a microwave, green tea, and a frozen-food vending machine are by the lobby restaurant.

The room available was a smoking room, which I agreed to, and it was Japanese-style with a futon. I couldn’t see a closet, so the futon was set out on the tatami. The bathroom and toilet were separate, and the bathtub was deep enough to use without feeling cramped. I needed somewhere to stay that day, so I called to book. There seemed to be a student training camp going on, and the front desk is attached to a restaurant, so it was noisy and I couldn’t hear what they were saying. I feel like they could do something about that. There were hardly any places to eat or drink nearby, so you’d need to buy food ahead or drive out.