Pension Mokumoku Tokachi

From the window, you can take in the Hidaka Mountains and the surrounding fields. With no people or noise around, the place feels really peaceful, and the handmade wooden house has beautiful grain and rings in the timber. It’s a little rough in places, but the scenery more than makes up for that. The owner makes the meals, and I really liked this unusual little inn. I’d be happy to come back in another season.

The owner was kind, even bringing me snacks to have with my drinks each evening since I stayed without meals and drink every night. I’m an older guy, and I found the inn so relaxing, surrounded by fields. I grew up in Sapporo, in the mountains of Maruyama Nishimachi behind Maruyama Zoo, so this setting felt especially calming. The asparagus and venison were seriously delicious, though I’m sure what’s available changes by season. I usually come to Obihiro for work, and I’d like to tell my company to make this my regular place to stay each year.

It felt a bit like visiting a relative’s house, which may suit some people, but it wasn’t for me. The room had a TV, though I had to keep the volume almost at zero because the sound carried into the next room. I stayed several days and was disappointed that breakfast and dinner were nearly the same. After one night, maybe I’d have felt differently. Breakfast was much like dinner, Japanese-style, and there was no milk. Apparently the owners stopped serving it after hearing someone from the political party they support say it was bad for you. Meal conversations were mostly about that party, and I got tired trying to keep up. I won’t stay here again. At checkout they asked which hotel booking site I’d used and asked me to leave a positive review there. I didn’t want to do that, so I’m writing this here instead.

This place may work well if you want quiet surroundings and pretty views, like being treated as if you’re at home, or are interested in hunting deer and other game. I personally felt uneasy about the political party banners and posters displayed prominently inside. I was also uncomfortable with the lack of proactive COVID-19 measures, as no masks or alcohol were provided. Cleanliness matters to me, and sharing toilets and bathrooms may not suit everyone. I assume these choices reflect the owner’s personal beliefs.