Shinojima Royal Hotel Kasuisou

Wonderful.

The proprietress has a gentle, friendly manner, and both dinner and breakfast were generous and satisfying. The lobster gratin was plump and delicious. I’d hoped for something like the second photo, a bed on half tatami, but perhaps because we booked a higher-class room, ours was just a regular retro-style room. The water in the observation bath was just the right temperature. There are no drink vending machines in the building, so you can get juice from a nearby machine and buy alcohol at the greengrocer near Hachioji Shrine.

The staff were attentive and made the place feel warm and welcoming, which added a lot to the stay. We had a luxurious seafood course that left us completely satisfied, and the guest rooms had stunning ocean views. The rooftop open-air bath has an infinity-like feel. The building is retro but renovated and comfortable. Just keep in mind there’s no elevator. I’d like to visit again.

The sea was right in front of us, giving the cypress-scented bath a wonderfully open feeling. We ate octopus, sea bream shabu-shabu, grilled spiny lobster, sashimi, and steamed turban shells and clams. The leftover food had been set aside for breakfast, but my wife came down with a fever during the night and we had to leave early, so we couldn’t eat it. I’m sorry about that. When I told the front desk, they brought us water and medicine, and were very kind. It was a great place to stay, and I’d like to return when I’m feeling better.