Hotel Castle Village Miyakojima

The location isn't especially great, but Miyako Island is small enough that it wasn't a problem. My twin room was spacious and clean, with a tatami area as well as the bed space. It had the usual amenities, including pajamas, towels, and a hairdryer. The front desk also had disposable chopsticks and paper cups.

The room was fairly new, spacious, and clean, with a Japanese-style room and two single beds. But the surrounding area is all sugarcane fields, so don't expect much of a view. There was no dinner or room service. I was told to walk to the nearest convenience store, which was more than 1.5 kilometers away, over a 20-minute walk through pitch darkness. I had asked the travel agency to book a hot spring for me, but it was closed temporarily. I was looking forward to going, so that was disappointing. The service was terrible, and 15,000 yen felt quite expensive for what I got. There are better hotels. I'll never stay here again.

The Miyakojima hot springs were a real highlight. You can use the one next door with your stay allowance, even on checkout day, and I did laundry in the shed between the two baths while soaking. The washer dispensed detergent automatically, though there was also some detergent left out to use, maybe just by chance. Our deluxe Japanese-Western room was fine for sleeping, though with the family it didn’t feel especially roomy. The inn is in the middle of the island, so it’s handy for getting around, especially to Yoshino and Aragusuku Beaches if you have a rental car. The town center isn’t too far either. Breakfast was simple but tasty, with Okinawan stews and other basics. Making taco rice was fun. Staff were very friendly and helpful, and the homey feel suited the place. There’s no microwave in the room, but I used the one at reception once. Good value for the money.

The hot spring next door is the main reason to make use of this place. You can get a ticket at the front desk each time and go as often as you like, and they give you a towel set there. The bathroom in the room is small, so I’d definitely take advantage of the larger bath. We stayed two nights. Breakfast choices are limited, though I liked making octopus slices. The vegetable stir-fry on our first night was so good that I hoped it would come back, but the sides changed the next day. Too bad. The inn is near the island’s center. A taxi from the port takes around 20 minutes and starts at 1,540 yen; from the airport it’s about 15 minutes, starting at 1,240 yen. There’s only one nearby restaurant, and it closes Sundays. The place is a little dated but looked after. The wooden stick lock is old-fashioned, though the door locks automatically. Being by the road means you hear cars, and the bed creaked loudly when I got in. I’m not that heavy... or so I tell myself. I don’t get many chances to come here, but I’d stay again if I did.