Minshuku-Yadokari

I stayed here while traveling by bike. Nice place.

We come back every year at the start of Golden Week. Taking the ferry from Kagoshima to Motobe means we can get straight to the guesthouse, then use it as a base for sightseeing. For 3,000 yen per person, two of us share a room with a TV, air conditioning, and a kitchen. We fill the fridge with groceries from the Motobe supermarket. It's clean and comfortable, and even if the price varies with the season, it's reasonable enough that we return each year. The owner, originally from Chiba, started the guesthouse after building rooms and a bath on the second floor of his house in DYD. I'd recommend staying here, though you'll need a rental car to get around Motobe and Sesoko. There seem to be buses, but I've hardly seen them. If you're flying into Okinawa, I'd suggest renting a car or motorcycle. If you take the ferry, I definitely recommend getting off at Motobe.

The owner moved here about 20 years ago and is very chatty and helpful. He mentioned that the nearby Hilton Hotel had opened and the izakayas were busy, then invited me and the other guests to a restaurant he knows. We had a really enjoyable dinner thanks to him, and he also suggested places for breakfast the next morning. I booked through Jalan on the day and paid cash at the property. The second-floor room was small but clean, with a nice ocean view. I slept well, though I could hear some noise from next door.

We spent one night here as a family. The innkeeper greeted us with a kind drive around the island. Our room had just a shower, and there was a handmade open-air bath outside. It was a bit cold for that in March, though. There's a pub an easy walk away, which was nice, and I think this is a great budget option on Sesoko Island. The dog was quite old, but we got to pet it a little. Hope it has a long, healthy life!