Shimanto Genryu No Sato

I enjoyed the BBQ and other activities on my trip to Kochi, though staying in a bungalow for the first time had made me a bit nervous. I was looking forward to using the sauna, but the cold plunge was surprisingly dirty, with only knee-deep water and various things floating in it. Getting a fire going for the BBQ was hard, and the lack of cell phone reception in the bungalow was inconvenient.

I wouldn't recommend this place. The room and bedding were dusty, and there was no sink or mirror in the bungalow. I asked a male staff member the day before where I could get ready, and he said the center bathroom changing area would be available before 9am. In the morning, though, the door was locked. The female staff member wouldn't open it, insisting with a spiteful look that they opened at 9am, even after I explained what I'd been told. She could easily have let us in. She was also no help when I went back to the center because the BBQ charcoal wouldn't light, just dismissing me with a scornful, "Good luck, haha." The staff were inflexible.

My mother was so excited because it was her first time staying in a bungalow. I've stayed in local bungalows before, so I brought plenty of towels, a blanket, pajamas, toiletries for brushing teeth and bathing, trash bags, and lots of food. There's no phone signal at the bungalow, which worried my mother, but the main building has free WiFi. It got so dark that walking back from there around 8pm was difficult, so they lent us a flashlight and we made it back safely. I wonder if I use my phone too much normally. With no phone to use, there wasn't much to do, so I went to bed early. The outlet was a bit far from the bed, and I was glad they lent me an extension cord. I drifted right off while using a small portable massager on my shoulder. The bath is in the main building and left my skin feeling smooth. I could use the sauna too, and felt nicely relaxed afterward. The stay was very relaxing, but having no phone signal in the bungalow still made me uneasy in case of an emergency. That's why I gave the room and location four stars. The male and female staff were kind, shared suggestions for places to visit, and happily let me take pictures inside the building. They made us feel welcome. Thank you.

We stayed at Yamabuki. The owner was very helpful, and although the bungalows are old, they're well maintained and have a nice atmosphere. In the river just in front, I saw minnows and dace swimming, and it seems earthworms work well as bait.