JECK

The scenery and fresh, clean air around JECK made the countryside setting a real treat. You may want a car to get around easily, though the nearby train station is handy if you're coming from Yonago Airport. There's so much to see in the area that I'd allow at least four days with a rental car. The host can explain the local history and sights in detail, from iron sand mining to Japanese sword making. Around Okuizumo, there are the Orochi Loop for cycling and driving, the legendary Oninoshita Burui scenic spot in Shimane Prefecture, the Sword Museum, and the Okuizumo Orochi train, where you can take in the Orochi Loop over an ekiben. I thought it was a shame the prefecture isn't better known, partly because of limited publicity and strained relations with South Korea over Dokdo. This was my first time at JECK, during a road trip in Japan, but I'll definitely return and ask the host to help me see more. The host speaks Korean, Japanese, and English, so we had no communication problems. Everything was very clean, and the care put into details from check-in and check-out to the bed really impressed me. I'm grateful to the host for introducing me to Okuizumo.

The countryside views are beautiful, and the rooms felt clean and comfortable. There's a kitchen for preparing your own meals, too. The landlady was very warm and treated us like family. We were able to communicate in English since she speaks it fluently. I'd happily stay here again.