Guest House Kishinosato

A stuffed orangutan in the corner was a fun touch. The concrete floors, bare bulbs, and exposed ducts somehow looked classy. Sometimes all I need is a bed, a bath, and an alarm clock, even though I also love places like the Grand Hyatt in Bali. This was the nicest bare-bones place I’ve stayed at in Japan. I’d call it dirt cheap if it weren’t so clean. Some curtains or blinds would’ve been nice, since light from the next building came through the window. It didn’t bother my sleep much, though. I was out cold quickly. If I’m in the area again and need a cheap place to crash, I’d stay here. And if I ever want to live like a stoic or monk for a week or so, I know where to go.

There’s an Aeon supermarket and several restaurants by the station, with coin-operated parking nearby. The property itself is about a 10-minute walk from the station, just off the main road. Its combination-lock entrance and renovated room, styled like a traditional Japanese house, give the place a clean feel. They provide shampoo, conditioner, body soap, hand towels, and bath towels. Pots, dishes, an induction cooktop, a fridge, and a microwave are also there, making it handy for couples or families with children who want to save on lodging while sightseeing in the city.

The location is convenient, with plenty of places to eat nearby and public transport close at hand. There’s air conditioning in the room. But the room itself was a disaster. Instead of a proper mattress, there were several mats stacked together, with no cover on them. The apartment had no flooring, and it was dusty. It didn’t look like it was cleaned well or often. There are no curtains, so daylight wakes you as soon as the sun comes up. Noise from nearby homes and the business below carried into the room. We were meant to stay until Saturday but left three days early because of the discomfort, the poor bed, and all the noise. Our bodies ache from sleeping so badly. Those were the two worst nights of our lives. Now we have to pay double after booking somewhere else with a decent bed and, hopefully, a quiet setting.

The service was good, and so was the environment.