Otaru Guest House

Our family of four stayed at the Kura, and the two meals a day we requested were absolutely delicious. I kept wondering, "Can food this good really be included for that price?" The Kura is a charming old building, and it was beautifully maintained, including the kitchen and bathroom. It is dark inside, with steep stairs and creaky floors because of its age. My teenage kids were scared at first, but got used to it quickly. The road to the inn is narrow and steep. We had a minicar, so driving up was easy for us, but be careful if you're not confident behind the wheel.

A charming retro hotel, with the glossy black wood floors and stairs you see in old Otaru buildings. I recommend it if you like old-fashioned facilities and don't mind steep stairs. The Italian food downstairs on the first floor was delicious, and the Otaru wine was surprisingly cheap. I finished a whole bottle. Next time I'd like to book both a course meal and breakfast. There are only a few rooms, so honestly, I almost don't want to tell anyone about this place.

The chef was so kind, and the food was delicious. We enjoyed the lovely night view even with a little rain, plus that crisp morning air. I’d happily come back for a meal even without staying overnight. The rooms lose a point for noise coming through from next door, and getting here in winter can be tricky because of the steep slopes, especially without a 4WD.

We were a couple staying here, and the owner kindly let us check in early. The meals were generous and really tasty. This is a historic Western-style mansion, so it has a lovely Otaru atmosphere. The steep stairs and occasional creaking floors come with the character of an old building, I think. It’s up in the mountains and not near the station, though a taxi should be manageable. A wonderful guesthouse, and I hope more people get to stay here.