Hotel Higashimokoto

For the price, the room was spacious, very clean, and had a calm, zen-like look. There was plenty of free parking, with a convenience store and petrol kiosk nearby. The staff were very nice and helpful.

The food was good, and everything was very clean. It was quiet, too.

Breakfast was a healthy set meal rather than a buffet, which was easy and satisfying. The downside was the flies coming in near the entrance on the first floor. I had to keep shooing them while eating, so I couldn't quite enjoy the meal. I picked this hotel for sightseeing around Abashiri and a visit to Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park. I booked about a month ahead because it had a Japanese-style room, separate bath and toilet, complimentary coffee and other drinks, and was only about a 30-minute drive from Abashiri. The website mentioned decaf coffee, and I was looking forward to having some at night, but there wasn't any. The front desk said the listing was wrong. It was disappointing, though they corrected the website soon afterward, which I appreciated. There was a smoking-area sign at check-in, so I went to use it that night, but another sign said "No Entry." The front desk told me guests could go in, so I went around the sign. I wish someone had explained that earlier. It was late, and the night watchman seemed to have just woken up, which made me feel bad. Despite those letdowns, I'd stay here again.

I've stayed in a few of the rooms, and they're all roomy, clean, and relaxing. The food is generally delicious, too. It's a roadside station inn, and I'll definitely book it again when I'm visiting my hometown, if I can get a reservation. They've added things this year, including free Misuzu coffee and rental pillows. I'm cheering for you, Higashimokoto! 😊 (Photo taken around Golden Week 2025)