wanoi KAKUNODATE

We’re staying in a converted old storage house, now a hotel room. There’s a samurai harness and katana in the bedroom. Awesome 😎

The old buildings are beautiful, tidy, and well kept. There’s a lot of history in the place, and it’s a great chance to stay in such a striking historic building. The welcome felt a bit bare, though, and the place could use more care and thought. When we checked in during the early afternoon, all the blinds and curtains were shut, so the whole tour was in darkness. There weren’t any living plants, and the provided dishes felt incomplete, as if nobody had really considered what it would be like to stay there. Don’t expect to feel especially at home.

From check in to check out, it was an amazing experience. A kind, funny team member drove us to our accommodation and showed us around. The space was large, very clean, and comfortable, and it was a fun stay that really suited the village’s theme. Breakfast was good, and worth adding on just for the experience. Highly recommend.

If you want to get a feel for traditional Japanese housing, this is a great place to imagine traveling back in time. There’s samurai armor displayed at the entrance, a katana sheathed on the bed, and a bar counter where you can serve your friends sake. The place is big, so bring a couple of friends.