Miyako Resort Okushima Aqua Forest

We stayed in a top-floor Maisonette room, and the view was amazing. It looks like all the rooms face the sea, though the sunset we hoped to see got rained out just as it was setting. Maybe we'll come back for it. The buffet was full of tasty things, and there's a lot to see around the hotel. The building is starting to show its age, and the single-pane windows let in a lot of heat. Still, it's a lovely place and I'd recommend it.

The buffet has plenty of choices, but staying in a standard Japanese room was just an average experience. The hotel facilities are quite old, and a few things during our stay could use improvement. Someone's hair was stuck to the futon, the sauna wasn't running in the morning, and the Game Center games were so outdated that they should replace them.

The food was great and the view was lovely. I really liked the place, apart from the rule against tattoos in the Onsens.

We rented a car, though with the train and shuttle from Kyoto, we could have avoided that hassle. The hotel is a bit isolated, but it's a recommended place for non-Japanese visitors who have some basic understanding of the country's culture. We spent two days here escaping Kyoto's heat and bustle before heading on to more of the same in Tokyo. The property is modern, comfortable, and clean, with an incredible panoramic view over water, islands, and hills. Western-style rooms make it easy to watch the sunset from bed. Staff were very helpful, and English is spoken at the front desk. Most essential information is available in English as well. There are several indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, plus two quiet beaches about a five-minute walk away. Boat rentals are available, but expensive. The all-you-can-eat dinner buffet was fair in quality, though pricey.