Pension Flora

The elderly owner was friendly and fun to chat with, which made the stay enjoyable. The building is old, but it was clean and comfortable. I was there about three years ago. One thing to know on the way in: you have to open and close the fence that keeps wild boars out.

I visited on September 21, 2024. Do some homework before booking, because a few things can catch you off guard. It's out among fields with no shops nearby, so bring what you'll need before arriving. The narrow country roads make a shopping trip feel like a chore. Motorcycles may be able to park under cover, with room for around three bikes, but check with the inn first. Room-only pricing didn't seem especially cheap, smoking is banned throughout the building, including e-cigarettes, and it seems guests under 18 aren't allowed. Getting there can be tricky. The route takes you along a very narrow lane, barely wide enough for one car, with several turns and forks. Look for the small pension sign, and watch out for branches or plants scraping the car. Google Maps seemed to send me the wrong way. The rooms look dated, with very small beds. They're probably fine if you just need somewhere to sleep, and cleanliness seemed neither especially good nor bad. There are two shared toilets for men and women, both with bidets. In the bathroom there's rinse-in shampoo and body soap, but other amenities seem to cost extra, so bring your own towels. It also takes a while for hot water to come through, and it wasn't very warm.

The owners are kind, and the place is cleaned thoroughly. If you can manage the narrow roads and bring the things you'll need, it should be okay, though getting there and carrying everything takes some effort. It's near the golf course and Aloha Garden, but very tucked away. The roads are so narrow that Google Maps sent me through farm lanes, animal tracks, and even roads blocked by gates. I doubt large cars could get through. The Flower Line entrance is probably the better way, though the road is still narrow. At night it's completely dark, and the nearest convenience store is several kilometres away. The rooms have no fridge, kettle, cups, or bottled water. Amenities are limited to a toothbrush and face towel. The dining area is cluttered, and the bath and toilet are shared. The whole inn feels like the Showa era. I wonder if it gets busy in summer.

I got a really quiet night's sleep. The place has an unusual setting for a pension, and feels right for someone who enjoys Japan's "Royal Inn Travelogue" more than the latest facilities. I like it too, lol. I stayed on my own, and the owner had a Showa-era vibe but was very friendly. You have to open and close the gate on the farm road yourself, which is kind of fun. The lane is okay for a regular car, though at night be careful not to drift off the edge, lol. There are signs at each turn, so it was easy to find.