ARASHIMA INN 203 / Vacation STAY 230

For a traditional Japanese feel, tatami or Japanese-style rooms are a great option. If you're going to see the Ise Jingu fireworks, I'd suggest staying in Toba, where the JR line is less crowded, while trains to Tsu and downtown have long lines. Keep in mind it's far from the city center: restaurants aren't open at night, and takeout isn't available, so buy food and drinks downtown. Also, if you book through Agoda.com, make sure to contact the host for the room code. They send it by email the next day; without it, you may be locked out and unable to check in until the host finds you.

Toba Aquarium is close enough to walk to, and there are dinner spots nearby too, which made staying here feel easy. The guesthouse is in a great location, and the cherry blossoms are beautiful in spring. Go up the stairs on the left and you'll find a temple with blossoms as well. It's not well known, so you can take your time enjoying them. We'll definitely come back during cherry blossom season.

It's peaceful here, right by Kintetsu Kaminogo Station. They don't provide amenities, but there's a 100-yen store within walking distance, so that wasn't a big problem. The rooms were clean, and having a microwave and kettle makes it convenient for a longer stay. Good value, especially if you're traveling as a group.

Getting there by car was convenient.