Morizo

I came by motorcycle, and the little gravel space in front was useful for parking. It's free for guests and has room for quite a few motorcycles. The area felt safe, so it seems handy for touring or road bike riders. For cars, there’s a city lot about five minutes away for 500 yen, and apparently a free lot about ten minutes away near Joshu Tomioka Station. I was lucky to get a private room, a Japanese-style one. The place is a little tucked away, but the restaurant Tenryusuisha also serves as the front desk, so head there and you’ll find it. I wondered if it counts as private lodging. There are two shared bunk-bed rooms, one for men and one for women, plus a Japanese-style room and one private room. The shower and toilet are shared, with no bathtub, but they were really clean. It felt like staying at home, unless you’re especially bothered by shared facilities. There’s a washer and dryer for an extra fee. I heard guests can barbecue in the garden in summer.

I found this place while looking for a hotel in Tomioka, and tried staying in an apartment-style place for the first time. It was an unoccupied house, and I found it more comfortable than an ordinary hotel. There was a low table like the kind from the Showa era, perhaps intended for foreign guests. WiFi meant I could get my work done smoothly. I thought the shower might be cold, but the water was nice and warm. I'd stay here again if I travel there.

The staff were nice, and everything was very clean. I was really satisfied!