Guest House Hamada-en

A cozy place to stay, and the staff were friendly.

It’s in a handy spot for sightseeing, with the sand dunes only a five-minute drive away. There are lots of pear shops around, which gave us a nice chance to enjoy the local feel while out walking. Inside, the guesthouse was quiet, comfortable, and clean throughout, with a pleasant scent. The staff were warm and considerate, which helped me feel at ease and properly relax even on my first visit. It was a gentle, welcoming stay, and I’d like to come back in another season.

This place works well if you’re happy with somewhere simple and aren’t looking for the extra service of a traditional Japanese inn. The price is very reasonable, payment is in advance, and you can check out whenever you like. It’s run by a pear-growing family, so they can share local information and you get the feel of a family business. The sand dunes are just five minutes away by car, so after dropping your bags you can head back there at sunset, at night, or for sunrise. That freedom to come and go is something hotels don’t offer. For food, there’s a nearby drive-in, where I liked the “Horu Soba Set Meal,” Tottori city isn’t too far, and several hot springs are within about 10 minutes. They kindly let us take towels with us. The room had a TV and air conditioning, and the toilet was clean. It’s fine for families, especially if you plan to eat and bathe elsewhere and come back for a quiet night’s sleep.

I came alone on my motorbike and found this guesthouse really comfortable. I’d made a mistake with my booking, but the landlady was flexible and helped me out. There’s room for one or two people, and the air conditioning was much appreciated this time of year. You can use the shower whenever you like, and I liked the rock design in the bathroom. Since convenience stores and the town center require a car, it’s a good idea to pick up what you need before you arrive. The Tottori Sand Dunes are right next door, which makes getting around for sightseeing easy.