SOU Higashi-Onna

The sunrise over the water is gorgeous, and the flat has everything you need. You can make simple meals there, though you’ll need to bring your own spices and condiments. Getting around really calls for a car, since taxis aren’t always nearby. You can also hear the neighbours pretty easily.

The beach is a short walk away, with lovely white sand, but the path is muddy, so bring good water shoes. There’s also a driving range close by if you play golf. The area is very isolated, and you really need a car. Military jets fly directly overhead from the nearby base through much of the day and sometimes at night, and they’re incredibly loud. There are about 20 steps down to room 101, which could be an issue if you have mobility concerns. Be aware that there’s only one Western-style bed. The listing used the plural “beds,” and I assumed there’d be enough sleeping space for two friends. The other option was a thin mattress on the tatami floor, which I couldn’t sleep on. I lost $1200 on this stay. More communication ahead of time, from both the hotel and me, would have helped us understand the layout of the two-bedroom place. I can see it working for a couple or one person with a car, but the sleeping arrangement caught us out.

It was a quiet, clean place with a lovely view and comfortable beds. We managed to work out the microwave, stovetop, and hot water, though instructions in other languages would help. The TV could be easier to use.

There’s a great ocean view from the roof, and the WiFi was good enough for work. The rental apartment building has parking, with access to the water and a beach just a few minutes away. A supermarket or convenience store takes about 20 minutes on foot, or just a few minutes by car.