Atarashiya

We had our family's memorial service meal here and enjoyed a relaxed kaiseki dinner in a spacious room. A second-floor window looked out over the ocean. Everything was delicious from the appetizers onward, and we got so caught up in eating that we forgot to take pictures of it all (>_

I wanted a relaxing stop between busy days, rather than a trip for sightseeing or brand-name shopping, and this homey inn in Kada, Wakayama, was just right. I usually go to Awaji Island around this time each year for conger eel, and found this reasonably priced place on Rakuten across the Kitan Strait. The quiet fishing-town setting and the comfortable family running it were a pleasant surprise. The live conger eel was even better than I expected, though I could have done without the inn's internal organs. It isn't a hot spring, but I enjoyed the panoramic bath, and there are other day-trip hot springs nearby. Having parking right in front of the inn helped ease the travel fatigue. Breakfast rice was delicious; I heard it was Awaji Island rice, and it was the best meal I'd had, especially these days. I'd like to come back if I get the chance.

The dining room has table seating, which is comfortable if you don't like sitting upright on the floor. Service felt warm and local, with an unpretentious, homey touch. I found the sound of the waves from my room very relaxing, and the large public bath also faces the sea. I'd recommend going there at sunset. It seems like an ideal inn for anyone wanting to unwind and shake off everyday tiredness.

I booked this place because I was heading to Tomogashima Island the next day. The room and bathroom were just average, neither especially good nor bad. There was a private family bath that you could use without a reservation if nobody else was in it, which was convenient, though the water felt a little lukewarm. The public bath had an ocean view and hotter water. Dinner and breakfast were both very delicious, and I was satisfied.