Guest House Moshiripa

The staff work hard to keep the place clean and comfortable, and the atmosphere is welcoming and family-like. The rooms have just the basics for a short stay. It feels more like a youth hostel than a guesthouse, since it can hold many more people than a traditional guesthouse. Sleeping can be difficult when it’s full, especially with the ferries to Rishiri and Rebun leaving shortly after dawn. Some guests don’t seem to realize how much disruption they cause. That’s particularly true when people in the first-floor dorms get into the habit of using the upstairs bathrooms, which are meant for guests in single or double rooms.

Everything was clean and well organized, and each room had a heater. There’s Wi-Fi, laundry, and extra pillows and blankets on every floor. The dining room stays open 24/7, with free tea, coffee, and water for guests. Check-in and check-out were quick and easy. The staff member I spoke with at check-in was very friendly and gave some instructions in English. The price was definitely worth it, and I’d book this guest house again on a future visit to Wakkanai.

I loved how cozy it was to hang out here, so I happily extended my stay. The staff were sweet and caring, and the meals they offered were great. There’s also a well-stocked little kitchen for guests, plus coin laundry inside and free coffee and tea. They had gear for grinding coffee and making pour-overs, though I brought my own. The location is good, especially if you’re taking the train, and there’s a place to park bicycles for bikepackers.

The single room is small but fine for a short stay. It could feel cramped if you’re there longer or have lots of luggage. I liked the password lock, so there’s no key or keycard to keep track of. The common room is cozy, with plenty of seats, and the whole place has a friendly, positive feel. Breakfast and dinner are for sale. The venison curry looked interesting, but I arrived late and didn’t get to try it. Everything was clean, tidy, and well maintained, including the shared toilets and showers, which felt safe to use. I had to put the bedsheet on myself and return it before checkout. Since I arrived tired and late, that was a bit annoying, though understandable. I did wonder whether the same blanket is used by the next guest without being cleaned, since they don’t ask you to return it like the bedsheet. It looked and smelled clean, though. There’s no elevator, which could be inconvenient with heavy bags, but staff are happy to help. It’s a nice place, and I’d stay again when I visit Wakkanai.