Ryokan Yamaichi

A cozy traditional Japanese hotel with warm hospitality.

The inn felt very homey, and the landlady was kind. Its location also makes it a good base for sightseeing around Wakkanai. There isn't a large public bath, but a wonderful hot spring facility nearby meant we didn't feel inconvenienced. The food was a huge highlight. Dinner had fresh sashimi, tempura that stayed crisp even cold, delicious simmered Atka mackerel, and hairy crab with tasty miso. There was a huge variety, enough to remind me of Captain Saroma's house, and rice refills were free. All of it cost just over 10,000 yen per person, which felt like an unbelievable price for the accommodation. The children were delighted with the same menu, and we even enjoyed the leftovers. Breakfast's miso soup, which I forgot to photograph, was incredibly good too, and the shumai had thick, flavorful meat. I highly recommend it.

I stopped here during a camping trip to Rebun Island after hearing the seafood dinner was excellent. The rooms were clean, and so was the bath, with a Secoma within walking distance. Dinner was the standout: a lavish seafood spread that even included hairy crab, a food lover's dream. I heard they're having trouble finding a successor, and I truly hope they can keep the inn running for many years.

The inn was quiet, and I slept peacefully during my two-night stay. I had a plan that included breakfast and dinner, and the meals were different and delicious each time, with things like octopus shabu-shabu, crab, sashimi, and boiled and grilled fish. It's a bit of a walk from Wakkanai Station, but manageable unless the weather is bad. The Soya Bus stops right in front of the inn and runs fairly often. I'd definitely stay here again.