Hinata-an

Check-in and checkout were easy to do yourself. The place is quiet and modern, out in the countryside, with a spacious room, kitchenette, washer/dryer, and a great outdoor onsen. If you’re driving, take the main roads and watch for the signs. Google Maps sent us down roads too narrow for a car.

The restaurant just outside Bankara was really delicious. We also found the shrine beside Kirin Lake an easy five-minute walk away by taking the footpath on the right side of the guest house. Finding Hinata-An was the tricky part. Google Maps took us to a narrow dead-end footpath, and trying other routes led to another dead end. We left the car and walked around, then used cafe Naya next door in Google Maps to figure out the way. Once there, we had a wonderful stay in a spacious, clean room with thoughtfully planned facilities.

Finding the place took a little effort. Google Maps pointed us toward a road cars can’t use, so it may help to look around on Google Street View before arriving. Signs at the junction do point toward the home. Our stay was fantastic: very clean, with a private outdoor onsen. When we had trouble with the hot water, someone came to help within ten minutes of our call to the emergency number. There’s parking for each unit, with named spaces, so be sure to use the one assigned to your house name.

It’s about a five-minute walk to Kirun Lake, then you can continue along the main street to the train station, around 20-30 minutes. The driveway and parking area are narrow. I missed the step by the opposite Airbnb, and my car’s front bumper got scratched. Their staff were very helpful and called the police to record the incident for insurance. When my car window was covered in ice and snow, the host suggested wrapping it with a hot water towel.