Pension Shiosai

The rooms felt like prison cells and were dirty. The owner seemed really strange, and the food was mediocre.

The spring made it fine for us to walk around with our sons standing up. The place was tremendous, and the services they offered were remarkable.

It was tricky to time a bath when lots of women guests were around, but I still got to enjoy the hot springs. The young staff were very friendly, and for the price I think the inn gives you plenty to be satisfied with. Dinner was a steak and sashimi platter. Big eaters might find it a little short, though ordering more rice will leave you full. The steak and sashimi were excellent, and breakfast’s salted fish really stuck with me. The miso soup had a rich crab broth and was excellent too.

The owner was very friendly and clearly cared about giving good service, which made the stay a great experience. The shared toilets and washrooms were clean, so hygiene wasn’t a concern. There are two baths, one marble and one open-air, and each can be reserved for up to 30 minutes. I was a bit uneasy that there was no lock, just a sign showing whether someone was bathing, but I was able to relax without worrying about another guest coming in. Mitsuishi Beach is about a 30-minute walk from the inn. I’d heard the sunrise there was spectacular, and when I went, it was beautiful, a wonderful start to the day. Manazuru Station is walkable too, though with all the slopes, stairs, and narrow streets, a taxi might be the easier choice. The owner’s love for his hometown really came through. I’d love to visit again.