Nichihara Astronomical Observatory

This hotel is a bit strange. It's not a typical country inn or ryokan (you register using a QR code sent by email). I get a Western style bed on carpeted floor rather than futon on tatami. But nobody understands English. They have a restaurant, but couldn't understand that I wanted supper or explain why I couldn't have the supper they were serving to other guests. (I had to look for another place to eat.) For breakfast, I went into one serving room with tables and chairs neatly set out, and the staff waved frantically for me to go away. Finally one of them took me across the hall to where breakfast was set out and waiting for me. They seemed to think I was slightly deranged to mistake one dining room for another. The server politely brought me a cup of tea, but when I asked for coffee, she indicated that I had to go to the front desk of the hotel to get it, which I did. It didn't seem to occur to her that getting coffee for guests might be part of her job.

Property is fantastic. It has a beach front entrance, fairly close to the major bus stop and a grocery store, and the temperature control units worked very well. The main bedroom was very comfortable and the shower/wash room is big and provides good water flow. I highly recommend this property for families of 4 or less. The futon room can fit two people (we had to fit three in there - which made us overlap the futons in order to fit). Property managers provide great instructions and are always willing to help. 4/5 because of the cramped room for three and some cleaning issues with the main sink being clogged with hair and some mold issues in the washroom.