Seikiro Ryokan Historical Museum Hotel

“Owner was extremely helpful in a difficult situation”

Came here for a one-night stay on my first trip to Japan. The accommodations and location were lovely, but that's not why I'm writing this review. While riding bikes, my passport fell out of my pocket. When I realized this the next morning, the owner went above and beyond to help us get it back. He… lisää

Came here for a one-night stay on my first trip to Japan. The accommodations and location were lovely, but that's not why I'm writing this review. While riding bikes, my passport fell out of my pocket. When I realized this the next morning, the owner went above and beyond to help us get it back. He called the police station, informed us that someone had turned in my passport, and even drove me there to pick it up without being asked. Getting my passport back would have been far more difficult without his help, so I'm writing this as thanks. He didn't have to go so far out of his way to help us, but he did anyway and it saved us a lot of headache. ほんとうにありがとうございました！

vähemmän

“Quaint”

The building itself is quaint and has a traditional design as do the rooms (see photos). The staff are friendly and they’re obviously used to non-Japanese guests. Upon check in they’ll show you to your room and point out the various things of note (closet/ air conditioner/ bathroom etc.) They’d … lisää

The building itself is quaint and has a traditional design as do the rooms (see photos). The staff are friendly and they’re obviously used to non-Japanese guests. Upon check in they’ll show you to your room and point out the various things of note (closet/ air conditioner/ bathroom etc.) They’d obviously specially prepared for my arrival as just the one futon had been laid out and a lovely hot (actually very hot!) water bottle had already been placed under the covers. (The room could easily accommodate up to 5 or even 6 futons if needed). Upon arrival they’ll also point out location of the communal bath and no doubt give you directions on how to use it if you ask. As I had a selected a room with an en-suite bathroom I declined the offer of this tour. I gather not all rooms have en-suite bathrooms as there is a shared toilet (men’s/women’s are separate) and a communal sink in the hallway which was ‘interesting’ to see in such a location. Please note upon checking in shoes are to be removed and left at the front door next to reception and not to be worn/taken to the rooms (Don’t sweat it. It’s Japan so nothing is going missing). As the reception area has tatami flooring there’s also a sign to ask not to drag heavy suitcases across it or wear slippers while walking on it The building is old and quaint but it is showing it’s age (The Fujiya or Nara Hotels this place is not!). I suspect they use the word ‘museum’ in it’s name at times to excuse themselves of how run down it’s looking in places. That being said it does have old world charm so no complaints here! Please note that the reception closes at 23:00 as I was informed upon arrival. Not really an issue as most businesses seem to close long before that in the town. However there is a shopping center a 2 minute walk away that has a supermarket on the 1st (ground) floor, various stores above it and a few restaurants on the top floor one of which has a fairly ‘western’ menu. You can’t miss which one it is ;) Receptionist mentioned there wasn’t a convenience store very near by so this is your best bet to pick up whatever you might need. The rooms are (at least the one I had) are huge compared to Japanese standards so a great place to relax after a day at Amanohashidate for example. Again they are showing their age though. The bathroom is distinctly Japanese 70’s style (no washlet) and tiny. Curiously there was just a hand towel in the bathroom itself and a regular towel in the closet (which I didn’t find until the next morning). I went in early spring on an uncommonly warm day but I can well imagine the rooms to be very (very!) cold in winter and very hot in summer though there is an A/C though such is it’s age I wouldn’t be surprised if it made quite a racket. The futon was nice and cozy as was the pillow but at 6’0” my feet were hanging off the end. I would have had a good sleep if it hadn’t been for being awoken numerous times by the loud (!) rattling of the old window panes every time the wind picked up. Thankfully I’d brought some ear plugs which I dug out at 03:30 a.m. after having been woken up numerous times already. So yes, bring ear plugs! The entrance to the building isn’t facing the main road but down a side street. Not easy to miss but worth a mention as a few approaching guests were obviously a little surprised by this. The hotel is an easy 5 minute walk from Miyazu Station (2 hours by the ‘Hashidate Express’ from Kyoto Station). Not worth taking a taxi to unless you have a lot of heavy suitcases. All in all a good place to stay but don’t spend over a $100 per person (I spent around $70 for just myself). Good for a night’s stay while visiting Amanohasidate and an interesting experience.

vähemmän