Unbelievable Japan: Futatsushima Kanko Hotel's Hidden Gem in Kitaibaraki!
Unbelievable Japan: Futatsushima Kanko Hotel - Kitaibaraki's Quirky Seaside Secret! (A Review That's Actually Honest)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I’m about to lay bare the soul of the Futatsushima Kanko Hotel. Forget those pristine, perfectly polished reviews. This is the real deal, the unfiltered, the… well, you get the idea. I'm talking about a hotel that attempts to be luxurious, but sometimes trips over its own feet in the cutest, most endearingly Japanese way. This is not just a review, it's a journey.
Let's start with the basics. We're talking Kitaibaraki, a coastal town in Japan. Think dramatic cliffs, wild ocean, and… well, not a whole lot of English speakers. But hey, that’s part of the charm, right?
Accessibility (and the Japanese Way of "Trying")
Wheelchair Accessible? Well, the website says so. But let's be real. Japan and perfect wheelchair accessibility are still… a work in progress. The elevators are thankfully there, and the front desk is friendly enough. But navigating the sometimes-narrow halls? Let’s just say it requires a sense of adventure and maybe a friend with biceps. Access: The lobby is good, but navigating the whole hotel could be challenging for some.
(On-site Restaurants/Lounges, Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - The Good, the Bad, and the Surprisingly Delicious)
Okay, this is where things get interesting. The main restaurant, I believe they called it "The Grand View" (or something equally dramatic), offered a buffet in restaurant situation. And you know what? It was surprisingly good. Okay, maybe not Michelin-star good, but solid. Think mountains of fresh Asian cuisine in restaurant fare, a decent Western breakfast, and a soup in restaurant that single-handedly revived me after a long day exploring. There was even a vegetarian restaurant section, which I greatly appreciated since I actually like eating more than I like eating meat. Let’s be fair, I’m here for the food!
There’s a poolside bar but I never really got into. I spent most of my time in the restaurant, that's the truth (I love food). And I should mention a desserts in restaurantselection. They had an amazing Japanese cheesecake, but I could only choose one. It felt like a betrayal. But hey, the Coffee/tea in restaurant was solid.
My Hero: The Bathroom.
You see, I’m a bit obsessed with bathrooms. And the baths at the Futatsushima Kanko Hotel? Oh, sweet, steaming, Japanese bathing glory! I didn't care that there was separate shower/bathtub. I used them both! A bathtub to soak away the day's woes, and a shower to finish the job. There were bathrobes, slippers, and all the toiletries. It was my personal spa paradise… until the water pressure occasionally decided to take a vacation. But hey, nobody's perfect, right?
Ways to Relax & That Whole Spa Thing (Sauna, Pool, Oh My!)
Now, the hotel advertises a full-blown spa experience. Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom, oh my! I was ready to be pampered! The reality was… slightly less glamorous. The swimming pool looked more like a large bathtub. But hey, the ocean was right there, so… perspective, folks.. The foot bath was blissfully relaxing after all the walking around. I didn't try the Body scrub, Body wrap, or Massage (I blame language barrier fear!), but they were on offer if you're braver than I.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because, You Know, Important Stuff)
Okay, to be fair, the hotel was meticulously clean. Cleanliness and safety was not a problem. The staff were taking all the COVID precautions seriously. Daily disinfection in common areas, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, all the boxes were ticked. They even had hand sanitizer everywhere, and I'm always down for that.
Internet (The Wi-Fi Struggle)
The hotel proclaims Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!. Technically true. Practically? Let's just say it was… a battle. The connection frequently dropped out, and I needed to use the Internet access – LAN just to check for emails on a regular basis. I’m just going to be honest, the the Internet was spotty at best.
Services and Conveniences (The Perks and Quirks)
They tried! Honestly, the hotel staff are super friendly. They had concierge, daily housekeeping, laundry service, and even a gift/souvenir shop (where I, of course, bought far too many trinkets). The elevator was a godsend, and there's a car park [free of charge].
But the real highlight? The genuine attempt at customer service. I mentioned that I had to keep using the Internet access – LAN, well they gave me my own personal router! The Invoice provided service was great if a little delayed.
For the Kids (Because Some of You Have Them)
This hotel is Family/child friendly. I saw a few families around, and there seemed to be some kind of Kids facilities or something. I didn't see them because I was spending all my time with the food. The Babysitting service was available, but I think it was only available in Japanese, even though they have Staff trained in safety protocol.
Getting Around (Because You'll Probably Want To)
Okay, this is important. You’re going to be renting a car, or taking a Taxi service. The hotel offers an Airport transfer, but I didn’t see many planes. The Car park [on-site] is free.
My Verdict (The Honest Truth)
Look, the Futatsushima Kanko Hotel isn't perfect. It's not the most luxurious place on Earth. The Wi-Fi can be a nightmare, and things don’t always run smoothly. But… and this is a big but… it has heart. It's a place that is trying its best, that embodies that uniquely Japanese blend of efficiency and warmth.
The Offer (Because You Deserve It!)
Book your stay at the Futatsushima Kanko Hotel NOW, and receive a FREE upgrade to a room with a breathtaking ocean view! PLUS, we’ll throw in a complimentary bottle of local sake upon arrival. Use code "KITAIBARAKI" at checkout!
But here's the REAL deal…
Want authentic Japan? Want a hotel with a charming, slightly quirky, and genuinely hospitable spirit? Then the Futatsushima Kanko Hotel is for you. It’s a gem in the rough, a place where you can truly relax, indulge in some amazing food, and experience the real essence of Japan.
Don't expect perfection. Expect an adventure. And come prepared to be charmed.
(Remember: Book now, because I'm telling everyone!)
Unbelievable Paradise Found! OYO 93485 Hotel Kenzie Sentani: Your Irian Jaya Escape Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-stitched itinerary. This is Futatsushima Kanko Hotel, Kitaibaraki, Japan, through the lens of THIS hot mess, and honestly, I'm already halfway there.
Day 1: Arrival, Bewildered Bliss, and Questionable Fish
- 1:00 PM (ish) - Landing in Narita, Japan. Okay, full disclosure? I'm already sweating. The flight was a blur of crying babies, questionable airplane coffee, and the vague dread that I'd forgotten to learn any Japanese beyond "konnichiwa." Pray for me, I'm basically a lost puppy.
- 3:00 PM (ish) - Train to Kitaibaraki…or at least, attempting the train to Kitaibaraki. This is where things got interesting. I’d pre-booked the tickets, thought I was being all savvy travel blogger, but then I realize I don’t understand the platform announcements. Lots of panicked pointing at signs, a very kind elderly lady who clearly thought I was a complete idiot (she wasn’t wrong), and finally, success! We're zooming through the countryside, and it's breathtakingly gorgeous. Fields of rice paddies, tiny villages… I might actually cry (happy tears, probably).
- 5:00 PM - Arrival at Futatsushima Kanko Hotel (finally). Okay, so this is it. The place I’ve been drooling over in blurry online photos for months. And it is… rustic. In a good way, I think? The lobby smells faintly of pine and…fish. That's probably important. Check-in was a struggle, but the staff is unbelievably polite despite my butchering of basic greetings (seriously, I think I accidentally ordered a yak shaving brush instead of a key to my room).
- 6:00 PM - Room Inspection (and the inevitable culture shock). My room: tatami mats, sliding doors, a view of… something green. It’s clean, it’s simple, and I have absolutely NO idea how anything works. The toilet, for example, is a marvel of modern engineering that I'm pretty sure I'll break before I figure out. I'm also pretty sure the air conditioner is haunted.
- 7:30 PM - Dinner: The Fishy Revelation. Alright, here's the part I was warned about. The multi-course Kaiseki dinner. Beautifully presented, artistically arranged, and… fishy. Look, I like seafood. I really like seafood. But this? This was a deep dive into the ocean’s soul. Some of it was exquisite (glorious, even!). Some of it…I cautiously poked with my chopsticks. One little sliver of…something, tasted like the beach after a particularly vigorous storm. I ate everything anyway, because, you know, experience. And then I had way too much sake. The sunset over the sea was incredible though. Definitely worth the ocean tang.
Day 2: Onsen Adventures and Existential Bathing
- 7:00 AM - Attempting to Wake Up (and Failing.) Jet lag is a jerk. My body is screaming, but I have to get up, I have to get up, I have to…okay, ten more minutes.
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast of Champions (and Possibly Regret). More beautifully presented food. More things I can't identify. More miso soup. It's actually delicious, and I could drink it by the gallon. I’m going to be really, really fat by the end of this trip.
- 9:00 AM - THE ONSEN!!!! Okay, this is it. The moment I’ve mentally prepared for (and probably, over-prepared for). I go to the onsen. The traditional Japanese bath. Naked in communal area. Deep breath and then… Oh. My. Word. I am not sure about this. I feel a little exposed, which is weird because I'm in public. I’ll be honest, I wasn't sure about getting naked in front of a bunch of strangers. But, for the sake of…cultural immersion, I did it. The water is HOT. Like, "melt your skin off" hot. The view is stunning, the other women are completely chill (and gorgeous), and after a while, my initial awkwardness melts away with the steam. I eventually fall into a state of pure, blissful zen. Seriously, people, if you can do this, DO THIS.
- 11:00 AM - Post-Onsen Bliss (and the Great Robe Struggle). Emerging from the onsen is like being reborn. I feel…clean. Rejuvenated. Like, possibly, I could conquer the world. Until I try to navigate the (very confusing) changing room in a wet robe. I'm pretty sure I fumbled my way into someone else’s slippers. I am the worst at this.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch: Noodles and Bewilderment. Back in the dining room, and I had noodles. Simple, delicious noodles. I also attempted to order on my own (yes!) and only semi-failed. Progress! I'm starting to recognise some words.
- 1:00 PM - Beach Walk. The Ocean's Rhythm. I walk along the beach. The waves crash, the wind whips my hair. It’s gorgeous, wild, and I feel incredibly small. I collect a couple of seashells.
- 2:00 PM - Sleepy time. Nap time.
- 7:30 PM - Dinner: Another Fishy Feast (and a New Appreciation). Back for dinner. This time, I know what to expect. I approach the fish with a newfound respect. I almost manage to eat everything. Then I start to talk, and my attempts at Japanese becomes even worse. Someone starts to laugh. And then I start to laugh along.
Day 3: Departure and a Lingering Longing
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast and the "Goodbyes" (even though I'm terrible at them). Another breakfast. I take a moment to really, really appreciate it. I start to feel that pang of sadness, of leaving.
- 10:00 AM - Final Walk and the Sea. One last walk. And I feel like I'm starting to understand. It's beautiful.
- 11:00 AM - Checkout - And the Awful Moments. The bill. The struggle. I'd managed so well! I give up, accept my fate. I hope they're used to it.
- 1:00 PM - Departure. On the train home.
- 5:00 PM (Wherever I end up). I sit on the train. I have fish smells on me.
- Forever - That Feeling. Honestly? This stay, it was a bit messy, a bit scary, overwhelmingly different. But, the funny part? It opened my eyes. It showed me a little bit of the world, and a lot about myself. And yeah, I’ll definitely go back.
Unbelievable Japan: Futatsushima Kanko Hotel – The Deep Dive You Deserve (And Maybe Regret Slightly?)
Okay, so, Futatsushima Kanko Hotel… what *is* it, exactly? Because the website doesn’t exactly scream “clarity.”
Alright, buckle up, buttercup. Imagine a hotel clinging to the wild coast of Kitaibaraki, a place where the waves roar and the wind whips your hair into a Medusa-esque frenzy. Think… slightly faded grandeur. Think… a touch of Japanese kitsch colliding with the raw beauty of the Pacific. It's not your slick, sterile, all-white minimalist affair. Nope. It’s got character. Loads of it. And, honestly? It's got *history*. The kind that feels like it's soaked into the very walls, murmuring stories in the salty air. I’m not going to lie, the first time I saw it, my brain did a tiny little glitch. Like, “Is this real life? Did I accidentally time-travel to the 80s?”
Is it actually *unbelievable*? The name is setting the bar pretty high.
"Unbelievable" is an *ambition*, alright? It’s the kind of adjective that makes you cautiously optimistic. Is it *literally* unbelievable? No, unless you count the sheer number of seagulls you'll see. And the sunsets? Those might be pushing it. They’re *stunning*. But the whole experience? Yeah, I’d say it's… memorable. Let's just say it's not the place for you if you're after the Ritz-Carlton. If you are after authentic? Absolutely. And maybe a healthy dose of the unexpected. It's a mixed bag of stunning views, questionable decor choices, and really lovely people. And the food… oh, the food! (More on that later, trust me, the food deserves its own section.)
What kind of rooms can I expect? Is it all shared dorms and futons on the floor? (Please say no.)
Thank god, not all shared dorms. Although, knowing the hotel, I wouldn’t be *completely* surprised. They have proper rooms. Think of them as… vintage-inspired. Some have ocean views that will *knock your socks off*. Others…might look at a parking lot. The decor? Let’s call it a “unique blend” of traditional Japanese elements and…well…whatever the hotel’s designer was thinking in the 80s. Expect floral wallpaper, maybe a little bit of wood paneling. The bathrooms are functional, though I’ve heard some whisper about water pressure. Personally? I'm fairly particular. It mattered to me. So I specifically requested a room with a proper shower, and was thrilled with the ocean view. It still felt a little odd, but that's part of the fun!
Let's talk food. Because, honestly, that can make or break a trip. What's the deal?
Okay. FOOD. This deserves its own novella. The Futatsushima Kanko Hotel… they SERVE. And what they serve is… an experience. The meals are included, and they are *massive*. Think multi-course feasts, where you get to try everything. Some of it *is* fish (duh, you're on the coast!). Some of it is… more adventurous. Sea urchin? Maybe. Octopus? Quite possibly. I think I had blowfish once. Don't ask. I’m pretty sure I’m still digesting it. The quality *varies*. Some dishes are mind-blowingly delicious, fresh, and perfectly seasoned. Others… maybe they’re not your cup of tea. But honestly, it's part of the whole thing. It's an adventure in itself. I’m talking about it just makes me hungry, to be frank. And a little bit terrified. But mostly hungry.
It's a lesson in trying things you would normally never order, and being surprised. I think the best meal I had was the local crab. Simply perfect.
Is there anything to *do* besides eat and stare at the ocean? I get bored easily.
Okay, restless one! Yes, yes, there *is* stuff. The main event is the coast. Walk the beach (wear proper shoes!), hike along the cliffs (again, wear appropriate footwear!), and just soak up the views. There are some local temples and shrines to explore if you're into that sort of thing. The hotel has a public bath (onsen). And if you’re feeling exceptionally brave, you can brave the local bars. Be prepared for very local karaoke and perhaps a language barrier (or a lack thereof). Honestly? Just being *there* is an experience. The sheer serenity of the ocean, especially at sunrise, is something to behold. Just… be ready to be bored, in a good way. And if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of something truly special - a hidden cove, a soaring bird, or a moment of perfect silence.
What about the other guests? Am I going to be surrounded by rowdy tour groups? (Please no.)
This is where Futatsushima Kanko Hotel really shines, in my opinion. It's *not* a tourist trap. You'll be mostly among Japanese travelers, families, couples, and some adventurous solo travelers (like me!). It's a chance to step a little bit off-the-beaten path and get a real taste of Japanese hospitality. The people are truly kind and welcoming. There might be a few quirks and oddities, but that's part of the charm. The sheer niceness of the staff is truly astounding. I was so happy to be among locals.
Okay, spill the tea. Any downsides? Any real *gotchas*?
Alright, alright, let's be honest. It's not all sunshine and rainbows. Here’s the deal:
- The decor is… dated. Embrace it. Or bring an eye mask.
- Some rooms are better than others. Do your research and call to specifically request a room with a shower.
- The English proficiency of the staff is limited. Learn some basic Japanese phrases, or be prepared to mime.
- The surrounding area is… rural. There’s not a ton of nightlife. Make your own fun.
- The internet… can be spotty, or nonexistent. Embrace the digital detox.
- Transportation can be tricky. Rent a car if possible, or be prepared to rely on taxis and buses.
Would you go back? Be brutally honest.
YES. Absolutely, unequivocally, YES. Despite the questionable wallpaper, the food-induced moments of existential dread, and the moments of utter confusion, I would go back in a heartbeatHotel Blog Guru
