What a gem. This old seaside hotel has been carefully refurbished (but not "renovated") resulting in a quirky and personal blend of older "distressed" furniture/decor and new basic comforts. I stayed in both a double room (highly recommended) and then a single room (not as nice). The view is outstanding and falling asleep to the sound of the ocean is a dream. The dinner is gourmet feast featuring local ingredients and a creative menu. The sake menu is top notch. The souvenir shop features local goods. The staff are all helpful and friendly adding to the personal feel of the place. The outdoor onsen is a perfect way to unwind. Someone has really thought this out. Kudos to them, the management and the staff.

Outdoor onsen only has two shower stalls and was always busy.

The food was excellent and the evening kaiseki menu was very carefully put together to present a variety of textures and flavours with ingredients sourced from the fields, mountains, and ocean of Ibaraki. They ryokan prepares their own food and drink. In the 10+ years that I've traveled around Japan, their aka shiso umeshu is the best I've ever tasted. The view from the rooms is spectacular. The lounge and onsen facilities are also in very good shape.

Some parts of the guest rooms are showing their age and in need of renewal, particularly the carpets.

Nice public baths on the roof and the second floor. our room was right on the ocean and the sound at night was wonderful.

There really isn’t much of a town around there and it’s better suited for people who arrive in their own cars. We had to call a taxi to get anywhere. The rates were reasonable but it added up. Two restaurants to recommend Leito for Italian food and a new sweet place BHT a few blocks from the train station - both were excellent.

Breakfast and Dinner were excellent. The lounge was very clean with nice decorations and the view was great with the island. They are next to the start of a boardwalk going along the foreshore that was excellent for an early morning walk while the sun was rising.

Nothing

Onsen on top floor, room with sea view

Spiders and web spiders all around the hotel, far from Isohara station (15-20 min walk)

Food and location

No

Simple and quirky. Great views and quite comfortable.

The staff were so friendly and welcoming. The meals were fabulous and our waiter spoke perfect English which was great for us. Having a balcony overlooking the sea was great and the rooftop onsen was such a bonus.

The property is a little tired and the balcony rails were a bit rusted

Marvellous sea view

A little bit older property but beautifully kept and very old school charm. Stunning views and an evening lounge where you could sit in comfort and listen to the Pacific waves crash onto the beach.

Confusion over whether I had booked breakfast, and when I hadn't I wasn't allowed to buy. But this was my error initially.