Himi Onsenkyo Relaxing Inn Umikari

The meals were excellent in both quality and portion size, and the woman who served us had a lovely, welcoming manner. The Facility was also great: the Room was spacious with a panoramic ocean view, and we were moved to see the sunrise rising above the horizon. It was a Room where four adults could relax comfortably. The in-room hair dryer was ReFa, which made my daughter very happy. We also appreciated the L’OCCITANE amenities in the Room—they were easy to use and a nice touch.

A uniquely shaped Accommodation clings to a massive rocky hill beside the coastal national highway. The 4th to 6th floors sit atop the rock. I arrived in the rain and unloaded under the covered drop-off area, but neither bell staff nor front desk staff came out, so I carried my luggage myself. Check-in is done standing at the counter. Amenities and replacement loungewear are picked up at the front desk—just like a Business Hotel system. It’s probably due to limited staffing rather than a lack of hospitality. There are also international staff, but communication was not an issue. The self-serve coffee and soft-serve ice cream in the lobby quickly improved my mood. The written instructions handed out at the front desk are detailed and courteous.With a key card in hand, I headed to my Room; the long corridor really conveys how large the building is. Just as online reviews say, it’s a clean Room with an outstanding view (both IKYU and the official website are accurate). The in-room bath is a larger-than-average unit bath; it’s a shame it isn’t a view bath. The washroom area is slightly small.On the 4th floor there is a large public bath and an open-air bath. The restaurant is on the top floor. At “Dining Umi,” facing the sea, dishes are brought to your spacious table one after another. Allergy accommodations were flawless, and the cuisine was inventive and truly delicious; there also seem to be options for choosing a main dish and adding an all-you-can-drink plan.On the top floor’s non-ocean side are “Dining Honoo,” where you can grill seafood and meat yourself, and “Dining Tsuki,” lined with private rooms.At breakfast buffet time all guests gather, yet it never felt overly crowded. Check-out is also Business Hotel style.