Ocean View Hiromi SPA Hotel

I chose this hotel mainly for the room view and the private mini-onsen. Even though the hotel isn’t within walking distance from the station, they offer a very convenient scheduled shuttle bus. (Just a quick heads-up: if your Odoriko train is delayed, as happened in my case, you might miss it, so be sure to plan your time with a buffer!) The hotel itself is a bit dated, but cozy. During this time of year in Japan, there are quite a few insects around, which naturally affects the hotel as well. Upon check-in, I noticed a couple of bugs in my room and reported it to the front desk. They promptly arranged an extra cleaning, and I didn't see any more bugs after that. The in-room onsen was clean and at a comfortable, not overly hot temperature. On clear nights, you can actually see the stars from it! I truly enjoyed relaxing in the evenings: listening to the sound of the ocean, stargazing, counting ships in the distance, and watching the lighthouse light up. Breakfast is served buffet-style with both Western and Japanese options. I usually went for fish or rice, and found everything quite delicious. The staff at the front desk are very welcoming and always ready to help. Their English is decent, but Google Translate also works great if you're worried about communication. Within walking distance from the hotel, there is a scenic island I highly recommend visiting it at sunrise or sunset! A few useful tips for future guests: - There are no convenience stores or shops near the hotel, so it’s best to buy food and snacks in advance. There is a fridge in the room! - Keep in mind that almost everything in Shimoda opens late and closes early, so plan your daily schedule accordingly. I will definitely return here one day. Shimoda is a truly wonderful place!