Hotel ab Shiga

Ok. First of all leave your expectations at home expecting hotel level service. Once you've done that if you want a cheap but clean place to stay this is it. This is a seinenkan - a facility for youth and youth-related organizations to conduct independent study and recreational activities, many of which have basic accommodation facilities but higher grade facilities than youth hostels. They are located all over Japan. I stayed in a tatami mat room on a floor with shared toilet facilities. The ground floor has a large communal bath - obviously separate for male and females. They have lights out at 11 p.m. and guests must return by the same time. There is a very modern cafe onsite serving cheap breakfasts (see photos) but the cafe closes by 6 p.m. There is a convenience store 10 minutes walk away so I suggest you buy snacks and beverages en route from JR Ishiyama station. For dinner, there is a family restaurant - good value and okay food - about 6 minutes walk away. The seinenkan is located on a small island by a historic bridge. The views of the river inlet flowing into the main Lake Biwa is relaxing, lots of bird wildlife, and lots of rowers (the seinenkan is a water sports facility too). and the sunrise and sunset views are lovely. The staff are very kind. It cost me ¥5,500 for one night and I will stay there again if I have the opportunity.

수련원 시설같은 곳입니다. 직원들은 매우 친철합니다. 화장실 욕실이 방과 별도로 분리되어 있습니다.

値段相応。 部屋からの眺めが良かったです。 カーテンを開けてると朝日が勝手に入ってきて、気持ちよく目覚めることが出来ました。

大浴場とあったので、このホテルを選びましたが、実際は、大浴場と中規模(５～７名)があって、日によって男性用と女性用になるようでした。　宿泊した日は、中規模だったので、大浴場の規模はわかりません。 夕食は外のプランでしたので、フロントに案内を求めましたがあまり答えてもらえず、仕方なく自分で調べていきました。太鼓橋を渡ったところに飲食店が複数あってとても良い場所でした。ほかの宿泊者がいなかったので、とても静かに過ごせました。

老朽化した施設だが手入れはひと通り行き届いている。今時の過剰なサービスは一切ないが浴場が付いてこの宿泊料金であれば逆にお得な気分にさせてくれる。学生時代にバックパッカーや一人旅が好きだったひとに強くオススメする。