meemees
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We decided on this hostel because of the photo (on the booking website) showing the view of the Kanmon Strait from the rooms. Oh yes, we got the amazing view and more...!|We arrived on a rainy day right after picking up our rental car and driving from Kitakyushu to Shimonoseki via the undersea Kanmon tunnel. After navigating the winding road up the hill, we arrived to a truly warm reception from the manager, Kubo-san.|The two-storey hostel was new and immaculately-kept. If the hostel looked clinical, the warmth from Kubo-san and his colleague Tomo-san dispelled all our fears. The rooms were all upstairs, along with the toilets and wash basins. The sex-segregated showers and baths for soaking were located downstairs. |Also on the ground floor was a huge dining area with a cosy lounge area and a small pantry equipped for drink and light meal preparation (reheating etc). The hostel had a kitchen and offered breakfast, as well as function room(s). One whole wall of the dining area was glass, offering sweeping views of the Kanmon Strait and bridge. On fine days, the deck off the dining area is perfect for relaxing and barbeque.|We were in a spacious room with four bunk beds neatly tucked into the right side of the room. Except for lockers, the room had no furniture but a lovely tatami mat flooring. There was nothing to distract from the fantastic view of the busy Kanmon Strait and the bridge, ever-changing with the light, mist and traffic. Perfectly framed by the glass wall and window...|Now that I have established the physical appeal of the hostel, I have to mention the people who made our two-night stay memorable. |Kubo-san the manager, despite his difficulty with English, was extremely friendly and genuinely warm. He roped in his colleague Tomo-san, who spoke very good English, to help us plan our stay in Shimoniseki. |Thanks to both of them we walked the Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel (from Shimonoseki to Kitakyushu and back) and visited the Karato Fish Market. With their enthusiastic guidance and ernest encouragement, we ventured further afield to Tsunoshima Island, Motonosumi Inari Shrine and Senjojiki campground. We had a most fantastic day out...|The next day before we left the hostel, Kubo-san gave us each a handmade (by his sister) puffer fish memento and Tomo-san handed us a travel kit (of snacks and caffeine drink) to help with our onward road journey.|It was hard to leave....||(Photos show the view of Kanmon Strait from our room and the cosy corner for lounging in the dining area)
