Erin P
Google
We stayed three nights on Chibu Island and we were very happy and well cared for at Chibu no Sato. While it was a little more that we usually spend on accommodation (a little over $200 CAD/night), it did also include both dinner and breakfast every day. And those meals were very generous and very delicious (I'll include some pictures). The lunch bentos (not included in the price of your stay) were yummy as well, and ready precisely when they have been ordered for.||||The staff did not speak much English but here is how they made up for that. The trip to Chibu was tricky and involved ferries with Japanese timetables. We managed to work that out on our own but to our surprise, Nicola (a woman working for the neighbouring island of Nishinoshima Island tourism board) met us at our first port and guided us to our second ferry while giving us tips and English tourist info and promising to call ahead to confirm our pick up on Chibu at Kurii Port. Nicola had been helping the hotel communicate with us via email. On the second ferry we met Katie (an American teaching English on Chibu) and Maria, a Japanese woman who also works for the tourist board. It seems the hotel staff reached out to as many English speakers as the could to ease our trip and stay on the island. At the hotel, the staff utilized technology on a tablet to help translate our communication and I though that was very conscientious.||||Our room was comfortable but I would have liked a Japanese style room to add to the aesthetic of our adventure. Unfortunately, one was not available. The room had heating/cooling and a balcony with a lovely view. It was a straightforward hotel room with a small ensuite (nice hot water) but we weren't there for the room!||||We also very much enjoyed the bath at Chibu no Sato. Unfortunately, we were there slightly too early to enjoy the outdoor bath but since the view from our room was magnificent, I am sure the bath's would be equally lovely.||||We hiked the island to view the sights and were entertained by all the wandering cows. We also enjoyed stopping at the small shops to pick up some treats to enjoy in the evening. The natural beauty of Chibu is well worth the visit (esp the Red Cliffs) and I encourage anyone visiting Japan to experience this breathtaking island.||||We did get a bit rained out and decided against ranging to Nishinoshima Island to explore but there was so much more I wanted to see! The Oki Islands Global Geopark is the place to be!
