Remote Island MUJI Style Oceanfront Sauna Art injima naosima setouchi Private lodging

Was great staying next to the water, not having any tv or radio, enjoying the breeze blow through the house in the evenings and simply listening to the water, boats and insects outside. At times even the water, boats and insects were absolutely silent, leading to a very surreal experience. Plenty of room to store your own food and cook. Washing machine worked well. In evening when the last ferry has departed, you almost feel like you have the whole island to yourself. I did meet some of the locals in the evening who were very happy to have long chat with foreigner, and i was able to practice some of my limited japanese on them. If you are a tall person, you WILL hit your head on the low beams. Was easy to get to, catching the train to Saidaiji train station, taking taxi to Hoden port, then catching the ferry. To book a taxi for checkout day where the art galleries are not open, the local taxi companies all required an app (only available via Japanese app store) or Japanese phone number. The host was nice to organise a taxi to be ready for me at Hoden port on my checkout date.

There was some mis-communication about the food situation. I was planning to bring ALL my own food for the four nights i was staying here. The day before my arrival, i received an email from the host saying I could pre-order breakfast and dinner via a local cafe, if the order was placed 3 days in advance (so it would be better to receive this email 3 days before arrival). I placed an order for the final days of my stay (i.e. adhering to 3 days notice period) and was happy i would not need to bring as much food to the island. Later that day I received notification from the cafe that they will not fulfill any of my order (presumably because they are closed on those days). So I had to do another last minute supermarket shop and cram 4 full days of food into my bags. When i arrived on the island, I discovered that the host does have some frozen meals and beers available in the property (for purchase, so bring plenty of cash). To complete your awareness of the island food situation (this is not specific to the property) - do not rely on google opening hours for the cafe and bar on the island. If the art galleries are closed, you can safely assume the visitor centre, cafe and bar will all be closed. There is no supermarket or konbini. I only saw three vending machines on the island: one inside the waiting room near the port, second nearby outside one of the homes, and the third (selling water only) at the southern camping ground. None had food or alcohol. All were cash only.

Breakfast was not included. We brought groceries on the ferry & were able to prepare our own meals. Help with our baggage was much appreciated on our departure.

The location was great. Good communication from the host. Late check-out a huge bonus. Massive, traditional style Japanese house.

I had a problem with internet not working but I was only there one night so I didn't ask for help. Better access to the patio would help.

Loved the opportunity to stay in a traditional Japanese house by the sea. A rare experience in our travels. We had the whole house to ourselves. It was beautifully quiet. We sat on the deck and watched fish jump, watched ferries come and go and thoroughly enjoyed the break from the hustle and bustle of cities and bus/train travel. We explored all parts of the island. Don’t forget to walk over to the camping area to see some amazing sculptures and of course, if the season is right, the most wonderful cherry trees. We enjoyed excellent food from local restauranteurs who seemed to be open on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. We stayed long enough to get into the rhythm of Island life, ferry travel, and to think what it might’ve been like in years gone by when the island was bustling with industry. The house is full of charm and quirks. We enjoyed every minute here. This is the ideal place for travellers who want to experience a different way of life in addition to seeing the most amazing art museum. We also had great access to the art museums on Teshima. It was wonderful to arrive, get settled, do the tour through the Inujima Seirensho Art Museum which left me in awe, and rather than run to a ferry and go to another place, come and sit on the deck and reflect.

There was not anything that we didn’t like about the property. The quirks made it interesting. For example, the toilet and the tiny little wash basin are on the opposite side of the house and the newly installed shower/bathtub. The kitchen is totally functional with a mix of newer and older elements. The washing machine worked perfectly. The decor has elements that I have not seen in any other Japanese accommodation.