Guesthouse Nibutani Yanto

Lovely, well functioning kitchen. Hard boiled egg is tasty. Nice jam!

I would have loved some butter with the bread. Because the weather was cold I would have loved an alternative of oats to make porridge!

ゲストハウスなのでサービスはもちろんシンプルだけれど必要十分。何より清潔さとホスピタリティが抜群でした。 さらに各種博物館や工房へのアクセスも◎ 書籍や漫画もたくさんあって他の滞在者と会話がはずむ空間もありがたかったです。あ、何よりテレビがなくて静かでよかった(笑)

We didn't actually want to stay at a hostel with a shared bathroom, but that's all that was available. But everything was so clean that it wasn't a problem after all. It was a pleasant surprise.

I stayed at the dormitory. The room was spacious and clean. There are toilets and bathroom for female and male. I liked the living room because guests gathered there and talk casually!

Honestly everything. It was one of the best guesthouses where I stayed at in Japan. You can expect cleanliness, confort, spaciousness, and they have a kitchen with full amenities. The guesthouse also has a washing machine (free use and free detergent), but plan for the fact there is no dryer. There is ample space to air dry your clothes either outside or in the dorms with hangers and clips. To note, there is a bookshelve with a wide variety of books. I didn't end up reading for lack of time, but not for lack of interest. There is a high likelyhood of me going back if an opportunity presents itself. It is situated in one of the last Ainu villages. While Ainu folks obviously live a modern livestyle. You can enjoy the museums and visit the shops selling the Ainu craftsmen work. I suggest looking in advance for events happening in the village. Otherwise, a good day is largely enough to do and see everything in the village. Multiple times a day, a workshop on Ainu woodworking is given for free in the modern building (shop) at the end of the kotan. I highly recommand going for it to complete your experience in the village. It was a rewarding 1 hour workshop. I am grateful for it. I highly suggest going for a walk at the Makaushi waterfall (マカウシの滝). On your way there you will find a golf course (with rental clubs), a tennis court (with rental rackets) and a playground (if my memory serves right). After which, you can make your way to the trail in the forest which will lead you to two scenic spots: the river and the waterfall. I was able to see deers at the river. All and all, it is a very short walk.

Since I liked everything about the guesthouse, I'll expand with what I disliked about the area. Lack of Ainu food/cuisine. I understand the complicated past of the Ainu that perfectly justifies where they are at now. But there is one restaurant (ramen) and one cafe (serves cafe, tea and fried food) only in Nebutani. I feel like it is two wasted opportunities to serve Ainu cuisine. I can't believe everyday Ainu cuisine is much harder to do than ramen or fried food. I was particularly affected by this situation given the fact I had cycled about 65km from Tomakomai to Nebutani. I was starving and I couldn't find anything nourishing until I left the village. The people going to the village are all obviously interested by one common thing: Ainu and their culture. Making it a garanteed clientele for Ainu cuisine. Anyways, regarding the food situation, you can experience Ainu food on events and special occasions and, at some point during the year, they also give lessons on Ainu cuisine. It is a bit misplaced in the dislike section, but for the sake of fluidity, I'll put here a recommandation for the reputed steak restaurant kurobeko (くろべこ) in Biratori. You will find there a great culinary experience.

Staff is friendly and helpful 😄 stay for one night and totally love this guesthouse!! Highly recommended 🥰🥰 They have tons of Ainu books, CDs and of course golden kamuy manga 🐻set (⁠｡⁠•̀⁠ᴗ⁠-⁠)⁠✧ next time would love to stay for long term.

Nope

This is the perfect place to stay if you wish to learn more about Ainu culture. Located only a couple of minutes away walking from the Nibutani Ainu museum (which in my opinion is far better than the one at Shiraoi), the guesthouse is exceptionally clean, and very comfortable. I would go as far to say that it was one of my most comfortable stays in Japan, and I travelled across the entire country! The resources Kimi-san has provided for learning more about Ainu culture and history is also greatly appreciated. I thoroughly enjoyed being able to make use of the library! Also, thank you Kimi-San for answering my questions!

This is not a flaw of the guesthouse at all, but be aware there is only one restaurant and one small shop from what I could tell in Nibutani. It is a wise idea to buy food on your journey to the guesthouse. There is a fridge and a good kitchen, so cooking is not an issue!