Joka Base

pros - Quite nice location next to castle - Rooftop was a nice touch but it was too cold we didn’t use it - recently renovated (but bath system is quite old) - House manual very easy to navigate and understand - Smart tv was convenient but placed where you can’t see from the sofa, you have to sit on the stools to watch - place was stylish, clean and well organized cons - host automatic messaged us almost everyday weeks prior to our stay reminding us to complete guest forms and how we can't park on the road momentarily to unload, but failed to provide door code a day before check in as stated. A few hours before check in I had to ask and they replied quite promptly. - check in time was 3-5pm. I don't understand that as this is a self check in property. they asked if we were checked in at 5:08pm, we didn't until 6 something and I let them know when we did, but that was weird. - Located on 3rd floor with narrow staircase. Do not recommend for those with large/multiple luggage. Not being allowed to do short brief stop on the road to unload is troublesome. allocated carpark (extra charge) is the next block over - balcony sliding glass doors were locked, we weren’t able to open them to let in some air - Hot water seems to max out at around 40degrees. Even if you set it higher at 45, it still comes out around 40 and takes ages to warm up - We booked and paid for 3 people, but only the double bed was made. We had to make the futon bed ourselves after a long tiring day which was a first for us. The host doesn’t seem to take note about the number of guests and just provide their usual minimum standard.

- They have 7 sets of everything provided regardless of the number of the people staying as they say the property house up to 7 when it’s already just comfortable with 3 adults, 4 if you push it and put out 2 futons on the small mezzanine level, and 5 if one person sleeps on the sofa. - 10 hangers are nowhere near enough for 7 people, not even 3. no hooks for towels behind bathroom doors or anywhere. a drying rack is provided but still not enough. - house manual says you are not allowed to use more than one towel per person during your entire stay. We are expected to wash our own towels and there’s a washing machine but no dryer. We have absolutely no trouble with repeated towel use, however if you don’t read their entire manual (where they mostly tell you what you can’t do and that they’re not responsible for anything that happens and details on charges and fines), you might assume since you’re staying multiple nights (4 nights for us) that you are provided extra towels like every other accommodation we ever stayed at gave us. If they are this strict, they should provide exact number of towels to avoid confusions. and lock up that supplies cupboard at the entrance. (the doors don't shut properly so we saw the content) - airconditioner in the bedroom smelled heavily perfumed - blinds are made from thin white paper so you get a lot of streetlight in at night. bring eyeshade. Overall the property itself was pretty fair for the price we got. However, we’ve stayed at close to 100 different accommodations in Japan and this has been one of the most unpleasant experiences so far. Not as much because of the place as how unwelcome we felt. We understand why they do what they do to save themselves from disrespectful and careless tourists, but there are so many ways to word it so that guests don't feel like they'd rather it if we don't stay at their place at all. Personally would not come back or recommend to friends.