I had been given the following map to help us reach the house.
image by
batty2750, on Flickr
image by
batty2750, on Flickr
image by
batty2750, on Flickr
So we handed it to the taxi driver, who couldn't seem to make any sense of it. Luckily I think DH' driver understood it a bit better and my driver just followed his.
I had been feeling uneasy about the existence of this house - I had booked it back in August and had paid in full. At the time I couldn't find any reviews on the company I booked it through other than testimonials on their own website. I searched and searched and figured if it was not legitimate there would be something written somewhere - I made sure to pay by credit card, so hopefully have some sort of recourse should things go awry
http://www.japan-experience.com/
Since confirming the booking, I had tried looking for the property on google maps, but it is off their range. Saki had been emailing me regularly but I was still uneasy.
Needless to say, I was very nervous in this cab, to the point where, as we were passing hotels that I had read about I was thinking, "well if it doesn't work out, I will try there,"
It was cold and raining, getting dark, we had no luggage, the cab seemed to be taking all sorts of back streets, luckily DH's cab was always within sight. I had visions of us turning up to a vacant block!! - too much time on the NYC tripadvisor boards I guess!
The good news, we finally arrived after about 20minutes, the house was down an alley - I found it and Saki was there to welcome us, along with our luggage. I can't tell you the relief I felt.!!!
The house was exactly as described. It wouldn't win any awards for interior decorating, very basic, but clean and more spacious than our one room at the sheraton - I was thrilled. It was spread over three levels with the double room being at the very top and the toilet on the ground. The bedroom had a shower, but no toilet- go figure?
Let me tell you, that was a test of your pelvic floor first thing in the morning!!
I was especially grateful to have access to a washing machine and dryer, as well as some outdoor hanging space, although you literally had to climb out the window to hang your washing on a very small balcony!! . When travelling with a family, these sort of amenities far outweigh any sort of luxury!
We only used the kitchen for breakfast but it was nice to have.
Our only complaint was we had a double bed, this wouldn't normally bother me and DH on holiday, but the doona that was supplied seemed to only just cover it, so there was lots of squabbling during the night over the doona. We could not get the fitted sheet that was provided for this bed to fit either, we had to improvise with a quilt cover we found, so I think the linen provider got it mixed up.
The two boys slept on futons in the tatami room and DD had the room with two single beds. Why didnt I move down there with her when DH was stealing my blankets , I don't know!
Saki spoke perfect English and showed how to work the house, she arranged for two taxis to come and pick us up on our departure day and then we went on a quick walk around the immediate neighbourhood, she showed us the bus stop, the supermarket, and knew the opening hours. I couldn't have been happier with the services of Japan,experience.
image by
batty2750, on Flickr
image by
batty2750, on Flickr
image by
batty2750, on Flickr
image by
batty2750, on Flickr
image by
batty2750, on Flickr
image by
batty2750, on Flickr