Published date: July 15, 2024
Access to Hoto Shrine and Karatsu Castle: A Stylish Dormitory
Room Type Stayed
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Experience of the stay
Used on July 13, 2024
It is about a 2-minute access from Karatsu Station. I had a hard time because I came by ferry from Ikki Island. I missed the last ferry and, after getting off slowly, there were no buses, no taxis, and I couldn’t catch a Go Taxi in the service area. I dragged my suitcase and walked for an hour.
This was my first stay in a dormitory. The genders are separated, and it is a space where multiple guests sleep in bunk beds. However, I felt like there was a solid floor rather than a bed. Since it was just built, the interior was nice despite being a dormitory. I couldn't book a private room, but there was one available.
This hotel does not have lockers, only beds. However, there is a place to put your suitcase. There are no sleepwears, so it is good to bring your own if you need to. There is one shared shower. Towels of both sizes are available on the bed. The towels stacked in the shower are foot towels. There are outlets and USB ports next to the bed. There is also a safe for valuables. There is one shower room.
Regarding work efficiency, there is a shared table available 24 hours a day with lights on at night, which can accommodate about 12 people. There are a little hard-to-find outlets on the floor. There is also a shared kettle in the common space, and while there is no coffee, tea bags are available so you can make tea and herbal tea. There are paper cups as well.
I didn't use the commercial facility in the same building as the hotel, so I don’t know about it. However, for smokers, there is a smoking area which can be found left after going down one floor in the elevator to the left towards the back, outside under the emergency stairs.
After one night, I woke up early at 6:30 AM and headed to Hoto Shrine. Since it was morning, I couldn't rent a bicycle from the hotel (from 10 AM) so I walked to the ferry terminal near the castle (about 10 minutes). The boat does not go all the way to the castle; rather, you need to head east before the bridge. The sightseeing map shows that it is very close to the bridge, but in reality, you have to go deep into the area. You buy the ferry ticket for 220 yen in cash directly when you get on the boat near the blue building.
The boat is divided into front and back sections. The front has many indoor benches. You can see the television, but you can only see the scenery through the side windows. The back section is open at the back and side, but can only seat about nine people.
When I arrived at the island of Hoto Shrine, it took about 3 minutes to walk to the shrine. There are also beneficial things behind the left and right sides of the shrine, so don't forget to check those.
Experiences during the trip
The lottery sales site on the island with Hoto Shrine is on the right side as you face the shrine. Many people were buying tickets. The island has many cats that are used to people.
The large mountain on the island is called Takashima, and I tried climbing it because there was a sign saying there was an observation deck at the top, but I couldn't find it... When I went down to ask, I was told that there wasn't an observation deck but a wide area instead.
However, I don't recommend climbing it. The grass isn't maintained, there are fallen trees, muddy areas, and since no one climbs it, there were spider webs everywhere. Moreover, not only is there no observation deck, but it was full of grass and trees, so I was lost for an hour at the top. I was worried I might not make it back.
I planned to return to Karatsu on the 9 o'clock ferry, but in the end, I was covered in mud and soaked in sweet dew, returning on the 10:45 ferry instead.
After that, I went to