Welcome to the Sunshine Prefecture of Japan, Okayama. A shinkansen (bullet train) stop located between Osaka and Hiroshima, it is also the exchange stop for the Seto Inland Sea Bridge, the world's longest two-tiered bridge system, and the gateway to Shikoku, famous for the 88 Buddhist temple pilgrimage.
Let me offer you this practically private apartment to use as a base to keep your big luggage and take small day trips around the western part of Japan. Please note that the price listed is for one traveler per night. Additional guests will be charged $20. The weekly and monthly rates include 2 guests. However for those of you who are living in Japan, please ask me about my special rates. I know that if you are living in Japan you are not eligible for the shinkansen travel pass that tourists can get so traveling in Japan can get pricey.
Our sunny, spacious two bedroom apartment is a 10 minute taxi ride from Okayama station. It is located on the 6th floor with great views of the city. It's an end unit with a small balcony facing north east and a full front balcony facing south. So for smokers, you can have breath taking views while you smoke. No smoking in the apartment. For all guests, during nice weather enjoy a meal, coffee or tea time out on the balcony. Sorry no fire BBQ's on the balconies.
There is a full kitchen with IH cooking top, microwave, toaster oven, and a hot water pot. The kitchen table is large enough to seat 6-8 adults comfortably. So it's great if you would like to cook your own meals and have friends join you. There is even a small table for two by the front balcony for studying or a light meal. If you would like to cook, I can direct you to the best places to shop for all your dining needs.
WiFi internet access, tv, old school PS video games for you guru gamers, towels, basic toiletries available, iron/ironing table and washing machine also available. A convenience store is located on the first floor and a grocery store and bread shop are each a block away. I have bicycles available with baskets for getting around town.
The guest room is a Japanese style tatami room. It sleeps 4 adults. I have all the bedding for 4 futons. If you would like to have 2 extra guests stay in the other room, it will cost a bit extra because I would have to arrange the room for sleeping, as it is my teaching room. This would only be available on Saturdays or Sundays and possibly during special holidays.
For weekend rentals, you can have full privacy but if you choose to rent during the week, it would be shared and ONLY the tatami room would be available. This apartment is primarily used as my English/Culture school during the week. Sometimes we have events on the weekends, so I apologize if the room is not available for all weekends.
Feel free to explore Okayama City and the surrounding area sites before heading on to other nearby prefectures. Korakuen Gardens are a National treasure located at the foot of Okayama's Black Castle. Check out local exhibits at the Orient History Museum, NHK Digital Museum just to name a few. Just a short train ride away discover the historical Bikanchu area of Kurashiki with its traditional style homes still intact and the canal shopping district.
If you are an outdoors person, Okayama has it all. Skiing in the winter, boating, kayaking, sailing and fishing in the summer as well as hiking and camping all year round. Ask about our area International Villas, another cheap alternative place to stay. They are a bit out of the way and not always easy to get to. However, we truly recommend you visit these amazing Villas with spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Please feel free to ask any questions about your stay in Japan. I am an expat living here for almost 20 years now. My business partner is from Japan and can also assist with any Japanese language needs. We look forward to making your stay in Japan a memorable experience.
