Otaru Guesthouse Harvest: Haven at an Affordable Price

The view from my room at the main guesthouse.

Summer has hit the country once again and it's another opportunity for us ALTs to enjoy the season break. While some of my friends spend thousands of yen for a two-week vacation at the beach or somewhere else in the world, I am left with only a handful of cash to enjoy some simple pleasures. Otaru was definitely the place tingling in my mind, and there's one hostel a cheapskate would consider a "comfortable haven at an affordable price". And that favorite place of mine is at Otaru Guesthouse Harvest. 

For just a 5-minute drive from Otaru Station (and 15 minutes on foot), this humble inn gives you a warm welcome by owner Mr. Morisaki or his staff Keko-san. If you come here by your own vehicle, the guesthouse provides a spacious parking at the facade for 500 yen (5 USD) a day. You can also take a taxi from the station that will cost you the same amount. 

Otaru Guesthouse Harvest has a very homey feeling, as the reception located at the 2nd floor provides a spacious living and dining room where you can enjoy home-cooked meals catered by the staff upon request while reading your favorite book. 

Reception area of the main building

The rooms are quite spacious, and there's a study desk included inside. All quarters have free wifi access including the reception area. 

 A private room that I checked in, good for one person.

 

 Dormitory room designs for both guesthouses.

 

The shower area is narrow (as most guesthouses do), but it's very clean and odorless.

 No worries for old-fashioned toilets on the floor. All of them are modern and tidy!

Laundry service is also available.

There's also a mini library outside the rooms with a number of manga (Japanesse comic books) that you can read for free (unless you can't read Japanese, LOL). 

A towel and face towel set can be rented for 100 yen (1 USD) and if you're on a tight budget for food, you can use the kitchen that has a complete set of cutlery and condiments, all free of charge. Where to buy the goods? There's a 15-minute walk grocery store nearby and numerous convenience stores all over the place.

 Bath towel set for 100 yen.

Kitchen area at the main guesthouse.

Kitchen and dining room at the second guesthouse.

Other facilities of the second guesthouse: 

Now, the main question: How much is the stay for the night?

Guestrooms costs at least 2,800 yen (about 28 USD) per person for a bunk bed, and a private room ranges from 3,500 to 4,500 yen ( 31 - 40 USD ) per head. 

For a bonus, the guesthouse also offers a pick-up service going to Otaru Station depending on the schedules. The owner himself enjoys taking the wheel for you. 

Otaru is another popular place in Hokkaido which is just an hour from the capital city of Sapporo. It's beautiful in all seasons, but the peak seasons are during fall and winter. Hikers, skiers, and snowboarders are usually the popular boarders in this city.

For reservations, please visit their website at: 

Otaru Guesthouse Harvest
http://otaru-harvest.com/en/