Hotel Chi No Hate

This old traditional inn inside Shiretoko National Park received a split verdict from my wife and I. I enjoyed the remote location at the end of a backroad, part way up a hillside where a trailhead begins for a popular mountain walk. It’s also a good location for access to the park’s visitor center and the popular 5 lakes area. There are 3 small public outdoor onsen baths located very near by. We both enjoyed the hotel’s indoor public baths. The night we stayed there were only two other rooms occupied. Our room was a Japanese - Western Twin, meaning it had a traditional tatami mat room, but also a separate sleeping area with western beds plus a small wet room bathroom. My wife felt the food was not that good, perhaps it suffered by comparison to some really good food we had at other lodgings. Also, during the ensuing days she discovered when speaking to locals that the hotel owner is not highly regarded. It’s felt he does not invest enough in his properties. A year ago there was a tourist boat accident and some people died, the accident blamed the owner for failures in several areas. As it turns out, the same gent owns Chinohate and the locals fear he’s operating it on the cheap too. Between the average food, relatively high rates, and remote and under-occupied vibe, my wife was not keen. I found the staff welcoming, the food okay, and the remote surroundings attractive. It appears to be a place where hikers might stay before/after their climb, but it would seem they need to be hikers with a healthy budget.

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