Shiretoko's Hidden Gem: Unbelievable Route Inn Grantia Shari Ekimae!
Okay, buckle up, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the Shiretoko wilderness and checking into the… Unbelievable Route Inn Grantia Shari Ekimae! (And yes, the exclamation point is part of the name, I'm not just that excited… yet.) Look, finding decent accommodation in the Shiretoko Peninsula can be a bit of a quest, especially when you're hauling luggage around. This Route Inn… well, it's got some serious pros and it isn't all sunshine and rainbows. Let's be real.
First Impressions & Accessibility – Wheelchair Warriors & Luggage Luggers!
Okay, so accessibility. This is where Route Inn, and this particular one, shines. Seriously, if you're rolling through (literally), you're in luck. Wheelchair accessible is the name of the game here – ramps, elevators, the whole shebang. I saw folks with mobility issues navigating the place like pros. Score one for inclusivity! The elevator is a lifesaver, too, especially after wrestling your suitcase across the train platform. Car park [free of charge] is a HUGE bonus. Parking in Japan can be a nightmare, and the fact it's right there, waiting for you, is a sweet relief. Car park [on-site] is a plus, though be prepared, it can fill up. Facilities for disabled guests - they've thought about the details, and that's a win in my book. Getting around the whole area is pretty doable, though, and that makes everything better.
The Wi-Fi Woes & Internet Access – Okay, Okay, it's Good Enough… Mostly.
Let's get the internet situation out of the way. YES! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! This is a relief, because let’s face it, we’re all addicted. BUT, and it's a BIG BUT, it's not always blazing fast. You'll be able to check emails, upload a cheesy selfie or two, watch a bit of Netflix, but don't expect to live-stream a 4K video of the Shiretoko bears (unless you got lucky). Internet access – LAN in the rooms too. Still a thing, apparently! And Wi-Fi in public areas is available – good for a quick catch-up in the lobby. It just… wasn’t lightning fast in my experience.
Rooms, Rooms, Glorious Rooms (and a Few Quirks)
Okay, my room. Clean! I'll give them that. Cleanliness and safety were DEFINITELY on point, which is SUCH a relief in these, ah, interesting times. Everything sparkled. And the room sanitization opt-out available is a thoughtful touch. Honestly, I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so I appreciated that. Rooms sanitized between stays – great. Anti-viral cleaning products are a bonus too.
Now, the room itself… comfortable enough. Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Praise be! Sleeping in is essential when you're dragging yourself around doing touristy things. A perfectly standard desk and a comfy chair meant I could get a little work done, should the mood strike. Now, there's some more fun here:
- Extra long bed: Score! I can stretch out!
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential for fueling those early mornings.
- Mini bar: Always a nice touch, though the prices might make you wince a little.
- Refrigerator: Perfect for chilling your beer (and that on-the-go yogurt).
- Complimentary tea: Nice.
- Free bottled water: Always a welcome touch after hiking.
- Slippers: Cozy little things; a nice touch for walking around the room.
- Hair dryer: Saved me from looking like a drowned rat.
- In-room safe box: Peace of mind for your passport and valuables.
- Satellite/cable channels : Not exactly what I'm look for, but hey, they're there.
- Soundproofing: It works!
- Smoke detector: Always a comfort.
- Mirror: Plenty of. I look good, so it's not a problem.
The Quirks (Let's Call Them "Character")
- The bathroom: Perfectly functional, but not exactly glamorous. Standard Japanese hotel bathroom, which means small but efficient. I did like the separate shower/bathtub.
- The view: Okay, it's Shari. Don't expect a postcard-perfect vista. My view? Mostly other buildings. But hey, at least it wasn't a brick wall.
- The overall vibe: Think functional and efficient, not luxurious. It's a workhorse hotel, not a pampered palace. It’s not a romantic getaway, but it absolutely does the job.
- Soap and Toiletries: Basic. Not the stuff of luxury, but perfectly sufficient, and they refill daily.
Food, Glorious Food (and I’m Not Talking Michelin Stars!)
Yes, there is food! And it’s… okay. Fine. Not spectacular.
- Breakfast [buffet]: This is your best bet. Definitely Asian breakfast options, which is what I'm there for anyway! I enjoyed a lovely miso soup!
- Restaurants: I'm unsure if there were a lot of options, but Western cuisine in restaurant is available.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant. Always a welcome treat.
The Real Hidden Gem – The Foot Bath
Okay, this is where I have to gush a little. Foot bath! Right there, on-site! After a day of hiking and exploring… HEAVEN! Seriously, soak your weary feet in warm, soothing water with a beautiful view. Pure bliss. Don't miss it. Seriously. This is the ONE thing that put this hotel over the top for me.
Beyond the Basics: The Extras (Or Lack Thereof)
- Gym/fitness: Nope, no Fitness center. Not the worst idea, to be prepared for all the outdoor experiences.
- Spa/sauna: Nope, no fancy spa. No Sauna. no Steamroom, no Massage. But you've got the footbath, so maybe you don't need it.
- On-site event hosting - Nope.
- Bar: Not exactly a lively bar scene. Think of it more as a place for a basic nightcap.
- Laundry service: A lifesaver, especially if you're hiking.
- Concierge - The concierge wasn't perfect. I mean, they helped. But the lack of English skill was a constant struggle.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Limited, but handy for a quick purchase.
- Cash withdrawal: Yeah.
- Happy hour - None.
- Breakfast takeaway service - Nope.
- Pool with view, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor] - Sadly not.
For the Kids
- Family/child friendly – Absolutely! There are some Kids facilities.
- Babysitting service? No.
Safety First (and They Take It Seriously)
- CCTV in common areas– Check. CCTV outside property – Check. Security [24-hour]– Check. Feel secure.
- Fire extinguisher: Always a good sign.
- Smoke alarms: Always good too.
- Check-in/out [express] - Easy!
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. They're taking things seriously (yay!).
- First aid kit: Yup.
- Staff trained in safety protocol - Always a great benefit.
- Daily disinfection in common areas - Good to know.
- Sterilizing equipment- Sounds good.
- Shared stationery removed - They got an A+ for this.
- Individually-wrapped food options - good.
The Bottom Line & My Honest Take:
Unbelievable Route Inn Grantia Shari Ekimae? It's a solid choice, especially if you're looking for convenience and accessibility. Is it the most luxurious place you'll ever stay? Nope. But is it clean, comfortable, and a great base for exploring Shiretoko? Absolutely. The foot bath is a MUST. And considering the location and the prices, you're getting a pretty good deal.
But… I'm not going to lie, I have some mixed feelings. The location is perfect, right near the train station, but the hotel itself is just a bit… bland. It's a very functional hotel, and not somewhere I'm going to return.
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Now, here's the part where I try to sell you on it:
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. We're going to Route Inn Grantia Shiretoko Shari Ekimae in Shari, Japan, and frankly, I'm going in blind. Well, not totally blind. I've got a vague idea, a healthy dose of optimism (tempered by my usual travel-induced anxiety), and a whole lot of hope that I don't embarrass myself too badly trying to order ramen. Here we go!
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (and Ramen!)
14:00 - Arrival at Memanbetsu Airport (MMB) - Okay, so the flight was delayed. Because of course it was. And the customs line was a nightmare. I swear, I aged a decade just waiting. But hey, I'm in Japan! Breathe, deep breaths…
15:00 - Train to Shari (via JR Senmo Line). This train ride… pure cinematic beauty. Lush green fields, the distant mountains… and the constant fear that I'd get the wrong train and end up in Ulaanbaatar. (Okay, maybe a slight exaggeration, but my navigation skills are… lacking). I spent half the time glued to the window, the other half frantically double-checking my ticket.
16:30 - Check into Route Inn Grantia Shiretoko Shari Ekimae. And, I'm finally here! This Route Inn… it's clean, efficient, and exactly what I expect. The room? Tiny. Adorable, but tiny. Time to make the best of the situation. At least it has the view. From my window, I can see the mountains. And the parking lot. But mostly the mountains. Solid. I'll take it. The panic about the hotel room size has passed. Good, good.
18:00 - Dinner at a random ramen place near the station. This is the moment of truth. Ordered some kind of miso ramen. "Uh… arigato… gozaimasu?" The ramen appeared. Beautifully plated. And… it was heavenly. The broth, rich, savory, the noodles perfectly al dente. I slurped with abandon, completely abandoning my attempts at polite eating. Oh my god, I need another bowl. And another one.
19:30 - Wandering. Sort of. Okay, I got lost. Again. But! Found a little convenience store. Picked up some weird, delicious Japanese snacks. And a bottle of something that looked like peach soda (turns out, it was, and it was glorious).
21:00 - Collapse in bed. Jet lag is kicking in, big time. Reflecting on my first day - It was hard, so hard. But there was a ramen-sized silver lining. The mountains are peaceful. It's beautiful here.
Day 2: Shiretoko National Park - Bears and Beauty (and Possibly More Getting Lost)
07:00 - Breakfast at the hotel. The buffet! It's a buffet! Now, this is my speed. So many tasty options! Mostly stuff I couldn't identify, but hey, adventure, right?
08:00 - Head to Shiretoko National Park. I, a lone traveler, decided to wing it. Public transport it is! This means more looking at maps that I don't understand but desperately try to glean some information from.
09:00 - Cruise on the Shiretoko Peninsula. The boat trip was incredible. The views are stunning. The rugged coastline, the waterfalls cascading down the cliffs… utterly breathtaking. I'm pretty sure I saw a bear (or a really big, furry rock). Seriously. I'm pretty sure. I will take my binoculars next time.
11:00 - Hiking… or more accurately, attempting to hike. The trails were… well, they were trails. And I was wearing the wrong shoes. And I got distracted by a particularly beautiful flower and wandered off-course. And, of course, got a bit lost. Again. But the forest was so peaceful, the air so clean… I stopped. Spent a lot of time soaking in the quiet. Then, eventually, found my way back. (Eventually).
13:00 - Late lunch at some roadside place with tempura. Ordered the tempura and spent the better part of the next hour trying to decipher how to eat it. Dipping it in the dipping sauce correctly, not dropping things down my shirt… you know, the usual tourist struggles.
15:00 - Back to Shari. The journey back was quiet and the transport was far less confusing this time. I had mastered the route. Success! And, more importantly, I got to spend some time looking at the view again. My favorite pastime so far, I think.
16:00 - Relaxing. Honestly, I'm exhausted. Just spent the afternoon relaxing in the hotel. Soaking in a bath (with more of the delicious peach soda). Then I passed out. Good, good.
19:00 - Explore Shari town. Some wandering. Again. But this time, no losing. Found a really cute little coffee shop, had a delightful cup of coffee, and listened to some quiet jazz. A nice change of pace.
21:00 - Bed, again. Sleep is my best friend right now. This day was perfect and I will never forget it.
Day 3: Departure & Undulating Emotions
07:00 - Breakfast, encore. Same as yesterday. The hotel breakfast is gold. I am considering becoming a professional buffet-eater.
08:00 - Last-minute souvenir shopping. Oh god, the pressure! What to buy? For whom? I ended up buying way too many pointless trinkets, including a very questionable wooden bear keychain. Will I ever use it? Probably not. Will I regret not buying it? Possibly.
09:00 - Check out. Goodbye Route Inn! Thanks for the tiny room and unlimited breakfast! I am now ready for my journey.
10:00 - Train to Memanbetsu Airport (MMB) for my flight home. One last look at those gorgeous mountains as the train pulled away. My heart got that weird feeling, full but also a little sad.
11:00-12:00 - The same journey as before.
13:00 - Departure from Memanbetsu. I'm leaving. A little tired, a lot full of ramen, and slightly heartbroken to be leaving. Back to the real world! And the return to work. Ugh. But, damn, Shiretoko was amazing. I'll definitely be back. (Maybe with better shoes, and a clearer map).
14:00 - Reflecting during the flight. This trip, it was chaotic, messy, and wonderful. And for the first time in a long time, I really, truly, felt alive. From the ramen slurp to the mountains, it was an experience. Thanks Japan. I'll be back.
Route Inn Grantia Shari Ekimae: Seriously, What's the Deal with This Place?! Your Unfiltered Guide
Okay, let's be real. You're considering Route Inn Grantia Shari Ekimae. I get it. Shiretoko's calling, and you need a base. But is this hotel *actually* the hidden gem everyone raves about? Let's dive in, shall we?
Q: So, is it *really* "Grantia?" Like, fancy-pants good?
Okay, first off... the name. "Grantia." Sounds bougie, right? Like, you're expecting marble lobbies and turn-down service with petit fours. Nope. Let's just say "Grantia" is... optimistic. It's a solid, functional hotel. More like "Competentia." It does the job. The lobby is fine, the staff is friendly (more on that later), and the rooms... well, they're clean. And after a day wrestling with unruly bears (figuratively, of course, I didn't actually wrestle a bear), clean is a *luxury*.
But "Grantia?" Not so much. My expectations, dashed, I tell you! I had visions of a spa bath after a long snowy day. Reality? A perfectly adequate, clean, practical washroom which is actually great in the Shiretoko area. It is a place where you can relax and plan your next day. Still very good but not exactly the height of extravagance.
Q: The Location: "Ekimae" - Is it *actually* convenient? Because I'm lazy.
YES. Ekimae translates to "in front of the station," and... it's in front of the station. Literally. You stumble out of the train, and boom, the hotel is right there. Perfect for someone like me who, let's be honest, prioritizes minimal walking after a train ride. Especially after lugging around a massive suitcase and all my camera gears. I almost fell over with joy! And the train station is where the busses start (and end) when you are planning your Shiretoko exploration. A game changer.
Plus, there are a few restaurants nearby. Not a Michelin-star frenzy, mind you. Think solid, affordable Japanese fare. Bonus points. Especially after a day of hiking, nothing feels better than a hot meal and a comfortable bed. Seriously, it's gold.
Q: Breakfast! The most important meal, obviously. Tell me *everything*! Is it worth getting?
Okay, breakfast. This is where things get interesting. I'd say, absolutely, absolutely get it. Breakfast in Japan is always an experience! It's a buffet, which is standard for Route Inn (and a HUGE plus). They have the usual suspects: rice, miso soup, some fish, eggs, and, bless their hearts, a small selection of Western breakfast-y things. Yogurt! Cereal! Toast! Good for the inevitable homesickness (not that I get homesick... much).
Here's the *real* kicker: They often have amazing Hokkaido specialties. Seriously. Sometimes, they have fresh seafood. Sometimes, there are local veggie dishes. I remember once, there was this incredible, creamy potato salad with... I don't even know what was in it, but I devoured it. I went back for seconds. Then thirds. I nearly made myself sick. Worth it. Trust me.
And the best part? The free coffee machine in the lobby is top-notch. I grabbed a coffee every single morning. It really perked me up after a restless night. Especially the day I spent a solid three hours, staring at the wall while trying to adjust to the jet lag.
Q: The Rooms: Tight, clean, or both?
Embrace the Japanese hotel room experience: tiny, but efficient. The rooms are not luxurious by any stretch, but they are spotless, and that's what truly matters. They're compact. You'll have the essentials: a bed, a tiny desk, a TV, and an even tinier bathroom.
The air conditioning? Worked like a charm. The Wi-Fi? Okay, it was a little spotty at times. But I wasn't there to binge-watch Netflix, I was there to conquer the wild. Though, there was one night! Ugh. The internet died. I thought I was going to lose my mind. I spent the entire evening reading and drinking instant ramen. It was a very good night, actually.
Look, it’s a place to sleep and recover from a day. Don't expect a palace. Expect clean and functional. And *that's* what you need at the end of a long day of exploring Shiretoko. Perfect for crashing after a long day of hiking!
Q: The Staff: Friendly Robots? Or Actually Helpful?
The staff! Ah, this is the area I have mixed feelings about. The staff is polite and efficient. They’re definitely not robots! They are very helpful, but there might be a slight language barrier. I found communicating my requests to be a pleasant experience. They always tried their best to understand me even when I was a bit of a mess, jetlagged and with a bad haircut.
But hey, they’re there to help! They really care about customers' experience. If you need something, ask! Don't be shy. They'll do their best.
Q: Okay, spill the tea! What's the *worst* thing about this hotel? Give it to me straight!
Okay, okay, I can be honest. The worst thing? Hmm… Probably the elevators. They are surprisingly slow. Seriously. You might be waiting a while. I’m not sure why, but there was something about the elevators that made me feel like I was trapped in some sort of slow-motion travel nightmare. (maybe it was all the delicious food!) When I was short on time, it was agonizing.
And the other thing to be aware off, they sell the complimentary toiletries in the hotel shop. I found that kinda weird. But the quality is good, and the staff are very helpful.
Q: Worth the hype? Should I book it?
Look, it might not be a "hidden gem" in a fancy, luxurious sense. But, it's a *solid* choice. Especially when the prices are right! It's convenient, clean, has a decent breakfast, and the staff are pleasant. I’d stay there again. And I am not a "stay there again" type of person. The location alone makes it a winner. It is the perfect place to start and end your Shiretoko adventure.
Just don’t expect a spa andHotel Search Trek
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