Unbelievable HOTEL R9 The Yard: Togane, Choshi's Hidden Gem!
HOTEL R9 The Yard: Togane, Choshi - My Honest & Unfiltered Take (Spoiler: It's More Than Just a Room!)
Alright, fellow travelers, buckle up. I'm about to spill the (Japanese) tea on HOTEL R9 The Yard: Togane, Choshi, and trust me, this ain't your average travel blog drivel. I'm talking raw, real, and maybe a little bit messy. We're going deep, folks, peeling back the pristine facade to see what this "hidden gem" actually offers.
First Impressions (and a Little Bit of Panic):
Pulling up to the R9 (that's what the cool kids call it, right?), my initial thought was, "Concrete jungle!" Not in a bad way, mind you. It's clean, modern, and… industrial? Think a really chic container village masquerading as a hotel. The location? Togane, which I'll be honest, I’d never heard of. Choshi is the closest "city" I knew of. So, a little bit of a pilgrimage, a little bit of a "where am I?" situation. It's not exactly smack-bang in the middle of the action.
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag (and Me Being Super Clumsy):
Okay, so here's the thing. The website says it's got facilities for disabled guests. I'm not disabled, but I'm clumsy. Like, tripping-over-air clumsy. The building has an accessible design, I can see that. It has elevators, and I think the rooms are spacious enough for wheelchair access.
- Pros: Elevators are a lifesaver (for me and my clumsy self!), though I didn't see any specific assistive equipment.
- Cons: Honestly, I didn't test this extensively. I'm more of a fall-down-the-stairs-during-a-movie-scene type of clumsy person.
Rooms: Cozy Containers of Comfort (with a Few Little Quirks):
I'm going to be honest, the rooms are… compact. Think luxury container. But the design is actually really well thought out. It's clean, everything's new, and surprisingly, the space is used really well.
- What I LOVED: The bed. Seriously, those Japanese mattresses are pure magic. Slept like a log! Free Wi-Fi, good internet access (LAN and Wi-Fi). The blackout curtains are a game-changer. I'm a sucker for sleeping in.
- What Bugged Me (Slightly): The bathroom is tiny. Like, really, really tiny. And I banged my hip on the corner of the bed twice. They do have a scale though, which felt like a cruel twist of fate.
- Stuff That Came Included (And That I Definitely Used): The coffee/tea maker (essential), free bottled water, the refrigerator (handy for snacks), and the complimentary tea (loved the green tea). Everything was clean, and daily housekeeping did a fantastic job.
Cleanliness & Safety - They’re Taking This Seriously!
This is where R9 shines. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, and the thought of staying in a hotel during this era? It made me nervous. But they’re clearly going above and beyond. They have anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and a bunch of other protocols I’m sure of. They even offer room sanitization as an opt-out, which is a nice touch. Hand sanitizer was everywhere. And the staff? They all wore masks.
Food & Drink - A Decent Spread, But Don't Expect Michelin Stars:
Alright, let's talk grub. Hotel R9's restaurant is decent, offering Western and Asian breakfast options. A buffet is available for breakfast. They claim to offer a la carte/Alternative meal arrangement but I only went for the breakfast and a coffee.
- Breakfast Buffet: Standard. I enjoyed the Asian breakfast a little bit more.
- Coffee: Alright, not amazing. But essential.
Services & Conveniences - The Good, the Okay, and the “Huh?”:
The basics are covered. Cash withdrawal, concierge (though I didn't use it), daily housekeeping. The elevators are a huge plus.
- The “Huh?” Moments: They have a gift shop. But, like, what do you actually buy? There's a convenience store, which is super useful for snacks and drinks.
Things to Do (Outside the Hotel):
Okay, so let's be real. You're not coming to Togane for the nightlife. I think you'd have to travel. However, the fact is you are close to Choshi.
- The Local Exploration: From what I remember, I enjoyed my time, even if it was just a couple of hours exploring the city, but overall, nothing stood out.
Relaxation & Wellness - A Limited Menu:
This is where the R9 falls a little short. There's no spa, sauna, or pool. I did enjoy the gym in the end.
- Fitness Center: The gym is there.
- Foot bath: They do have a foot bath. Which is a nice touch at the end of the day.
Getting Around - You’ll Need a Car (Probably):
This is where the location rears its head. You'll probably need a car. You could take a taxi, but that ain't gonna be cheap. Free parking is a huge plus.
Final Verdict (My Honest, Unedited Thoughts):
Hotel R9 The Yard: Togane, Choshi? It's… good. It’s not a luxury resort. It's for people who want a clean, comfortable, and convenient place to stay as you explore the area. It is well-priced, and I felt very safe and that helps, especially given the times!. Would I recommend it? Yeah, absolutely. Just don't expect pure luxury. Expect a well-designed, practical basecamp for your Togane/Choshi adventures. And be sure to watch out for those bed corners!
SEO & Metadata Stuff:
- Title: Unbelievable HOTEL R9 The Yard: Togane, Choshi's Hidden Gem! Review
- Meta Description: Honest review of HOTEL R9 The Yard in Togane, Choshi. Explore amenities, accessibility, food, & my personal experience. Book your stay!
- Keywords: HOTEL R9 The Yard, Togane, Choshi, Hotel Review, Japan Hotels, Accessibility Japan, Travel Japan, Hotel Amenities, Cleanliness, Safety, Free Wi-Fi.
- URL Slug: hotel-r9-the-yard-togane-chish-review
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's pre-planned itinerary. This is… well, this is my trip to the HOTEL R9 The Yard Togane Choshi in Japan. (And yes, I'm already slightly terrified of the "Yard" part, like, are we sleeping in a prison yard? Pray for me.)
Day 1: Arrival - Mostly Just Surviving the Journey…and Maybe Some Ramen
- 8:00 AM (ish): Wake up. Or more accurately, drag myself out of bed in a pathetic attempt at looking vaguely human. (Spoiler: Failed). The flight prep is on. The never-ending to-do list. "Take out the trash!" "Don't forget the passport!" "Don't forget your sanity!" (Narrator Voice: She forgot her sanity.)
- 11:00 AM (ish): Finally at the airport. The usual chaos. People bumping, kids screaming. I’m pretty sure I lost my charger. Okay, deep breaths. This is what I'd call the pre-pre-trip jitters.
- 1:00 PM (ish): Flight lands! I'm through customs. I made it! Victory! (Mostly.) Now, the train situation looms.
- 3:00 PM (ish): Train. Ugh. So many legs, so many directions. Navigating public transport in a language I barely understand is a special kind of exhilarating. I might have accidentally stared at a salaryman for too long. He gave me the look. Lesson learned!
- 6:00 PM (ish): Arrived at the hotel! HOTEL R9 The Yard Togane Choshi! The promised land (or at least, a place to sleep that isn't a puddle of airplane seat cushion). It's… surprisingly compact. Like, imagine a really clean shipping container that’s been given a hug and a smile. The Yard part? Still slightly unnerving. Pray I don't get locked in.
- 7:00 PM : I'm in the hotel. The room…is small. REALLY small. But spotless! And after the day I've had, I'll take spotless over spacious any day. Unpack. Realize I forgot a toothbrush. Groan internally.
- 8:00 PM: Ramen Time! Gotta find some local eats. Wandering the streets, I look like a confused puppy. Found a place. (Maybe. I pointed at pictures and hoped for the best.) The ramen was ridiculously good. The broth? A gift from the gods. The chashu pork? Melt-in-your-mouth heaven. The perfect end to a travel-induced existential crisis.
- 9:30 PM: Back at the hotel. Crawl into bed. Crash. Sleep, sweet, sweet sleep.
Day 2: Choshi – The Unexpected Beauty (and My Mild Disappointment)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up (relatively) refreshed! The "container" room actually wasn't half bad! Coffee is the cure-all.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast: Hotel breakfast included! (Bless their hearts!). You know it's simple and doesn't have all the fanfare, but the quality is there and it made me feel good!
- 10:00 AM: Choshi Fish Market – Okay, this place is bustling! The energy is electric. The fish…are big. Seriously, some of these things look like they could swallow me whole. (Okay, maybe I'm being dramatic). I try some sushi. Wow. Definitely worth the early wake-up call.
- 12:00 PM: Inubosaki Lighthouse! That's right, a lighthouse. That's what everyone seems to be doing, so I guess I'm a "lighthouse person" now. Spectacular views. The ocean is churning, winds are howling, and I'm feeling small and insignificant in the best possible way. The kind of insignificant that makes you appreciate the world and not worry about the little things. The "holy crap, this is beautiful!" kind of insignificant.
- 2:00 PM: Okay, here's where it got a bit… weird. I had high hopes for the "Choshi Electric Railway." It's a quirky little train that everyone raves about. But it felt a bit… underwhelming. It's cute, sure, but the scenery wasn't exactly breathtaking. (Sorry, Choshi Electric Railway, I still love you, even if it's just a little bit). Maybe I'm just jaded. Or maybe I need more coffee.
- 4:00 PM: A small stroll, the coastal walk. I found a little cafe. I ordered something. I couldn't fully understand the menu, but I got a delicious cake and coffee with a window on this world. It was delightful.
- 6:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Relax. I feel this calm wash over me.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant. I stumble down and find a place that looks busy and promising. I ate this amazing fried fish on the way home.
- 8:00 PM: Back at the hotel. I'm exhausted but in a good way. This, I think, is what they call "travel fatigue."
Day 3: Leaving – A Sudden Emotional Outburst (and the Realization I'm Not Ready to Go)
- 8:00 AM: Ugh. Departure day. Again. Why does time have to move so ridiculously fast on these trips? I swear, the moment I start feeling like I know what I'm doing, it's time to go.
- 9:00 AM: The final breakfast. I'm secretly sad to be leaving the hotel. My tiny little box of a room. I feel safe.
- 10:00 AM: Packing. The inevitable struggle. I somehow managed to accumulate even more things. Maybe I should have bought that giant ceramic cat statue… No, no, focus.
- 11:00 AM: Checking out. The staff is incredibly polite. (And probably used to dealing with slightly bewildered tourists like me.) I feel this wave of melancholy. I'm gonna miss wandering the streets and trying to decipher menus.
- 12:00 PM: On the train. Looking out the window, watching the scenery blur. I have a moment of emotional overload. I suddenly get this overwhelming feeling of… joy? Sadness? Both! It's the beauty of things, the moment you realize what you're experiencing. This is it. The reason I travel. The messy, wonderful, emotional rollercoaster of being somewhere new.
- 1:00 PM: Goodbye, Choshi. Goodbye, HOTEL R9 The Yard. Until next time, (and maybe I'll finally get a handle on the train schedules). Back to the airport. Back to life. But a little bit changed. A little bit better.
Post-Trip Ramblings:
Okay, so it wasn't perfect. I got lost, I ate some questionable food, and I definitely looked like an idiot at times. But that's the point, isn't it? Travel isn't about perfectly curated Instagram photos. It's about the awkwardness, the unexpected beauty, the moments of sheer joy, and the times when you just want to curl up and cry (or laugh hysterically). And hey, maybe the "Yard" wasn't so bad after all… it had a certain charm. Now, where should I go next?
Escape to Paradise: B&B La Terrazza's Alghero Awaits!
Unbelievable HOTEL R9 The Yard: Togane, Choshi's Hidden Gem! (or is it?) A Messy FAQ
Okay, so what *is* this place, anyway? HOTEL R9 The Yard… sounds, well, *industrial*?
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because the name is pretty much it. It's basically a bunch of shipping containers... that are actually rooms. Think *really* minimalist. Think, 'I'm here to sleep, not to live.' Togane and Choshi… they're agricultural areas in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. So you’re out in the boonies. And you *might* expect that a hotel made of metal boxes would scream "authentic Japanese aesthetic," but... yeah, no. It's functional. Maybe even a little bleak. But that's part of the… charm? (I'm still deciding on that one.)
Is it actually *comfortable* sleeping in a repurposed shipping container? Because… heat? Cold? Claustrophobia?!
Okay, look, let's be real. Comfort? It's subjective. But they *are* remarkably well-insulated. (I was expecting to roast like a slow-cooked pig in summer). They've got air conditioning, so at least you're not going to die of heatstroke. Cold? I went in November and it was surprisingly toasty. Claustrophobia? Well, the room is… efficient. It’s a bed, a tiny desk/chair combo, a mini-fridge and a bathroom (more on that later). If you're prone to panicking in small spaces, maybe think twice. I got a little antsy at first. But after a day of exploring, you're so knackered that you just crash.
Anecdote Time: I actually forgot my book! (I know, I know, how could I?). I spent way more time staring at the ceiling than I'd planned. It's a very… close ceiling. I may or may not have spent some time trying to figure out how a shipping container is actually put together. It's better than staring at your phone the whole time.
The bathrooms! I've heard whispers… what's the deal with the bathroom situation?
Ah, the bathrooms. They're compact. Think, "Japanese efficiency meets… well, a shipping container." They're clean, which is a massive win. Shower pressure? Surprisingly good. But the *size*… let's just say I’ve had larger walk-in closets. You're not going to be doing cartwheels in there. But hey, at least it's private, right? (Unlike some *other* budget accommodations I've endured.)
Confession: I’m maybe slightly obsessed with the Japanese toilet technology. Seriously, I would have traded for the heated seat and the bidet in the container any day.
What's the FOOD situation like? Is there a restaurant? Or am I doomed to convenience store ramen?
Okay, this is where the "hidden gem" part *might* get a little… *debatable*. There's no in-house restaurant. Prepare for convenience store life, folks. Or, if you're feeling adventurous (and have a car – essential!), you can explore the local restaurants in Togane and Choshi. Which, honestly, is part of the charm, right? You're *forced* to be a little adventurous.
Rant Incoming: Why NO breakfast buffet? Is it really that hard to provide basic food? I felt like I was starving when I had to head out to a combini first thing in the morning.
Parking, Wi-Fi, and other *practical* things… are they a nightmare?
Parking is usually easy peasy. It's a good thing, too, because you *need* a car to go anywhere from here (unless you have a deep love for the local bus system). Wi-Fi? Present and... functioning. Don't expect lightning speed, but it'll do for checking your emails and posting Instagram stories of the bleak yet beautiful scenery.
Slight Problem: My phone didn't get signal. It was nice to disconnect but a warning would be nice.
Is it actually *worth* staying there? Or is it just a gimmick? And *why* would you voluntarily go to Togane/Choshi in the first place?
Okay, this is the million-dollar question, isn't it? Is it a gimmick? Maybe a little. But the *experience* is unlike any other hotel. It’s clean, reasonably priced, and certainly memorable. It's also a good base for exploring the surrounding natural wonders of Togane/Choshi – the coastline, the beaches (if the weather's nice!), the rice paddies.
Confession Time 2: I went mostly for the photos. Those raw, untamed Japanese coastlines and the endless sky. And it paid off. I found some seriously hidden gems.
But Really: If you're looking for a luxurious spa resort experience, RUN. But if you're up for something different, a bit of an adventure, Hotel R9 The Yard might just surprise you. Don’t expect a five-star hotel, this is more of a three-star experience, and that’s okay. Sometimes the charm lies in the unexpected.
Anything else I should know before booking? Like, *really* know?
* Pack light. Seriously. Storage space is minimal.
* Bring earplugs. You might hear the wind, or the odd truck passing on the road. Soundproofing is… adequate, not exceptional.
* Embrace the isolation. There's not much nightlife. Bring a book, download some movies, or just… stare at the stars.
* Check for deals. Prices can fluctuate.
Final Word: It’s not perfect. It's quirky. It’s a little weird. But I’d probably go back. Maybe. Probably. Okay, fine, *yes*. I'm already planning my next trip…
