6/10
Firstly, Takashisan (the manager) is incredibly helpful, friendly, and professional. He speaks limited English, but uses WhatsApp and a translator when needed. He organises bus to/from Tomamu Resort, answers questions, and helps with everything.
White House is a budget accomodation, it is not as fancy as Tomamu Resort. But is well organised, and you can get a bus to/from Tomamu at several times each day for 500Yen each trip. Make sure you arrange these trips in advance with Takachi (eg. on WhatsApp). Reception is often unmanned, and there is no restaurant or bar. But noodles and tea/coffee are available, including microwave, if you need to cook something up. There are good bathroom facilities, and hair dryer, towels, soap, shampoo. There are also washing facilities available (300Yen or so).
White House is warm, but it is an old style wooden construction, and I had a bit of trouble sleeping with people coming an going on the old wooden stairs. Luckily, other guests are mostly Japanese and therefore well behaved (!) (I was the only Australian, thankfully).
If you bring your own cereal / breakfast, you can eat at the front area - there are tables. Otherwise, it is 2600 Yen for a terrific buffet breakfast at Tomamu Resort - get the 7:20am bus from White House to Tower 1.
SUMMARY: Good quality, warm, and friendly alternative, if Tomamu Resort is too expensive for you.
Karl
5 yön matka
