Shiretoko Grand Hotel Kitakobushi

Shiretoko Grand Hotel Kitakobushi, Utoro, Japan

Our rating: First Class

Like the majority of resorts in Hokkaido, the hotels in Utoro are large blocky affairs with little external charm, but with a warm welcome and cosy atmosphere once through the door, not to mention some absolutely delicious seafood in the buffet style restaurant. The Grand Hotel sits in a superb location directly overlooking the working fishing port of Utoro and out to the Sea of Okhotsk. It is split into three wings, largely comprised of Japanese tatami rooms and interspersed with a few mixed western and Japanese style rooms. The décor in the main wing is a little dated, but acceptable given the excellent location. There is a rather pleasant, rooftop public bath, with gorgeous views out to sea when the weather cooperates.