Although more and more people are using SNS to gather information about their travel destinations, even in this day and age, we are still interested in the recommendations of local people. In this section, we ask people who work at lodging facilities throughout Japan to introduce points of interest at the lodging facilities where they work and their favorite sightseeing spots in the surrounding area.
For this interview, we spoke with Masakazu Ishikawa, general manager of KEIRIN HOTEL 10 by Onko Chishin.
Name: KEIRIN HOTEL 10 by Onshin
Location: 5-18-3 Chikko, Tamano-shi, Okayama
–Please give us an overview of the facility.
The hotel, which is called “a bicycle racecourse where you can stay overnight,” is attached to the Tamano Bicycle Racecourse, and 126 of its 149 rooms face the racecourse. Guests can enjoy the view of the Seto Inland Sea and the riders’ practice sessions from their rooms, terrace, or restaurant, and on race days, they can watch the exciting competitions. The interior of the hotel is decorated with scrap materials from the former Tamano Bicycle Racetrack to express the world of bicycle racing.
–How did you come to work at KEIRIN HOTEL 10 by Onshin?
Previously, I worked for 30 years at a general resort facility, mainly hotels. I was involved in all types of sales, operations, and planning for hotels, golf courses, bridal facilities, and amusement parks there, and made many connections with colleagues.
–Do you have any particular strengths in operating and servicing the facility?
The hotel places great importance on creating a facility that will become a “destination for travelers” (= destination), which is the goal of the management company, Onna Koshin Co. As the first hotel in Japan adjacent to a bicycle racecourse, we are committed to providing unique values that can only be experienced here, such as watching powerful races, enjoying the magnificent scenery of the Seto Inland Sea, and experiencing locally produced and consumed foods.
–What kind of person would you recommend it to?
It is recommended for those who love bicycle racing, but also for those who have never been exposed to bicycle racing before. Anyone can enjoy the interior, which is made of reused scrap wood from the old bicycle racing track. It is also recommended for art lovers, as it has excellent access to Naoshima and Teshima, which are also the bases of the Setouchi International Art Festival, for island trip sightseeing.
–What are some of the highlights or experiences that you would like to see or experience that you can’t find anywhere else?
As a stadium-integrated hotel, a powerful bicycle race track spreads out before your eyes. During the race period, guests can watch the races up close and enjoy an extraordinary experience. Another attraction is the spectacular view of the Seto Inland Sea. The view from the guestrooms overlooking the bicycle race track and the vast ocean is one-of-a-kind.
–What restaurant menu do you recommend?
The hotel’s restaurant allows guests to dine while watching the race unfold before their eyes. The menu features creative cuisine of all genres, including Okayama wagyu beef from Okayama’s rich climate and fresh fish caught in the Seto Inland Sea.
–What souvenirs do you recommend?
This is a loungewear sold at our hotel. We did not sell them before, but in response to requests from our guests, we have commercialized them. The design is based on the motif of players’ uniforms, and the soft and stretchy feel has been well received by our guests. We also have other original products available for purchase.
–What are your personal recommendations for nearby attractions?
This is “Miyama Park, a roadside station. The park is one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in the prefecture, with approximately 7,000 cherry trees lining its vast grounds, which are approximately 40 times the size of Tokyo Dome. A cafe called Miyama Cafe PUUT, operated by our company, will open in the park in April 2024, offering an original menu that focuses on local production for local consumption.
–Finally, any last words for our readers?
To make your stay even more memorable, we offer monthly events and a variety of activities. We also have a store, restaurant, and one-day bath available for guests not staying at the hotel, so please stop by when you are in the neighborhood. We look forward to welcoming you to our hotel.
© Source travel watch
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.