Hotel 2-Star di Toyama Prefecture, Japan

"Had a friendly welcome in this good value ryokan guesthouse, which seemed more peaceful compared to the large hotel catering to big tours opposite. Was given a spacious private tatami room with a hot water kettle, retro TV and a private wash sink. Ample female/male shared toilets per level and a public bath for showers at the lower floor. Half board meals are taken in the dining room which had a beautiful view of Toyama city and the bay - I felt lucky to witness a beautiful sunset at dinner time. Dinner was pretty good but the breakfast set was a little underwhelming in terms of choice. They could cater to my seafood-only dietary requirements but needed reminders at breakfast the next morning. Every night if the skies are clear enough, the owner/staff arrange a nice stargazing activity and you can try snow shoe-hiking for free in the day. (The snow still hasn't melted off the boardwalks in the Midagahara alpine marshlands in end-May.) The alpine bus conveniently drops off right outside the ryokan on both directions but does not stop to pick up passengers ad-hoc. For pick ups, you will need to book a departure time with the hotel staff during check-in."