FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Booking and prices
How much does it cost?
Prices change with the dates and number of guests. Pick your dates on the booking page to see the exact total. Book on Airbnb or Booking.com. Both show live availability and prices.
Where can I book?
On Airbnb or Booking.com. Pick dates and guests on our booking page and each site opens with them filled in.
How do payment and cancellation work?
Payment and cancellation follow the site you book on (Airbnb or Booking.com). Please check the terms there before booking.
How are children charged?
Children aged 0-1 stay free. From age 2, children are charged the same as adults (counted as one guest)
Why do you need my passport?
Japanese law requires every licensed lodging to register all guests. Guests without an address in Japan must provide their nationality and passport number, and we must keep a copy of the passport. It's used only for this legal register.
Check-in and check-out
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in from 16:00 (no latest arrival time), check-out by 10:00.
Is there a front desk? How do I get in?
No front desk; it's self check-in. We send the door code the day before you arrive. If anything goes wrong, message the host; replies are usually quick.
Can I check in early or leave late?
Early check-in is sometimes possible if cleaning is done. Ask about late check-out by the day before. It depends on other bookings.
Can you keep our luggage?
No, we can't hold bags before check-in or after check-out. Use coin lockers at the stations.
The house
How many people can stay?
Up to 9. Three bedrooms with 7 single beds, 1 sofa bed and 1 futon.
Are meals included?
No meals. The full kitchen has a fridge, microwave, rice cooker, cookware and tableware. Bring rice and seasonings.
Is there parking?
Yes, free for 3 cars on site (one behind another). No reservation needed.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes, free Wi-Fi.
Can we bring a pet?
Sorry, no pets.
Can I smoke?
No smoking indoors (including e-cigarettes); smoking is allowed outdoors on the property.
Is there cleaning during the stay?
No housekeeping or towel/sheet change during multi-night stays. Use the washer (detergent is added automatically) and the gas dryer.
Are there cameras?
There is a security camera outside the building, as required by the local health office. There are no cameras inside.
Is it noisy?
The house is on a main road, so you'll hear traffic and may feel trucks pass. Earplugs are provided.
BBQ
How much is the BBQ and how do I book it?
The BBQ set is an optional ¥3,000. After booking, message the host to reserve the BBQ set, ideally by the day before.
Can we BBQ in the rain?
Yes. The BBQ area is a covered porch, usable all year.
Is food included?
No. Buy seafood at the shops about 30 seconds away, and vegetables and drinks at the supermarket (9 min walk).
Getting there and safety
Can we get there without a car?
Yes. About 40-47 minutes by train from JR Sendai Station to Takagimachi, then an 8-minute walk. The Matsushima sights are one stop away.
What should we do in an earthquake or tsunami?
The house is right by the sea. If you feel strong or long shaking, don't wait for a warning: walk immediately to the hill directly behind the house. Stairs go up beside the barber shop next door. Full instructions and a 24-hour multilingual hotline number are in the house guide sent before your stay.
Do you speak English?
Messages answered in English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified & Traditional) and Korean. Staff are not on site; all contact is by message.