Family hotels and homes in Iki

This was one of the most wonderful Air BnB stays we've every experienced. Some highlights... 1) The hosts were warm, friendly, interactive, kind... it was like staying with friends. As American tourists in Japan with only one (marginal) Japanese speaker, they made our time in Iki very easy. Among other things, they were very solicitous towards my elderly father's well-being, and the upgraded us to their beautiful, expansive upstairs room free of charge. 2) The building was lovely- old restored Japanese farm-house, ancient timbers, clean and airy... but with the best imaginable accessories and furniture for comfort. Our bed was heavenly. 3) Iki itself is a wonderful, diverse place to explore and enjoy. Beautiful beaches and overlooks, historical sites, saki distilleries, ancient tombs, reconstructed villages, hikes.... we stayed for two nights, and we should have scheduled for at least four. I now have to rhapsodize about the FOOD. My wife and I have travelled over the world, and eaten amazing meals everywhre from Bhutan to Fernando de Norhonha. The food that was prepared by Ito-san was unbelievalbe. The one Japanese dinner that we shared on-site was easily in our top 10 all time meals. Course after course, everything from sashimi to tempura to Kaburamushi... all exceptional. Wonderful bread for breakfast on one day, a Japanese breakfast that was as good as anything I've eaten in Jaoan the next (I've lived here for a month and a half). Simply amazing... especially given that they only charge 2800 yen (anout 24 dollars) for dinner. I can't recommend this place highly enough.

The most beautiful views on the island with a private onsen and balcony.

As a foreign (English-speaking) traveler who knows very little Japanese, I was nervous about making the journey to, and navigating, Iki Island. Guesthouse Wasabi is the perfect lodging choice for those in a similar situation to me. The owner of the property speaks English, and is incredibly kind, accommodating, and helpful! He met me at the arrival port, and provided a shuttle to the lodging. This was a much appreciated gesture, as Iki Island is quite mountainous, and the lodging is located up a steep hill. The lodging property itself is lovely! Guests (I was in the male dormitory) stay in a climate-controlled hostel style bedroom that includes a table and chairs for relaxing and eating. Next to the bedroom is a refresher room that has a bidet equipped toilet, urinal, and two hand washing stations. There is a shared kitchen space, and shower room in the central part of the house. The facilities were very clean and well maintained. Please ensure you take your shoes on and off in the entry hallway, and avoid taking the shoes into your room. The owner rents out scooters and electric bikes to guests. I highly recommend taking advantage of this option if you aren't planning on renting a car. Iki is too large an island and mountainous, to be efficiently navigable on foot, and public transportation is very limited. Note: you will need to have an international driver's license to rent a scooter; for bikes, that is not required. On the day of check-out, the owner stopped by and kindly offered to shuttle me down to the port, and even assisted me in filling out the form to obtain a ferry ticket. This was amazingly helpful, because the form was in Japanese, and the ferry staff didn't speak English. Guesthouse Wasabi exceeded my expectations, and allowed me to create some incredible memories during my two day island adventure!

June is an absolute angel and we love her

Ikijimaso is a traditional but low-key traditional Japanese inn (minshuku rather than ryōkan) with many of the usual perks: traditional Japanese breakfast, lovely baths, tatami floors with futons for beds. In addition, it's got an amazing view of the coast and several islands, and we found it very convenient to get to other parts of the island. We also were really appreciative of attentive staff who greeted us and asked about our travels, answered questions, and even started doubling up our futons when they noticed we had done so ourselves. Much appreciated!