House Manual

 

【Prior to check in】

✓ Communication

・Talking is the best way to discover your needs and prepare for your stay. We are available via phone, LINE and WhatsApp calls. 

・Use the travel agent’s message service, LINE messages or email.

✓ Communicate your requests for set up, amenities and any special needs.

✓ Inform us of the name, age, address and general occupation of each guest. Unlike hotels where only the reservee needs to provide personal information, our properties are governed by the Japan Private Lodging Business Act, which requires us to register each guest.

✓ For inbound guests, please prepare a copy of your passport to give us at check in. We are required to keep a hard-copy in a secure file. 

✓ Japanese guests and foreign residents of Japan need not show any ID.

✓ If there are any changes in the number of guests in your group, please let us know in advance. Sudden surprises at check in require setting up or putting away futons, towels, welcome snacks and drinks. Our guests and us as hosts have the best experience when everything is set up properly in advance.

 

【Check In】After 3pm

✓ Let us know your requested check in time, and make an effort to arrive on time. Let us know if you need to change your arrival time. Remember, you are renting our private home, not a hotel. There is no reception with staff. We plan our day according to your requested check in time, so please be aware that any last minute changes affect our schedule.

✓ Please call or message about an hour before arrival to confirm. We will then finalize the set up of the house: Turn on heaters/air conditioners, lights, make hot water and coffee, etc.

✓ Check in procedures (about 10 minutes): All guests should be present at check in time in order to confirm the guest registry. The reservee will read and sign our lodging agreement, and provide a ￥10,000 cash deposit.  We will then show the reservee around the house and answer any questions. 

 

【Check Out】By 10am

✓ Let us know your requested check out time. If you need to change your departure time, please contact us by 10pm the night before. 

✓ Check out procedures (about 5 minutes) We will check the house for any possibly forgotten items, return the deposit and see you off. 

 

【Noise・Please Do Not Disturb Our Neighbors】

✓ No loud noise or ruckus in the house or yard at any time. This includes excessively loud talking and “whooping”, singing, playing music or any noise that could disturb the peace.

✓ Although you are on vacation and want to have fun, please keep in mind that you are renting a private home in a typical neighborhood. Japanese homes are close together, and noise travels. Please treat our neighbors with the respect that you would treat your own.

 

【Alcohol】

✓ Drink responsibly

✓ Although guests are responsible for their own decisions regarding alcohol consumption, please do not drink excessively or get drunk. Drunken behavior is the primary cause for damage, loud noise and complaints from our neighbors. 

✓ The reservee is responsible for the behavior of their group. In order to fulfill this obligation, this person should limit their alcohol consumption. 

✓ Drivers should be cautious of the amount of alcohol consumed during their stay when driving in the morning. Any alcohol levels in the blood could lead to high fines and penalties, and in the worse case scenario, an accident.

 

【Wall Unit Air Conditioners/Heaters】

✓ Requested setting: Summer: 24〜26°C  Winter: 22〜24°C

✓  Keep the room's doors closed when in use. These machines are made to heat and cool the room they are in, not large areas.

✓  Heat/Cool the bedrooms just prior to going to bed. Rooms are heated/cooled within 5~10 minutes.

✓  Turn off the machines before leaving the house and before checkout. 

✓ Mitsuba and Kiyomizu House have traditional wooden structures and tile roofs, making them cooler than regular houses during the humid summer. We recommend opening the windows and enjoying the natural breeze, especially for our city-dweller guests seeking a countryside retreat.

✓  There are portable electric heaters, humidifiers, heated tables, and portable fans.. Feel free to move them around the house as necessary. Please use them and have a comfortable stay.

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【When leaving the house】

✓ Turn off all lights, except for an entry hall light when returning after dark. Turn off the heaters/air conditioners and any other electrical appliances. This includes when using the yard and terrace for an extending period of time, such as for a BBQ.

✓ Close and lock all doors and windows.

 

【Bedding】

✓ Double-padded futons, fluffy comforter and standard Japanese pillows are set up  for each guest according to your room layout request.

✓ Each room has one extra large pillow and blanket for guests who require extras. Please request in advance if you need more. 

✓ One air mattress is available. Please request prior to check in.

✓ Leave your futon unmade and in the same place that you found it at checkout.

 

【Towels】

✓  You can use the towel set and bag at the house or local hot springs. 

✓  Bring back and leave the bags and towels in the hamper.

 

【Bath】

✓  Most groups choose to enjoy our neighborhood's natural hot spring “onsen” baths, but guests are welcome to use our large shower room and bath.

✓  Amenities: Shampoo, conditioner, body soap, face soap

✓  When taking a bath or shower, please turn on the fan. When finished, please open the wipe down once with the absorbent towel hanging in the room and open the window and shower curtain.

 

【Toiletries & Supplies】

✓ Hand soap, alcohol spray, cotton pads, Q-Tips, feminine supplies, basic first aid kit

 

【Self-Catering】Details below 

✓ If you use the kitchen, please clean up after yourselves: Dishes, pots, splatters on the walls, garbage on floor, etc. 

✓ Wash dishes well. You can leave morning dishes to dry at checkout or when you leave for the day, and we'll put them away for you.

✓ Cooking supplies: Microwave, toaster oven, rice cooker, pots, pans, 2 electric nabes, 2 electric tako-yaki makers, cooking utensils, large bowls and strainers, chopping blocks and knives, measuring cups and spoons, and more.

✓ Other kitchen amenities: Filtered water pot; Electric hot water pot, kettle, tea bags (black, green, hōjicha and oolong), instant coffee, creamer, sugar; Coffee pot, coffee grounds and filters; Large thermal pot for hot tea; Large containers for ice tea

✓ Condiments and spices: Cooking oil, soy sauce, salt, pepper, butter, jam, yakiniku sauce, ketchup, mustard

✓ Glasses and dishes: Extensive collection of dishes, glasses, mugs, chopsticks, and silverware for adults, children, indoor and outdoor use.

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【Ordering Meals】

✓ If you would like to have meals delivered or have take out and need some suggestions, just ask! Gunma is well-known for great food at reasonable prices.

 

【Catering】

✓ Available for corporate, academic and yoga retreats. Please inquire.

 

【Garbage】 

✓  All garbage can go together. Put all garbage in the large bins or in the large plastic bags provided. Close tightly.

✓ Please put soiled diapers in small plastic bags and close tightly. Bags are provided in the onsen bag box.

 

【Recycling】

✓  There is a separate recycle bin for PET bottles, cans and glass. 

✓  Take off caps and labels and rinse before putting recyclables in the bin.

 

【House Cleaning for Multiple-Night Stays】

✓ We will enter the house at least once a day for a basic check and cleaning (Empty garbage, freshen towels, etc.)

✓ Let us know in advance your expected time of departure, and call or message when you leave. We will come after that.

✓ Please have all dishes washed prior to leaving for the day. 

 

Optional Rental Cooking Equipment

 

【Gas BBQ Grills】 See “BBQ Instructions” below for more details

⭐️ Available rain or shine at our covered terrace.

⭐️ Stay warm while grilling in the cold winter season with the use of our large outdoor kerosense heater.

⭐️ Up to 4 gas grills can be used, depending upon the size of your group

✓ If you would like to BBQ, please let us know in advance.  There are two gas grills available, and a heater for cold-weather grilling. 

✓ Owners, Motoyasu or Renée, set up the grills and amenities on the terrace prior to check in or use, and clean up the grill after you are finished.

✓ BBQ Amenities: Gas grill with 2 gas canisters connected, 2 extra gas canisters, tools (tongs, spachulas, chopsticks, scissors, lighter, bottle opener, hot pads), water kettle, garbage bin, recycle bin, broom and dust pan, mosquito repellent and bite medicine, cleaning supplies (cloths, cleaning spray, alcohol, alcohol wipes, paper towels, tissues) 

✓  Finish grilling and clean-up by 9pm. Throw out large pieces of food from the grill, tables and ground and put the garbage in the bin. Close the BBQ lid and call to inform us that you are finished. 

✓  No other BBQ grills, charcoal, tents or other BBQ/camping goods can be brought in and used.  

✓ No indoor grilling whatsoever. Please do not use the electric nabe pots as grills, or bring your own. Guests are welcome to cook at the stove in the kitchen.

✓ Fees per day: ¥1,000/guest, minimum ¥5,000

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【Nabe】

✓ Please request prior to check in and we will set up the gas stoves and nabes in the dining room.

✓ For safety,  insert the gas canister just before starting use, and take it out when finished.

✓ The gas stove is to be used only in the dining room, and only for soup-based nabe dishes with the nabe pot provided. Do not use fry pans, and no grilling allowed in the dining area. 

✓ No personal cookware can be brought in or used.

✓ Fees per day: ¥300/guest, minimum ¥2,000

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【Takoyaki】

✓ Please request prior to check in and we will set up the electric takayaki makers and tools in the dining room.

✓ Please refrain from using forks, knives or other sharp, metal objects that scratch the non-stick coating of the takoyaki makers.

✓When cleaning the machine, wipe off excess oil and batter with a wet dish sponge. Do not submerge in water.

✓ Fees per day: ¥300/guest, minimum ¥2,000

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【Play Time】 

✓ We have set up our homes with  family-fun and playtime in mind. Each home has a safety fence and variety of items for indoor and outdoor play to suit the interests of all ages. 

✓ Indoor: Darts, ring toss, cards, UNO, board games, origami, coloring, puzzles, picture books, bath toys. Kiyomizu House only: Ping pong table.

✓ Outdoor: Bubbles and  badminton. Kiyomizu House only: Basketball hoop, toy golf set, frisbee, balls.

✓ In the summertime, we can set up a baby pool. 122cm x 122cm x 30cm. Pool toys and towels provided. Even groups without small children enjoy using the pool as a foot bath when they BBQ. Fee: ￥1,000 

✓ Please do not bring and play with hard balls or any other playthings that could hit and damage our or our neighbors' property.

 

【No Fireworks of Any Kind】 

✓  Why not? Dangerous: Can cause physical injury; fire hazard; and the smoke bothers our neighbors. 

✓  Note: We prepare a container of water to soak the BBQ grills. This is not meant as water to extinguish fireworks.

✓  Some local riverbanks allow fireworks. Please check and use it if you want to enjoy this activity.

 

【Smoking Area】

✓  No smoking inside the house. 

✓  Smoking in the yard is allowed at the patio tables that have ash trays.

✓  Lighting available for nighttime smoking, but please refrain from conversations on the terrace after 9pm.

 

【No Pets】 

✓  Not allowed in the house, yard or parked vehicles.

 

【Damages or Missing Items】

✓   Guests are responsible for broken, damaged or missing items from the house or yard. 

✓  If something happens to the house or items during your stay, please inform us right away. Most of the time, we fix the damage ourselves. However, if necessary, guests are responsible for paying the estimated replacement cost or professional services and materials necessary.

 

【Forgotten Items】

✓  Check carefully when preparing to leave. We also do a quick house check before you check out.

✓  We will call you immediately if we find any forgotten items. 

✓  We are happy to send anything of value to you, and appreciate you paying the fees.

 

【Liability】

The owners of this vacation home are not responsible for any loss, damage, injury or death caused by the use of their home. By choosing to stay at Kiyomizu House/Mitsuba House, the reservee takes full responsibility for their and the other guests’ wellbeing and property.

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