Staying with Mari was great. She makes a nice breakfast in the morning that ranges from Japanese to Western. You get your own room with a very comfy bed... Yes, very comfortable eventhough it is a pull out sofa. The place is about 15 minute nice walk to the station or a quick bus ride. Get a Passmo prepaid card as it can be used on all buses and trains, no trying to figure out how much or what ticket to buy..and makes using the bus that much easier. The room is small but not by. Japanese standards and two people would be able to manage as long as you like to be close...:). As a solo traveler, I highly recommend staying with Mari, she even had her son pick me up at the station upon arrival. For those of you coming to Japan, Google Maps works perfectly for car and public transportation directions, so get a data plan set up before you arrive or better yet, if your phone is unlocked, get a SIM card when you get here.