Minshuku Takahashi Kashibuneten

I spent one night here while traveling along the Tokaido, and I think it was the cheapest place to stay in the area. I arrived after sunset and left before sunrise, so I didn’t get much chance to enjoy the scenery, though its position facing Lake Hamana seems great for fishing. I was served clam soup, as other guests have mentioned, and towels and toothbrushes were supplied. The family-style bath was nice, too.

The lakeside walk was calm and refreshing, and the trip was a lot of fun. It really felt like a homestay and brought back childhood memories. We were a family of four with three dogs, staying for two nights and three days. Our second-floor Japanese-style room had an outside staircase, which made it easy to bring the dogs in and out. The day before we arrived, they decorated the room as a surprise, and the service was impeccable. Breakfast’s clam miso soup was incredible. We even went back for seconds. We had to leave the dogs in the room during breakfast, and they barked a lot, disturbing the other guests. We’re very sorry about that. Maybe it was my gray hair, or maybe my stubble, but someone mistook me for the father, even though I’m the son. I didn’t bother correcting them. (laughs) We’ll definitely come back to Hamamatsu!

The interior was spotless and comfortable, even though the building looks old. I was impressed by the clean Western-style toilet and the Wi-Fi. At 3,500 yen, I wondered if it was really okay to pay so little for all of that. I stayed room-only in late March, before peak season, while sightseeing in Hamamatsu. It’s about 15-20 minutes from the station, but the view over Lake Hamamatsu is lovely. The owner was a kind, polite gentleman who served me clam miso soup in the morning and even took me by boat to near the station after checkout. I appreciated the hairdryer, toothbrush and towels, too. I’d definitely come back when sightseeing in Hamamatsu.

The view is hard to beat for the price, with Lake Hamana spread out in front of you. The inside looks like it has been renovated and was very clean. I arrived late, but they had clam miso soup ready for me. When I left in the morning, the owner took me back to the station by boat, which made for a free cruise on Lake Hamana. I didn’t try it, but apparently you can fish from a boat on the lake. I’d definitely stay here again when I’m in the Hamamatsu area.