Kojiya Ryokan

The owner was helpful and kind, and I had a room overlooking the sea. Breakfast was a generous, varied Japanese-style spread. There’s one large onsen bath, kept really hot, which I liked, and shampoo, soap, towels, and the other basics were provided. A very nice traditional hotel.

It’s an affordable place in a good spot near the market, and the inside is clean despite the building being old. Just know the room’s attached toilet is Japanese-style. The rooms get quite cold in winter because they’re drafty. If no one else is using the bath, you can lock it and have it to yourself. There’s no occupied sign or booking system, though, so I felt awkward doing that when other guests were around.

You can see Inatori Fishing Port from the room, and the black-tailed gulls calling out are a lovely touch. The landlady’s smile won me over, as did the generous servings. I ate my fill of fresh seafood. The hot spring is very hot, and it seems they add water to cool it down. If fixed meal times at big hotels bother you, this place is a good choice, and the seafood tastes incredibly fresh. Just don’t expect all-you-can-drink, lol.

Having the hot springs open 24 hours was a real bonus. The room-only price is a little high, but the stay gave me both fishing port and hot spring town atmosphere in one trip, so it became a memorable visit and I’d like to return. The hotel is in a great spot, with Inatori Fishing Port right in front and the morning market about 200 meters away. You can see the port from your room. During fishing season, fishermen head out before dawn, so there was some noise in the middle of the night. Even that felt like part of the unusual experience.