Kimatsu Ryokan

The landlady at reception was cheerful and uplifting 😃. I had a spacious 8-tatami Japanese-style room all to myself and found it very comfortable. Kimatsu Ryokan is near JR Nishi-Hiroshima Station, and the on-site public bath was a relaxing way to ease travel fatigue. Breakfast had lots of different side dishes, all delicious and satisfying. There weren't any non-smoking rooms, but the cigarette smell didn't bother me much. Hiroshima city nightlife may be a little inconvenient from here, though it's a good choice for a quiet, restful stay.

There were plenty of restaurants nearby, free parking, and the area was quiet, so things went smoothly. I could relax, and the bath had good water pressure. I'd stay again if I get the chance.

The inn has three buildings, the main building, annex and new building, and all the rooms have tatami floors. The main building has the most character: a two-story wooden structure with about ten six-tatami rooms and urinals that feel very Showa-era, though the toilets have been remodeled in Western style. Room prices change by season, but booking early can get you a room-only stay for around 5,500-6,100 yen per person, taxes included. Breakfast costs another 800 yen and has a wide selection with good quality, so the taste and value are both satisfying. For the Hiroshima Electric Railway station at Nishi-Hiroshima, it's a two-minute walk, and the JR Sanyo Main Line station is five minutes away. Take the Sanyo Main Line to get into Hiroshima city quickly; the tram is a more leisurely option for seeing Miyajima and the city.

We found Kimatsu Ryokan while looking for an inexpensive place and asked for a room without a bathroom or toilet since we weren't bothered by that. At check-in, they told us they'd moved us to a room with its own bathroom and toilet because there were elderly people in our party. That was thoughtful. The room had a bit of a Showa-era feel, but for the price it was perfectly fine. We went out for okonomiyaki for dinner, and when we got back, someone seemed to be using the bath. The inn said they'd let us know when it was free. We waited in our room, and they called about five minutes later, so we could enjoy a relaxing bath. We'd requested breakfast and planned an early start, so the early meal suited us, though having to finish by 7:30 a.m. could feel early if you want a leisurely morning. I only had a brief conversation with the innkeeper and wanted to say a proper goodbye, but was told to leave the key there when we left, which was a little disappointing.