HOTEL R9 The Yard Honjo

A great find for a stop along the way, and it could probably work for a couple of nights too. You can park right outside the room. It's near the JR line, but we didn't hear trains overnight, and there's a supermarket next door. On arrival, you get tokens for frozen meals that you can heat in the room microwave. We'd happily stay at one again.

We really appreciated the free frozen meal after a long drive. The room was clean and new, and since each unit is one container, we couldn't hear anyone around us. Staff were very friendly and helpful at check-in. There are lots of restaurants and convenience stores nearby. We'd definitely stay again if we're back in the area.

I picked this hotel after enjoying another R9 The Yard. Here you could choose a frozen meal, like curry, or ice cream. I tried the ice cream this time, since it wasn't available at the other stay, and it was delicious. The Yard has plenty of space, a big TV, and a large refrigerator with separate upper and lower freezer sections, which worked well for ice packs. There's also a regular fridge. The bathroom and toilet are together in one room. I didn't use the drum-type washing machine, but it was there. Helpful staff and free parking made the stay convenient and the car feel secure.

I've stayed at several The Yard locations, and this one felt just as dependable. It's clean and quiet. The units do seem a generation older than at the other locations, though. There wasn't a towel rack on the door, and the toilet was on the small side.