Hotel Kikusui Imabari

The fish head soup alone makes this hotel worth a stay. It's clean, and you can open the window. Ms. K. Kurisaki at the front desk was so kind and eager to help with everything. There's a private bath on the second floor that I didn't use, plus a water refill station and vending machines on the fourth. I'd stay here again. It's just a two-minute walk to the pier, where you can stroll or sit and feel the sea breeze. The area has good infrastructure but few people. On the rainy Tuesday I was there, it looked deserted, with only the grocery store open. I think that may reflect the population decline. There are more people around Imabari Station and the Aeon Mall area. Across from Fuji Grand Mall, the Imabari Towel store had lots of styles. I used to think Imabari Towel was one company, but it's actually many producers. What makes them Imabari towels is that the cotton absorbs water quickly. I wanted to buy some, but they were too much to carry.

It's affordable and has the kind of Japanese hospitality you don't see much anymore. The basics are all there except a microwave. Breakfast is provided, and the dinner seems delicious. Staff are very engaging even if you don't speak Japanese. The washing machine is free, though you pay for detergent and the dryers. It's an old place, and they still use actual keys for the doors, but I'd come back.

The restaurant and hall have been renovated and feel comfortable. The rooms are old but clean, and they provide Imabari brand towels, one of my favourites. Service and hospitality were so nice. There are several dinner options, and it's much cheaper than other places, so give it a try. Breakfast looked simple but tasted delicious.

A nice hotel to stop at after the Shimanami Kaido. The rooms are larger than average, the staff are kind, and there's coin laundry. Segawa express delivered our luggage from Onomichi. Some rooms also look out toward Imabari castle, which was a treat.