Mimatsuso

We barely saw any other guests, and the two shared bathrooms and toilets on our floor were spacious, clean, and stocked with shower and bath gels, toothbrushes, razors, a hairdryer, and a laundry basket. Our room had six tatami mats, a lovely mural on the closet doors, comfortable beds, good lighting, and no odors. Even though it was right next to the train station, we didn’t hear noise overnight. We arrived at 11:30pm and a friendly elderly man greeted us and carried our luggage up to the first floor. The place was neat and tidy, with shoes off and house slippers on, just like back home. I loved its traditional design and atmosphere. We only stayed one night, and I wish we could have stayed longer. When we left early the next morning, an elderly woman was so warm and polite. She reminded me of my late grandmother, and I was touched when she waited until we’d crossed the road before going back inside. A lovely end to our last night in Japan. I’d come again.

We found bed bugs on the mattresses and pillows around midnight, crawling around in numbers. We crushed some and could see blood in their bellies, both in the nymphs and adults. It was horrifying. I’d had a traumatic bed bug experience in London when I was 15, and a quick search showed us they can live in tatami too, so we left right away. The host woke up as we were about to go through the gate and asked what was happening. After we told him about the bugs, he offered a full refund. Until that point, the little hotel had been clean and well maintained. Everything about it had been great, but bed bugs are unacceptable. I know getting rid of them would take a lot of effort, but I sincerely hope they take measures so the hotel can run smoothly again. I took photos as proof, but I’m not posting them because I’m not trying to get revenge. I debated whether to write this, but people should know, and the situation needs to improve.

We spent two nights here as a family and were pleased with the stay. It’s an old-style Japanese business hotel, a ryokan, with authentic design, especially in the bathroom. The owner was friendly and polite, and our room was clean with comfortable beds.

I stayed here twice a few years back. The elderly owners were very helpful, and although my language skills aren’t great, I managed to communicate with them. It’s an older-style Minshuku, but clean and comfortable. Surprisingly quiet despite being right by the train line. There’s a noodle bar on the opposite corner that serves fantastic meals.