Hotel Marue

The retro feel made the place cozy, and the station is close by. We were in town with a friend last December and stayed just one night, but liked the room and the breakfast included in the price. It was simple traditional Japanese food, filling enough. The room was comfortable, with two separate beds, a desk, a big TV and a mini fridge. The bathroom was small, which was understandable. The bedding was the comfiest we had on our Iwate trip, especially the soft warm comforter and memory foam pillow. There is also a small roteburo for 2-3 women.

We used this as a base while walking the Michinoku Coastal Trail, and it worked well for exploring Kamaishi and nearby areas. Good value, with welcoming, friendly staff. They also have free bicycles for touring around town.

For such a reasonable price, there's a lot here: free barley tea and coffee, an ice machine, late-night curry, a light breakfast, Komeiseki hot spring and a sauna. There are loads of manga beside the first-floor front desk too. It's close to downtown, and this was my first stay. I really enjoyed it.

Curry rice is put out for self-service from 6:00 PM, which was an unusual dining option. On our weekday visit, by 6:20 PM there was only enough for two people with small appetites, so we had it as a light snack. If you want some, it may be best to go early. The hotel is, as its name suggests, beside a river. I was surprised to see a herd of deer crossing the road in front of it, though apparently deer numbers in Kamaishi City have been rising in recent years. Being able to choose shampoo and conditioner was nice.