Kusano Inn Kitakami - Adults Only

The in-room helmets caught me by surprise. It was my first time seeing this, and it looks like they take disaster preparedness seriously. I stayed near Kitakami Station and tried the breakfast buffet. There was a generous spread, with both Japanese and Western options, and everything was seasoned carefully and tasted good. I left very satisfied, and the hearty meal kept me going all day, so it seems especially suited to a business trip. There was salad, ham, meatballs, sausages, stir-fried vegetables, meat and potato stew, simmered eggplant and shishamo. Also on offer were soft-boiled eggs, natto, seasoned seaweed, tsukudani (food simmered in soy sauce), yogurt, apples and mandarin oranges.

After a tiring day at work, I just want to take a quick bath in my room and go to bed. I don't want to make a special trip to the large public bath. I wish every room had a bath, even a basic one, and that the booking page clearly said when there isn't one. Some people enjoy public baths, but that's a personal preference, and I don't think this setup suits women. Maybe that's why the prices are lower.

The weekday lunch buffet costs 1000 yen, cash only, and runs for 70 minutes between 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM. Parking is free at the grassy hotel across the street, and you check in for the buffet at the front desk of the hotel where it's held. There are plenty of homemade dishes and a drink bar. Help yourself to rice, miso soup, sausages, fried chicken, vegetables, toast and fruit. For the same price as ramen, it seems like much better value, especially if you're hungry and looking for something less unhealthy.

The value for money was good, and the service was nice. Thanks for looking after me. The hotel is cheap, just a five minute walk from the station, with a small bath too. From the ticket gates, you just keep walking straight, so it's hard to get lost. Lawson on the way is the closest convenience store, so I'd pick up anything I need there before checking in. I learned from the reviews that guests can also use the rooftop bath at the group hotel across the road, Kusa Hotel. I liked its size and atmosphere better, so give it a try if you have time. I was looking forward to the massage chairs, but none of them worked very well. It'd be nice if they could be serviced.