Tsutaya Ryokan (Iwate Pref.)

I was glad they offered free drinks, though sparkling water was available and I would've preferred plain water or tea. I skipped the shared fridge because I wasn't sure about it. The bathroom was surprisingly clean, and there was a selection of bath salts. There was a bit of hair left around, so the cleaning seemed sloppy. The room itself was average, and check-in at 4 pm felt a little late. I only stayed one night. It was fine overall, and I plan to use it again when I go to do housework.

This place was very clean, and it's close to Kuji Station. The hallways, stairs, and handrails were sparkling, and the glass sliding front door had gold lettering. It's a genuine Showa-era inn, so anyone who can't accept that style or is germophobic may want to steer clear. The rooms have tatami, and you lay out your own futon. There are two men's baths and one women's bath, each a private, home-style bath. Check-in is at 4 PM, then you're mostly on your own. Nearby restaurants are the best bet for meals. It could also suit anyone wanting to experience the atmosphere of the TV drama "Amachan."

It's only a few minutes on foot from the station, and could appeal to people who like retro places. The room had air conditioning and a fan heater, and the feather duvet made for a very comfortable night's sleep. I did find it inconvenient that there was no mirror in either the room or bathroom. The bathroom was a large unit bath, though, so I could stretch out my legs and soak.

The place is well cleaned, and while the washroom is old-fashioned, the bathroom and toilet have been renovated. It's inexpensive and has a Showa-era atmosphere, so I'd recommend it to people who enjoy that. It's a pretty particular sort of inn, so people will probably either love it or hate it.