Hotel Honjin

The Wi-Fi was the one downside, since the connection wasn't reliable. Otherwise, the guest rooms were renovated and convenient, and the place's retro feel was a nice change. At this price, I'd rate it very highly.

The lobby is interesting, with the owner's antique collection on display. Apparently Momoe Yamaguchi stayed here too. It's close to Kurotei Ramen Main Store and a large Super Kid supermarket, which makes shopping easy. There's a strong Showa-era atmosphere, and the rooms are spacious because the building is old. It shows its age, but isn't dirty. People who are very particular about cleanliness might not like it, and the public bath isn't much to get excited about, lol. I'd recommend it to curious people who want to try local hotels instead of uniform national chains like Toyoko Inn. If that's not your thing, there's no need to pick this place.

The building is a little old, but the location works well. There's a 7-Eleven and Gyoza no Osho within a 2-3 minute walk, and the tram is about five minutes away on foot, even though the hotel is outside downtown. Parking is free, and you can leave a motorcycle under the entrance eaves.

The furnishings and atmosphere had a retro feel you just don't get in modern places. It's the best retro inn I've stayed at, and about an 8-minute walk from Kumamoto Station. I happened to visit during a travel discount period, and the price was an unbelievable 3,000 yen per person with two meals included. They also gave me a 2,000 yen coupon on site, so it effectively cost me just 1,000 yen to stay.