Tamaki Ryokan

The tatami room is the main reason to stay here, and it has a certain charm. It’s clean and covers the basics, with free parking in the adjacent lot and chari chari bike parking out front. Western-style rooms are available too, though I feel that would miss the point. I just wish my room had a fridge, a larger trash can, and a chair or cushion. For a 2-star ryokan, it has easily beaten the worst 3-star business hotel I’ve stayed at so far on this Japan trip.

The rooms were very clean, though the building is older and the bathrooms are small. Staff were friendly and helpful, and breakfast was great. It’s easy to catch the tram from here into downtown or to the castle and museums. Very good value, and I can recommend it. :-)

The owner was super friendly and helpful, and although the location isn’t central, it’s a short walk to two different train lines. Everything was clean except for some of the higher areas. The room is small and all tatami, with an even smaller bathroom, but it has what you need. Sleeping on the tatami felt nice to me, though it won’t suit everyone. The bathroom works, but anyone over 1.70 m may have to do some acrobatics in the shower. A good place to try a Ryokan, and I’d recommend it.

The owners were really friendly, and breakfast the next morning was a delicious Japanese-style meal. It’s about a 15-minute walk to Suizenji gardens (Suizenji Park). I stayed for one night and got excellent service. If you come by bus, get off at misotenjin (Miso Tenjin).