Kofuji Ryokan

It may not have the latest amenities, though there is Wi-Fi, but the place has a peaceful, charming retro warmth. I stayed by myself, and the owner was very friendly and shared lots of information about Okayama, which I really enjoyed. I'd love to come back when I'm in Kojima.

I stayed one night for work, and I was very satisfied. The owner was kind, and the food was excellent. Dinner and breakfast were varied, delicious, and filling, with the ohitsu rice containers especially nice. The inn has a Showa-era feel from the entrance onward and would suit anyone who likes retro places. Most rooms have tatami, though some are Western-style. The sliding doors are fairly noisy, and the retro locks take a few turns of the button to lock, then turn the other way to open. The bathroom has a small tub and three showers, with shampoo, conditioner, and soap provided, but no towels for scrubbing or drying. There are two toilets, one small and one large, both with washlets. In the hallway, you can get instant coffee from a pot in a paper cup, and there's a shared refrigerator too. For parking, the lot is in the empty space on your left just before the inn, past the 7-Eleven.

The owner was incredibly kind and hospitable, and I had a fulfilling stay learning about Kojima, past and present. They also drove me to and from Kojima Station. The inn is family-run, about a 15-minute walk from the station and three minutes from the nearest bus stop, Taishobashi. Its wooden interior has a nostalgic Showa-era feel. The Japanese-style room smelled of rush grass, which I was pleased to learn was locally sourced, and had earthen walls, traditional locks, and sliding doors. The busy road outside makes rooms facing it a bit noisy, though I personally didn't find it too bothersome. The air conditioning was already on when I arrived, which was comfortable. This isn't equipped like a business hotel, so bringing a USB charger, reading light, and any other essentials is a good idea. There's a 7-Eleven about 30 meters away if you arrive without things. Meals can be arranged if requested when booking. I stayed two nights, and both breakfast and dinner were delicious. The bath is shared, but can be reserved for private use during designated times. Credit cards are accepted, though cash is preferred if possible.

The old-fashioned atmosphere inside the inn was wonderful, and with the owner being so kind, it felt like staying with a relative. I was the only guest, so I had the place to myself. There are two shared toilets, separated for men and women, and a shared bath for each gender. Kojima Station is only a little way off, about 1.2 km, I think.