Ryokan Hirofune

For the price, I was satisfied with what I got. It’s a traditional inn with a retro Showa-era feel, and if you just need somewhere cheap to sleep, it should suit you. The rooms are old but kept as clean as possible. Toilets and baths are shared, not especially clean, though not exactly dirty either. Toothbrushes, hand towels, and similar amenities cost extra. The shampoo and other toiletries are really poor quality, so bringing your own might be a good idea. The elderly staff had gentle manners and left me with a good impression.

The price felt fair, and the place was quiet without pushing itself too hard. It’s a good choice for a quick overnight before moving on, with the basics handled well. Rooms are simple and clean, the sheets are well kept, and the dining room, toilets, and baths have an old-fashioned charm while still being clean and maintained. The sink, toilet, and bath are shared. There were only about five or six guests when I stayed, so nothing was inconvenient. The large communal bath looked like a stainless steel kitchen sink scaled up for three adults, but the water circulated constantly and it was well cared for. Shampoo and soap were provided despite the price range, and towels were lent for free at check-in. Breakfast is in the dining room: dishes are set out, and after calling out you serve yourself rice, miso soup, and drinks. I liked the little option of adding chopped green onions to the daikon and fried tofu miso soup. A couple of things could be better: the toilet smell may bother some people, road noise needs attention, and guests with mobility issues may struggle since there’s no elevator.

I paid 4200 yen on a weekday and won't stay here again. It’s a long way from the station, which is itself out in the Nagoya Port area, far from Nagoya, and having to travel all the way there is depressing. On arrival, I had to change into shared slippers that may or may not have been disinfected, then carry my heavy suitcase up to the third floor because there’s no elevator. The room was awful, right next to the toilet, so I could clearly hear water running in the men's toilet and the plumbing. The tatami was dirty, and the toilet, slippers, and toilet bowl weren't exactly clean either.

On my motorcycle trip, I used this place just to shower and get some sleep, and for that it felt like good value. Parking was 200 yen, and there was a convenience store close by. They supply a yukata and bath towels, but you’ll need to bring the rest of what you need.