Hase Ryokan

There’s a lot to like if you want a taste of the Showa era. The staff are incredibly kind and helpful, and the rooms vary between Japanese and Western styles. Mine had a mini-fridge, toilet, and bathroom. There were four or five washing machines, each costing 100 yen. You can also leave laundry at reception by 7 p.m. and have it washed, dried, and ironed, with return by 11 p.m. for 1,000 yen. Since a coin laundry now costs 1,000 yen for washing and drying, I think that’s a great service. Breakfast had lots of options, and you’ll definitely be full. There are quite a few mosquitoes, especially in the bathtub, but they have a nostalgic Earth No-Mat, so I could sleep peacefully. The Asahi Shimbun is next door, and there was a rather bothersome noise from around 2:30 a.m. It might bother light sleepers. It woke me up! Kamikura Shrine and Kumano Hayatama Shrine are only a five-minute drive away. There’s also a small shopping district and plenty of places to stroll. I loved it!

It’s an old-fashioned inn where the friendly staff keep the price low by providing little in the way of amenities. The bathroom and toilet are shared, and you take turns using the bath, with staff letting you know when it’s available. The rooms are small, and in mine the sink was on the tatami, so I had to stand on the futon to wash my hands. Since sushi is a Shingu specialty, bringing your own food to eat there might be a good idea. You can also pick up whatever you need at a convenience store near Shingu Station or a supermarket a few minutes’ walk from the inn.

The inn and its rooms have aged, but they’re kept clean and I had no problems. There seemed to be quite a few other guests. When I checked out early in the morning, the landlady came out to see me off, and that became a fond memory of my time in Shingu. It’s an extremely convenient location for getting there from the station. From Shingu Station, head along the shopping street on the right near the Lawson convenience store. After a little while you’ll see a sign for Hase Ryokan. Turn right there, and it’s only a few minutes’ walk.

The room and facilities have a Showa-era feel, so it’s best to treat this as just a place to sleep. It’s convenient, though, with the station close by and a convenience store nearby.