Kawabata Ryokan Takehara By Tabist

There aren’t many places to eat nearby, but the restaurant attached to the inn makes really good okonomiyaki. The inn is conveniently close to the train, with easy access to Takehara and beyond. It’s a cozy Japanese place, and the staff were welcoming and friendly from the start. The rooms and bathrooms were clean and comfortable. A nice spot for a quiet stay.

They’ve added a simple vegan breakfast, which is handy if you’re heading out early for a cycle tour or to see Takehara and Rabbit Island. The ryokan feels homely and old-school, with lots of heart, like a little slice of Japan from the late 20th century.

The room was dirty, and there weren’t any clean sheets. That was the worst part, but a lot went wrong: nobody was at reception when I arrived, and even though it was already past check-in time, my room wasn’t ready. I waited over an hour from arriving at the entrance to being shown to my room. The place was noisy late into the night, and at 5 a.m. the television woke me despite my earplugs. This was my worst experience in Japan, and I strongly advise against staying here.

Not worth the price. There’s only one bathroom for all the rooms.