Honno Ryokan

Honno Ryokan sits in the old centre of Hizume in Shiwa, a minute from the local bus stop and about five minutes by car from Shiwa-Chuo Station. The building’s appeal is its accumulated Showa character: tatami rooms, traditional joinery and the domestic scale of an inn that has served the town for roughly a century.

Meals are hearty, home-style Japanese cooking with local Iwate flavours, served in the guest room rather than a formal restaurant. The experience is intentionally familiar and unfussy, with complimentary coffee adding to the lived-in atmosphere.

Bathing takes place in a hiba-wood bath that can be reserved for private use. Honno suits travellers interested in everyday ryokan hospitality and an older building, provided they are comfortable with simple facilities and a nostalgic finish.