Kawabata Ryokan Takehara by Tabist

I absolutely recommend this ryokan. Inspired by the many seaside country landscapes of Studio Ghibli and motivated by cuddly rabbits, I stayed here for 5 nights in early December 2025 and am very thankful for that decision. The hotel is a short walk from a stop on the local Kure train line, which allows for easy, affordable and picturesque access to the ryokan and anywhere between Takehara and Mihara. Great activties in the area include "Rabbit Island", the Takehara traditional townscape, visiting Takehara after watching the anime "Tamayura", hiking the mountains north of Tadano-umi, and many local temples, shrines and beaches especially in Tadano-umi. A short walk from the ryokan are views of the Seto Inland sea, as well as a local shrine with a magnicient campher tree. There are very few businesses within walking distance of the ryokan, but the hotel itself met all of my needs while I stayed there. In addition to lodging, the front of the hotel is its own seperate restaurant, specializing in okonomiyaki, while also offering karaoke and selling some goods. There are also vending machines and a coin washer next to the parking lot. My room was spacious and clean, with a tatami floor and all the ammenities you would expect from a hotel. The bathroom and bathing area is shared and at the end of the small hall; the area was always clean and I had it to myself whenever I used it. I enjoyed the shared bath with a large tub since this is a traditional Japanese custom that I could not find in larger cities. As for the price, it is unbelievably low for what is provided and was easily the best deal I had during my time in Japan. Lastly, I would like to mention the owner, Kawabata-san. She is as local as can be; the reception and restaurant are covered in Hiroshima's finest: the Carp (baseball team), Otafuku Okinomiyaki (where she is certified), Tamayura (anime), local celebrities, and so on. At the same time, she is open-minded, kind and modernizing the ryokan where it matters (card payment, internet bookings, vegan dishes, learning English and more). I could have had a "hotel only" experience, but was lucky enough to spend some time with her, speaking with Google Translate to have more meaningful conversations. She runs the whole operation on her own and lives there as well; since she is such an integral part of the ryokan, I had to mention her personally and express my gratitude that she was the host! I want to come back again, to see the area and her. I just wish it were sooner than later... I am looking forward to it, no matter when it will be!