Ana Holiday Inn Iwate Kitakami By Ihg

“Great value hotel with sakura views”

For the price, this hotel is definitely recommended. It is a bit dated, and some of the rooms have wall cracks and peeling wallpaper (see photos). But the rooms are clean and the location is great, so I am still giving it five stars, for what it is. Breakfast was a well optioned buffet, with lot… more

For the price, this hotel is definitely recommended. It is a bit dated, and some of the rooms have wall cracks and peeling wallpaper (see photos). But the rooms are clean and the location is great, so I am still giving it five stars, for what it is. Breakfast was a well optioned buffet, with lots of Japanese and Chinese options, and enough Western fare to satisfy. There are two dining options at night: the Chinese / western place on the lobby level, and a Japanese restaurant on the next level. We tried both; they both accommodated our vegetarian diet, but the Japanese place was a bit nicer. Good value at both. There aren't really any options within walking distance, so just go here. This hotel caters for the local Japanese business people, and groups of Chinese tourists. Limited English spoken, but enough to get what you need. The rooms facing the river are great, affording views across to the line of cherry trees. The ferry across the river stops running at 4.30 pm, so if you are viewing sakura, factor that into your day. At the far eastern end of the sakura trees are a number of food stalls. For lunch, we found an amazing set meal of vegetarian curry which is highly recommended. Go past all the tent stalls until you get to the permanent building. At the back is a souvenir type shop that also sells food products. You buy your ticket here for your meal, and they direct you further back into the actual restaurant area, which gives nice river views. Table seating and traditional Japanese seating both available. You can fill your own tea and water from the urns provided, and your meal will be brought to your table. It was delish, and great value. To find the hotel: From the train station, turn right when you exit. Walk along the road, parallel to the tracks, until it forms a T. Turn left, up a short block to another T. Turn right, and you will see an orange and green 3 story building on the right called Nandi, and a large red and white sign for a huge pachinko parlour (maruham? Or something similar). The hotel is the multi story building on your left, Opposite the pachinko place.

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