Houraikan will always have a very special place in my heart because of the proprietress Akiko-san and her team. I was touched by their story of how they overcame the tsunami, and by their genuine warmth and kindness. Having been to many ryokans, I am familiar with the high standards of service but Houraikan went above and beyond. Their greetings and smiles are more than politeness but genuine warmth and earnestness, which you can feel. Akiko-san went out of her way to take photos for me as I was a solo traveller. She also brought me around Kamaishi, proudly introducing attractions along the way, giving me recommendations and even accompanying me to the tourist centre to get a town map, and then to the museum where she asked that the museum staff take good care of me. When a fire alarm rang in the middle of the night on one night, Akiko-san was so apologetic for disturbing my rest and even though I reassured her that it was alright, she waived the cost of my sake and the usual bath tax as a sincere apology. She also gave me extra snacks and a bandana as a farewell gift. All the staff at Houraikan are warm, friendly and very thoughtful. For example, once I wanted to use the washing machine but it was being used. One of the staff later went out of his way to knock on my room door to let me know that the washing machine had become available for my use. Furthermore, it was lovely to bathe in the lovely open-air wood bath with such a pleasant smell and to soak in the onsen water while listening to the sound of the majestic ocean as it is so close to the shore. The futon is also something special - they have got the most comfy blanket, futon and pillow. I pray for more people to discover the beauty of Houraikan - it is not just the surrounding ocean that is beautiful, it is more than anything the heart of the people at Houraikan that makes it special!

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The hotel is not large nor particularly luxurious, but it exudes a refined quality. The staff are very friendly and the service is excellent. The bathhouse — in terms of space, view, and water quality — is truly enjoyable. In the evening, we unexpectedly heard the okami (proprietress) share her personal experience with this hotel during the 3/11 tsunami, which was deeply moving. It gave us a deeper understanding of that disaster and became an unexpected highlight of our trip. We would love to visit again if we have the chance.

Small Ryokan. Well located near the sea. Excellent food. Nice room and wonderful Onsen on the roof with a sea-view. on the evening, we listened to the Lady owner telling us her own story surviving the 2011 tsunami and helping dozen of people the following days. Her story was really emotional and she is a true heroine. I am glad we met her and I am very happy to spend one night in this hotel to help local economy.

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The staff were incredibly kind and accommodating. The onsen is great. It's large, clean, and has a great view of the sea.

Not much. When a noise it the room kept me from sleeping, I got a larger room. When leaving, instead of walking the large distance to the station, I was given a ride.

Wow, what a treat. The resilience and personal story of the owner on the triple disaster that saw a tsunami destroy her business and hometown deeply moved me. This hotel is the cleanest I have ever been in and the food might be the best I have ever had in Japan over 19 trips since 2008. The hotel is basically new as is the rest of the town. The tsunami prevention measures and safety plans are palpable everywhere and watching the owner’s presentation with video will shock and horrify you. She is so positive though and there is merchandise in the room that shows her face and the word “fight” to delineate her personal fight to restore her town and business to their formal glory. they also speak of the rugby World Cup which was held in Kamaishi and symbolizes their returns to their new normal after total destruction by the tsunami. They have a room for a single traveler which is super nice. Most places make you pay for double occupancy regardless. the price is super affordable especially considering the high quality of the facilities. the public bath features an indoor and outdoor bath that overlook the sea between a few trees. it’s tranquil and lovely at all times of the day. I was amazed by the food. This is a fishing town so the seafood is super fresh and you can taste the difference. they also had some of the best soy sauce (shoyu) I had ever tasted and I brought a bottle home. I didn’t want to leave. These were among the nicest people and they accommodated a non-Japanese. I will be back because I want to show the resilience to my friends. it’s a great life lesson for how to bounce back after the unimaginable. the proprietor is now one of my heroes.

there is nothing not to like. this is located in a remote town so if that’s not your thing then this isn’t for you.

It is a very cozy hotel! I was about to do my laundry but found out somethng went wrong with the washer. The staff helped me to do my laundry and brought my clothes to my room! He went beyond what I was asking for! Much appreciated his effort :)

Friendly, well trained staff, excellent quality of food, lovely variety of Yukata. Good video presentation on the 2011 Tsunami, by the friendly host. Location is quiet and peaceful with a beautiful sea view from our bedroom

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Th location was perfect I was on a work trip to research about the tsunami of 2011.　　The n伊ghtI stayed they had a guest speaker who gave a presentation in Japanese on what happened in Kamaishi on the day of the tsunami which I enjoyed.

It was I expected, but just to let people know it is outside the town centre so be aware of that although by car its only 5-10 minutes.

Balcony onsen bath and zen garden overlooking the pines and the sea were special. Excellent seafood. Very friendly and helpful staff. 2011 tsunami memorial plaque and bell were poignant.

Right on the shore line. Beautiful grounds. Free breakfast was a traditional Japanese breakfast and was very good. Futons were memory foam and comfortable. Very easy to find.

There wasn’t anything we didn’t like. Everything was very nice and met our expectations.