Shimanami PRIME HOTEL IMABARI

So clean...great breakfast...near station...beautiful bath. TV that I could use my IPhone with. Almost heaven...

After a couple of days wending my way from Onomichi to Imabari on the Shimanami Kaido the Shimanami Prime Hotel Imabari proved to be a great choice for my final night in the Seto Inland Sea area. It’s conveniently located just a short walk from the Imabari train station where both the regular bike rental station and the Giant store are located, and where I had to board the highway bus back to Fukuyama the next morning. Check-in was easy and once I did the staff informed me my bags had been dropped off already by Sagawa transport - which was great since that let me freshen up before dinner. Imabari offers plenty of dining options but I had to sample the local “buta-niku” specialty rice bowl and one of the best places in town happens to be near the Prime Hotel. Called Hakurakuten, it’s only a five minute walk away and just as someone had described to me the rice bowl and the karaage on the side were absolutely excellent. Soaking in the hotel’s onsen was a great way to unwind after dinner before turning in. The room itself was typical Japanese business hotel – small but functional. Just right for one night though with the small amount of luggage I had brought. The morning breakfast buffet was another highlight with plenty of choices and very delicious food. After filling up I reluctantly had to bid goodbye to this lovely area of Japan and had to bid goodbye to this lovely area of Japan and head back to Tokyo but I’ve already vowed to return for a longer visit in the future.

Great hotel for the start of our Shimanami Kaido adventure. The staff is friendly and helpful. Accommodations were great, we enjoyed the onsen available in the hotel and the close proximity to Imabari Station

On site onsen wonderful particularly after a full day cycling

Staff were very courteous and everything was spotless. The welcome drink is a nice touch.