Sanco Inn Shizuoka Kitaguchi

Although it was a bit far from the station, there was a convenience store on the ground floor, which was very convenient. Facing a main road also made it easy to find. There is no large public bath or Onsen, but the in-room shower had been replaced with a Mirable showerhead, which felt new and nice. The amenity buffet was so well stocked that you could arrive empty-handed without any issues, and there were also pillows to choose from, so I could relax comfortably in an environment close to what I’m used to at home. On the front desk floor, there was a tea dispenser available at all times, and until 6:00 p.m., dumplings were provided as sweets. In addition, several kinds of obanzai and one alcoholic drink were served free of charge until 9:00 p.m., and I felt the complimentary services were very thorough. I booked the No Meals Included Plan but purchased a breakfast voucher on site and had breakfast as well. There was an excellent variety of Shizuoka-style items such as tuna sashimi, whitebait (shirasu), horse mackerel takikomi rice, and grilled eel (kabayaki), more than enough to leave me fully satisfied. If I had to mention one drawback, it would be that there wasn’t an ice bucket provided in the room, so I ended up using paper cups at the ice machine, which was slightly inconvenient. Overall, it was a highly satisfying stay.

I booked Sanco Inn for a few days on a business trip to Shizuoka City, mainly for its location and price. I only realized after check-in—while in the elevator—that it is part of the Mie Kotsu Group. Amenities are available in the lobby to take what you need, and the Room feels like a typical Business Hotel. Here are a few highlights:- Eel at breakfast!Grilled eel was served at the breakfast buffet—what a surprise. With marinated tuna and natto over rice and miso soup on the side, it was already more than enough, and then there was eel as well. The menu didn’t change over three days, but I never got tired of it. If I had one request, I’d love to see a slightly better salad selection (lettuce, pea shoots, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, potato salad, plus one more item or so).- “Otsuhai” drink serviceI didn’t get to use it due to my schedule, but between 18:00 and 21:00 there was an Accommodation-guest-only service offering one free drink (beer or soft drinks) with snacks included. Very appealing.- Convenience store on the first floorHaving a convenience store nearby is really helpful for quick purchases.- SouvenirsNot a big deal, but Mt. Fuji soda and tea cola were sold cheaper than at the station souvenir shop. Mt. Fuji candy / tea candy / mandarin orange candy were also perfect small gifts for kids.