Hakata: リッチモンドホテル天神西通 Richmond Hotel Tenjin Nishidori

2 Chome-6-16 Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0001, Japan

Richmond Hotel Tenjin Nishidori is ideally situated in the bustling Tenjin area. It’s surrounded by numerous shopping arcades, restaurants, and entertainment options, and is just a short walk from the Tenjin station. 

 It’s important to note that the reception desk closes after a certain time in the evening, and the hotel operates on a self-service basis until the morning. This setup is convenient for late arrivals but may require some adjustment for those used to 24-hour reception services.

The hotel features modern and stylish rooms equipped with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. Each room includes air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a refrigerator. The rooms are well-maintained and clean, providing a pleasant environment for guests.

One of the standout features of Richmond Hotel Tenjin Nishidori is the ability to monitor your laundry from the in-room TV. This is incredibly convenient, especially since each wash and drying cycle takes at least 1.5 hours. This feature allows guests to manage their time efficiently without having to constantly check the laundry room.

The breakfast buffet is particularly popular, offering a range of Japanese and Western dishes to start the day right.

 Overall, i like the hotel for its amentities, cleanliness and location. Will definitely stay here again.

Yumotoso Toyokan Ryokan 湯元荘 東洋館 - a relaxing stay with delicious food

     Japan, 〒843-0022 Saga, Takeo, 武雄町大字武雄7408

Right in front of the inn, there is a onsen bathhouse Takeo Onsen Romon with an ornate gate as its front which i originally though is a temple we could visit. 

There is a very delicious tofu shop (佐嘉平川屋 武雄温泉本店 Saga Hiragawaya) that sells cold tofu and ice cream. The cold tofu is a must try. 

The rooms at Yumotoso Toyokan are well-appointed, featuring traditional Japanese decor with tatami mats and futons, as well as modern conveniences like air conditioning and refrigerators. Some rooms also offer a Western-style seating area, providing a comfortable space to relax. However, being a hundred-year-old ryokan, some parts of the rooms have seen better days and there is a slight musty smell. Additionally, the air conditioning units seem to be in need of servicing and maintenance.

The ryokan boasts multiple onsen (hot spring) baths, including both indoor and outdoor options. The onsen on Level 1 is particularly noted for its soothing atmosphere, although it can get quite warm in the summer. The onsen on Level 4 offers a slightly cooler environment, making it more comfortable for longer soaks.

I enjoyed traditional kaiseki (multi-course) meals served in a private room. The food was of high quality and pretty presentation. 

Dinner was delicious and we are so full by the end of the meal. 

Breakfast  served in a communal dining area which includes rice, onsen egg ,side dishes and grilled fish.

Night illumination and day visit to Hui Ten Bosch

One of the standout features of Huis Ten Bosch is its convenient location. The park is directly accessible from Huis Ten Bosch Station, making it incredibly easy to reach. As soon as you step off the train, you’re greeted by the picturesque sight of Dutch-style buildings and canals, setting the tone for a delightful visit.

During my stay, I had the pleasure of experiencing the luxury rooms at Hotel Okura JR Huis Ten Bosch. The hotel is just a minute’s walk from the entrance of Huis Ten Bosch, making it an ideal choice for visitors. The rooms are spacious and elegantly decorated, offering a perfect blend of comfort and style. 

One of the highlights of my stay was the ReFa BEAUTECH Dryer provided in the room. This high-tech hair dryer uses Pro-Sensing technology to protect hair form heat damage, ensuring a salon-quality finish every time. 

Visiting Huis Ten Bosch during the holiday season is a truly magical experience. The Christmas Illumination 2024 is set to be a spectacular event, with millions of lights transforming the park into a winter wonderland. 

Highlights include the towering Christmas tree, beautifully decorated Amsterdam Square with nights shows at night.

The carousel at Huis Ten Bosch is the most popular attraction for my nieces, with its beautifully decorated horses and enchanting music creating a magical ride experience. They have went it at least 3 times and each time being a 30 mins to 60 mins wait in the cold. 👀

Other activities to try out is a leisurely boat ride through the park’s picturesque canals which offers stunning views of the surrounding architecture and garden.

For lunch, we opted for a delicious mix of Chinese stir-fry noodles, savory sausages, pizza and juicy burgers. There were plenty of options available, ensuring everyone found something they loved!