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!

 

Sasebo Burger Big Man Kamikyomachi Main Store - burgers and fries

Sasebo itself is a city steeped in history and cultural diversity. Located in the northwestern part of Kyushu, it has been a significant port since the late 19th century. Initially established as a major port for the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1866, Sasebo later became an American naval base in 1945. 

American service members stationed there brought with them a craving for familiar foods from home, including hamburgers. . Local entrepreneurs quickly adapted to meet this demand, learning to make burgers that would satisfy the American palate

One of the earliest burger joints in Sasebo, Hikari, started selling burgers to American soldiers in the early 1950s. Over the years, these burgers have evolved, incorporating local ingredients and flavors, but they still retain the essence of their American origins.

The star of the show at Big Man is undoubtedly their Original Bacon & Egg Burger. This special burger features a juicy and tender beef patty that is cooked to perfection. The beef is incredibly flavorful, with a perfect balance of seasoning that enhances its natural taste. 

The burger is topped with their signature homemade bacon, which adds a delightful smoky flavor, and a perfectly fried egg that brings a rich, creamy texture to each bite. 

For those traveling to the popular theme park Huis Ten Bosch, i strongly recommend Sasebo Burger Big Man Kamikyomachi Main Store as a pit stop.