Futsukaichi Green Hotel

The price feels a little steep for what you get. It’s fine if you just need somewhere to sleep, but coming as a tourist feels like a shame. The area around it is dark, so I’d finish eating and drinking before heading back. If you’re looking for a Showa-era experience, though, this is the place. If you’re driving, be careful, and call the hotel after booking to ask for more details.

I was worried the heating might dry out the air, but there was a humidifier in the room, so I could sleep without worrying about my throat. The hotel is close to Futsukaichi Station, visible from its stairs. During the three-day weekend in November, rooms near Hakata Station were going for around 50,000 yen a night, even when available. Futsukaichi Green Hotel was available for a reasonable 8,000 yen per night. It’s a bit far from Hakata Station, where I had business, but I think it offers more than you’d expect for the price.

The place has a strong Showa-era look both outside and in. I booked it to use the Futsukaichi Onsen, and the location was handy, right in front of the station. The soundproofing wasn’t good, and I could hear noise from the floors above and below. Having to leave my key at the front desk whenever I went out was a bit of a nuisance. Apparently, the doors lock at night, so you need to use the intercom to get in or out.

I last stayed here a few years ago and thought it was just a standard Showa-era business hotel. This time it had all been renovated, and the things that bothered me before were fixed, apart from the elevator. The bathroom, bidet included, was sparkling clean. There was a REGZA TV on the wall, and the new air conditioner was comfortable. Hotels around Hakata Station are ridiculously expensive, so I’ll stay here next time. It’s only a quick ride to Hakata Station on the rapid train.