Yadoya Hitotoki

One downside is that there’s no elevator, so you have to take the stairs to your room. I was also left a bit frustrated when the staff member helping me was inefficient and didn’t assist when I had a problem. There’s a restaurant called Potama on the first floor, where you can get pork and tamagoyaki rice balls, and check-in and check-out are handled there too. The room itself was roomy and cozy, with plenty of light and air conditioning. I liked being able to take my shoes off, and there was a Japanese-style room to relax in. The bath was a bucket-shaped cypress tub. The washroom was spacious and had a fridge and microwave.

The room was clean and roomy, with a comfortable bed and a Hinoki cypress bathtub. The location is excellent too, with easy train and taxi access and a convenience store nearby. There’s no elevator, so luggage has to go up the stairs. You also have to remove your shoes on the stairs, which felt risky because luggage could fall or your feet could get knocked. The listed security box, slippers, and shoe polish weren’t in the room, even though the website said they were available. When I pointed this out, they still weren’t provided, and that left me feeling something was off. The cooling barely worked. Even at 18°C with the fan on full, the room only got a little cool. There are windows and shoji screens but no curtains, so city lights get into the room at night. It’s not suitable if you need complete darkness to sleep. This feels more like a luxurious private accommodation than a hotel, so don’t expect hotel-level service or hospitality. I don’t think I’ll return.

Gion felt much less hectic than Hakata or Tenjin, which suited me since I don’t like crowds. It’s also a handy area for getting around Fukuoka: the train from the airport goes straight to Gion, a short walk away. Kushida Shrine is a garden, and you can change lines at Kushida Shrine-mae Station. Kushida Shrine Station is close to Canal City, and the Anpanman Museum and Tenjin are walkable too. The guesthouse sits above a really popular, trendy Okinawa rice ball shop. Everything inside felt new, clean, and spacious, with no cooking-oil smell. I liked that there was no carpet, which is good for families with allergies. You can order rice balls and drinks from the shop for breakfast each morning, which is convenient. The room also has a sink and microwave, handy for anyone who likes to cook, and the coffee machine was useful too. Families should consider staying here.

We stayed here with a friend and found the room very clean, with tasteful furniture. For the room size, comfort, and easy access, the price seemed very reasonable. Dinner wasn’t included, but there were lots of nearby shops, so that wasn’t an issue. Breakfast came with a rice sandwich from the pork and egg shop downstairs, and it was delicious. I’d like to come back with a group of friends next time.