Unbelievable Hakodate Hotel Kikuya: Your Dream Getaway Awaits!
Unbelievable Hakodate Hotel Kikuya: My Soul Almost Found Paradise (And Yours Might Too!) - A Rambling, Relatable Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unleash on you my experience at the Hakodate Hotel Kikuya. Forget those sterile, corporate-speak reviews. This is going to be messy, honest, and hopefully, utterly helpful. Because honestly? Planning a trip is hard. Finding the right hotel is even harder. And Hakodate is… well, it's freaking gorgeous, and you want your hotel to match.
First Impressions & the Gut Check: Accessibility & Arrival:
Let's get the practical stuff out of the way first. Accessibility is, thankfully, pretty good. The elevator is a lifesaver (especially after a long day of exploring! My legs were screaming!), and they have facilities for disabled guests, which is a huge plus. I didn't personally need them, but seeing that commitment to inclusivity? Huge thumbs up. And the check-in/out [express] option? Genius! Especially after a long flight. Contactless check-in/out is also a godsend - I'm all about minimizing human contact these days!
Getting Around & the Parking Puzzle:
Driving around Hakodate is relatively straightforward. Car park [free of charge] is, as always, a delightful perk! Saves you a fortune. They also have car park [on-site], well, that's what's needed. And for the more eco-conscious: Car power charging station - a nice touch! If you’re not driving, the Airport transfer is a must. They also have Taxi service, but the local buses were good for me!
The Room: My Little Fortress of Bliss (Mostly!)
Okay, the room. The heart and soul of any hotel experience, right? Well, my room was… delightful. Let's be honest, after a long flight, falling into a comfy bed is all you want (and it was an extra long bed - thank the heavens!). The blackout curtains were EVERYTHING. Seriously, best sleep of my life. The air conditioning worked like a dream (essential in that Hokkaido humidity), and the complimentary tea was a lovely touch. Although, and this is a minor grumble, the coffee/tea maker was… a bit clunky. But tiny complaints! As well as Wi-Fi [free], they have also provided Internet access – LAN and Internet access – wireless. Nice!
Let's talk details: The bathtub, the separate shower/bathtub, hair dryer, bathrobes, slippers, and the endless supply of towels were all top-notch. I appreciated the mini bar (though I ended up raiding the local convenience store – more on that later!). And yes, the in-room safe box was a relief, especially with all my precious travel trinkets. They even had a scale! I did not, ahem, use it.
The real star? The window that opens. Seriously, fresh air is a luxury! That, and the smoke detector made me feel safe!
The Food Fiasco (And the Triumph!) - Dining, Eating, and Snacking:
Okay, let's be real, a hotel can live or die by its food. And Kikuya… Kikuya DELIVERS. I'm not even kidding. This is where my experience got really good, even exceeding the Breakfast [buffet]!
The Asian breakfast blew my mind! I, being a huge fan of anything Asian, loved it! And they have Asian cuisine in restaurant, of course. The international cuisine in the restaurant wasn't too bad either! But the buffet in restaurant? OMNOMNOM! I’m talking fresh, delicious, and an absolutely dizzying array of options. Waffles, bacon, and all sorts of deliciousness. The Western breakfast was just as good (although, what's the point when you have the wonders of Asia available?)
The coffee/tea in restaurant was strong, thank god (I NEED it!), and I enjoyed the bottle of water in the room. I definitely appreciated the essential condiments as well! And the salad in restaurant was a godsend!
They even have a vegetarian restaurant! However, it may not be suitable for everyone, as it does only feature one cuisine!
The real magic? The small details. Like the individually-wrapped food options (hello, pandemic-conscious traveler!), the alternative meal arrangement (brilliant for picky eaters like… well, me), and the option of breakfast in room!
A minor letdown? While they had a poolside bar, it wasn't quite as lively as I'd hoped. BUT! I was able to grab a quick bite at the snack bar.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Sauna, and Serenity (Mostly)
Right, let's talk about the good stuff. The ways to unwind and escape the daily grind. And Hakodate Kikuya delivers here.
The Spa was incredible. Just pure, unadulterated bliss. They have a sauna and steamroom; if you are a sauna person like me, it will be your paradise. But the massage? OH. MY. GOODNESS. I opted for the traditional Japanese massage, and I swear, I floated out of there. A truly memorable experience! They also have foot bath, a great thing for people who walks a lot!
The swimming pool was gorgeous, a pool with view!
Cleanliness & Safety: Peace of Mind in a Pandemic
This is huge. This is NOT an option anymore, it’s a MUST! And Kikuya? They nailed it. They had a strict set of rules. The daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere, staff trained in safety protocol, and, of course, the safe dining setup gave me tremendous peace of mind. I felt genuinely safe and looked after, and that's a massive thing in this day and age. They even had Anti-viral cleaning products.
For the Kids & the Family (If You Roll That Way):
I'm a solo traveler, baby, but I noticed they had Babysitting service! And they really do try to be family/child friendly. I saw a few families enjoying themselves, and the staff seemed genuinely accommodating. However, the children's facilities are limited.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Okay, here's where Kikuya really shines. They have EVERYTHING. The Daily housekeeping was impeccable. The concierge was incredibly helpful, offering local advice and making reservations. I used the laundry service more than I care to admit, and it was fast and efficient. The dry cleaning came in handy too! The gift/souvenir shop was decent, though I'm always looking to buy something amazing!
Beyond the Basics:
They have a convenience store for any late night snacks, currency exchange if you need it, and luggage storage, just in case you need to check your bags before you leave.
The Quirks & Imperfections (Because Perfection Is Boring!)
Look, no hotel is perfect. And honestly, that's part of the charm. The Wi-Fi, while free, was occasionally a bit… spotty. The lighting in the room was a bit dim. I had to ask for extra towels, which is fine. But it’s the minor things that I find relatable and honest! They have security [24-hour], so this will make you feel completely safe!
The Big Picture: Should You Stay? This Is the Truth!
Absolutely. Without a doubt. Unbelievable Hakodate Hotel Kikuya isn't just a hotel; it's an experience. It's a place to unwind, explore, and embrace the beauty of Hakodate. Yes, there are minor imperfections, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive. The staff are lovely, the food is divine, and the spa is a slice of heaven.
My final verdict? Book it. You won't regret it. Just be prepared to utterly relax and maybe, just maybe, find a little bit of paradise yourself.
Unforgettable Hakodate Getaway: Exclusive Offer!
Tired of the same old boring vacations? Craving an escape that truly rejuvenates your soul? Unbelievable Hakodate Hotel Kikuya is calling your name!
Here's What Awaits You:
- Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Hakodate, starting from our perfect location.
- Indulge in the most amazing Asian breakfast and discover why our buffet in restaurant and Western breakfast options have earned rave reviews.
- Unwind with a massage in our world-class spa and sauna, leaving all your stress far behind.
- Stay connected with free Wi-Fi [free] and enjoy comfortable, well-appointed rooms with **blackout curtains
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're about to embark on a Hakodate adventure that's less "perfect Instagram post" and more "slightly panicked, wonderfully messy reality." This is my itinerary for a stay at the Hotel Kikuya. Embrace yourselves, because it's gonna be a wild ride.
Day 1: Arrival and the Ramen of Regret (and Delight!)
14:00 - Arrive at Hakodate Airport (HKD). Ugh, the flight… don't even get me started. I swear, the guy in front of me re-clinched his seat every single second. Anyways, thankfully the airport is easy to navigate. My luggage? Pray for it. It's probably currently experiencing more turbulence than I did on the plane. I take the airport bus to the central station. Already feeling the jet lag, but the promise of seafood keeps me going.
15:30 - Check in at Hotel Kikuya. Okay, first impressions? The lobby… a little dated, but in a charming, historical way. It's got that cozy, "grandma's house" vibe, which I'm oddly into. Receptionist? Sweet as can be, even when I butchered my Japanese. The room… small, but clean. And the view! Partially blocked by another building, but I'll take it. It's more than adequate.
16:30 - Stumble into Hakodate's Goryokaku Fort Area. The map makes it look so easy. "Just a hop, skip, and a jump!" they said. Turns out, my "hop, skip, and a jump" involved a good twenty-minute walk, during which I briefly questioned all my life choices. I almost didn't make it, got lost, and took a wrong turn! Good thing I found a helpful elderly lady who pointed me in the right direction. I think I owe her my life (and maybe a good bottle of sake.)
17:30 - Ramen Time!!! Okay, so I'd read a ton of reviews. Literally dozens of ramen shops, it seemed! I walked what felt like ten miles. And I got absolutely lost. I ended up in some tiny alley and stumbled upon a tiny ramen place. I cannot even remember its name… Okay I swear I do… It starts with an "H", I think. Anyways, It looked unassuming, and I was STARVING. It was a bit of a dive, but the smell…oh the smell. That rich, porky broth… I ordered the miso ramen, and oh my GOD. It was a revelation. The best ramen I've ever had. Seriously, my taste buds were dancing. I may or may not have slurped the entire bowl. The regret? (After devouring the entire bowl and not stopping even when I knew I was full?) Minimal. The delight? Maximum! I'm still thinking about it now.
19:00 - Back to the Hotel (and Maybe a Nap). Exhausted, food-comatose, and completely content. The nap? A definite possibility. Maybe even a necessity. Jet lag is a cruel mistress.
20:00 - Evening Stroll (Attempted). Okay, so the nap happened. Glorious. But the idea of "taking in the nightlife" or "exploring Hakodate at night" feels less appealing, and more like a chore. I mean, I really wanted to do that! It was on my schedule! But my feet say NO! I'm going to give it a shot, even if it's just to walk to the nearby convenience store for a snack. You know, for research purposes…
Day 2: Morning Market, Mount Hakodate, and the Battle with the Tourist Crowds
07:00 - Wake up (if the jet lag allows). Spoiler alert: it might not. That internal clock is still screaming "it's 3 AM!" which is hilarious… and annoying. Coffee is vital.
08:00 - Hakodate Morning Market. Oh. My. God. Seriously, plan to arrive early. I arrive late because of that damn jet lag. The crowds. The smells. The seafood. It's a sensory overload in the best possible way. I saw all these incredible dishes, and the vendors were shouting. I tried Uni. I think I could actually get addicted. It’s weird, it’s like the ocean slapped in your mouth, in a good way! I devoured a kaisen-don (seafood rice bowl). Seriously, I'm starting to think I should just move here and eat seafood for every meal.
10:00 - Mount Hakodate Ropeway. Ah, the infamous view. The one everyone raves about. And they are right. When I got there, the line was enormous. And I mean like, the longest line I've ever seen. I had a mini-meltdown. Finally, I got there. As it turns out, the climb was entirely worth it. The view? Stunning. That iconic night view of Hakodate, with the city lights twinkling like jewels. It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. Seriously, I think I shed a single, solitary, tear.
12:30 - Lunch - Anywhere with Air Conditioning. I am drenched in sweat. Seriously, I was not prepared for the humidity. Air conditioning is a necessity. Gonna find a random restaurant.
14:00 - Exploring the Motomachi Area. Okay, maybe a little more exploring. I think. Okay, I got lost again. What a surprise! More walking. More sweat. More beauty.
17:00 - Relaxation Time! Back to the hotel for a much-needed nap. Yes, another one. I'm embracing the lazy tourist life.
18:00 - Dinner at hotel (or trying to find more Ramen!) So, Kikuya has a restaurant… it's the easiest choice. Or should I go for round 2 with ramen? Important decisions!
Day 3: Departure (and the Sadness of Leaving)
09:00 - Last Breakfast at the Hotel. What? Am I actually starting to get used to the jet lag?? Either way, this is the last breakfast! Gonna try the Japanese breakfast this time. Fingers crossed.
10:00 - Check Out. Sigh. Goodbye, Hotel Kikuya. It was real. It was messy. It was wonderful.
11:00 - Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping at the Hakodate Station area. Did I get that perfect postcard? Did I find some cool local snacks? Did I actually manage to not spend all my money? The answer to the last question is probably no.
13:00 - Travel to Hakodate Airport (HKD) for Departure. The bus to the airport… a moment of quiet reflection. Hakodate, you beautiful, chaotic, seafood-filled wonder. I'll be back. I'm counting the days!
Final Thoughts:
This itinerary is a suggestion. Do not be afraid to change it, get lost, and embrace the unexpected! It has been an adventure, and to be honest, I am exhausted, but full of joy. Hakodate, you were a delight!
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Unbelievable Hakodate Hotel Kikuya: Your Dream Getaway (Maybe?) - FAQs!
Okay, Seriously, Is Kikuya REALLY 'Unbelievable'? Like, what's the catch?
Alright, let's be honest. "Unbelievable" is maybe a *slight* exaggeration. It's not the Ritz. It's not the Four Seasons. The catch? Well, it's perfection with a few charming quirks, like a slightly wonky elevator and the occasional echoing noise from the sake bar downstairs. But honestly, the good FAR outweighs the slight imperfections. Think of it as… a well-loved, slightly eccentric aunt’s house. You’ll have a great time, even if she tells the same stories a few times (looking at you, the story about the antique clock).
The Rooms: Cozy or Cramped? Spill the Tea!
Okay, the rooms… they're *Japanese* sized. Which, let's be real, means "cozy." Don't expect to waltz around like you're Beyoncé. I had a room with a view of… a back alley, let's just say. Honestly, I didn’t even care. The futon was unbelievably comfy (and I’m a princess about my sleep), the yukata robes were the PERFECT texture, and the little tea setup? *Chef's kiss*. But my friend, bless her heart, she got one facing the street and the noise was… well, let's just say she needed earplugs. So, prepare to potentially get a room that’s not a palatial suite. But embrace the coziness! It's part of the charm! Just ask for a quiet room if you're a light sleeper. Or bring earplugs. Problem solved!
What's the Food Situation? I'm a Hungry Traveler!
Oh. My. Goodness. The food. Okay, so the included breakfast? DO IT. It's a traditional Japanese breakfast, which means mountains of deliciousness. Think perfectly grilled fish (smelled amazing even if I don’t always eat it), fluffy rice, miso soup that'll warm your soul on a chilly Hakodate morning, and little side dishes you'll spend the entire meal trying to identify (I'm still not sure what those tiny pickled things were, but they were ADDICTIVE). And the breakfast staff? They were the sweetest, most patient people I’ve met. They even tried to understand my broken Japanese, which, to be fair, is atrocious. One morning the chef even gave me a little extra bowl of the fish 'cause he saw I was inhaling the whole thing. Perfection! Plus, there's a bar downstairs that's openish depending on the night. (see: the wonky elevator).
Important Note: If you're a picky eater, this might be a challenge. Embrace the adventure! You might just discover your new favorite food! I still dream about that miso soup.
The Onsen: A Magical Experience? Or Awkward Nudity?
Okay, the onsen (hot spring). This is HUGE. This is what you came for. The onsen is definitely not the awkward nudity part. It's magical, really. Picture this: Snow falling gently outside, fog rolling off the hot water, and… well, you naked with a bunch of other people. But it's *different* in Japan. It’s not like a public pool back home. It’s… serene. The one at Kikuya is beautiful. I went at night, and the stars were incredible. Just remember the rules: wash REALLY well before getting in. (And no, you don't wear a swimsuit!)
Also, a cautionary tale: I accidentally dropped my glasses in the water the first time. It was a near-disaster. Don’t be me. Keep your glasses safe!
Location, Location, Location! Is it Actually Convenient?
YES! YES! A thousand times YES! Kikuya is PERFECTLY located. Right in the heart of Hakodate. You can stroll to Morning Market in like... 5 minutes. Goryokaku Fort is a short tram ride away. The red brick warehouses are walkable too. And from there, you're close to all the best restaurants and bars. Basically, you can ditch the taxi (unless you're feeling fancy) and just wander around. I almost missed the tram back to the train station once because I was too busy gawking at the street food... but I made it! So yeah, the location is a huge win.
The Service: Are the Staff Helpful? (And Do They Speak English?)
The staff are lovely. So, so lovely. They're unfailingly polite and helpful. While some staff speak perfect English, others’ proficiency varies. This is Japan, after all, and it adds to the charm! I would say try to learn a few basic Japanese phrases (you know, "hello," "thank you," that sort of thing). They'll appreciate the effort! They were always willing to help. I remember one time I accidentally set off the fire alarm (long story, involving a hair straightener and a lot of panic). They didn’t even yell at me, just calmly showed me the correct way to use the straightener in the future. True professionals.
Any Major Downsides? Red Flags? Things to Watch Out For?
Let's get real. Nothing is perfect. The elevator is tiny and slow. It's charming, but slow. Also, the internet can be a LITTLE spotty in the rooms sometimes. That's about it, though. Honestly, the only "downside" is that you'll probably regret not staying longer. Oh, and one more thing: the sake bar downstairs… You might just end up staying longer. Not a downside, but a warning.
Is it Worth the Hype? Should I Book it?
Absolutely. Yes. Book it. Seriously. It's not just a hotel; it’s an experience. It's comfortable, it's charming, and it's in a fantastic location. It might not be *perfect*, but it's real. It's memorable. And honestly, isn't that what travel is all about? It's the kind of place that makes you want to come back... and I already am saving my yen for my next trip. Hakodate and Kikuya? You won't regret it! Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm suddenly craving miso soup...
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