Published date: June 28, 2025
A Slightly Tipsy Night Before the Business Trip and the Quietness of an Unknown Town
Room Type Stayed
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Experience of the stay
The night before my business trip, I chose "Hotel Noum OSAKA" to distance myself slightly from the urban hustle and bustle. Located within walking distance from Tenmabashi Station along the riverside, this hotel was like a lantern gently illuminating the start of my journey.
I arrived at night. The gray plaster walls, wooden door, and soft lights made me feel at ease right away. Walking through the entrance, I found a quiet and sophisticated lobby that was almost like art. The front desk service was very smooth. It was efficient, yet not mechanical, providing comfort, just the right distance for someone like me on a business trip.
Entering the room made me involuntarily want to take a deep breath. Though not spacious, warmth from wood and soft lighting were skillfully arranged to avoid a sterile feel, making it comfortable. A simple bed wrapped in white linens and the view of the river's night scenery peeking through the curtains gently brought the day to a close.
In one corner of the room was a green single chair and a small table. It was a bit cramped for spreading out documents, but it was enough space to take a breather. Opening the curtains, I could see the reflections of city lights dancing on the river surface. True to the hotel's name “Noum (silence),” there was a soundless landscape there.
The amenities were minimal. The pajamas were thin but soft on the skin, and the shower was clean. Lacking excess allows me to spend my time at my own pace. I chose room-only this time, but it seems the café lounge on the first floor is also open to non-guests, offering breakfast, lunch, and light evening snacks. Next time, I definitely want to experience the morning in that space.
What makes this hotel appealing is that it quietly engulfs something beyond just "staying." It occupies a sweet spot between the efficiency of a business hotel and the design aspect of a boutique hotel. Not overly luxurious, nor with excessive hospitality, it simply served as an ideal place where I could sleep well and rest comfortably.
The night before a business trip, I want to distance myself a little from unnecessary information. At such times, this hotel becomes the perfect escape.
Once again, I've found a place that I quietly wish to revisit.
Experiences during the trip
On the night of December 14, Saturday, I checked into the hotel at 6 PM, and it was already completely dark outside. The winter sky brings the night early. Reflections of streetlights glow on the glass windows of buildings as lights from skyscrapers blur on the river surface. The hotel room is quiet and clean, equipped with everything I need, with no wastefulness, but somehow, I felt uneasy.
'Let's go outside since I'm here,' I thought impulsively. I placed my luggage on the bed and lightly arranged myself. It was cold outside, but with my coat collar up, the chill felt rather pleasant. The riverside path was lit up like a Christmas illumination, the light reflecting on the water seemed to make one forget the passage of time.
Around 8 PM, I started to think it was about time for dinner. I didn’t even feel like opening my smartphone and just walked, guided by my senses, until I arrived in front of a small yakitori restaurant named "Kuraman." The aroma of charcoal-fired food wafted from beyond the noren curtain. The moment I saw an empty seat at the back of the counter, my hand naturally reached for the door. Checking the time, it was 8:30 PM—perfect timing.
I sat at the counter and ordered a pint of draft beer. It arrived immediately in a stainless steel mug. The coldness of the mug seeped all the way from my fingertips to my heart the moment I picked it up. After taking a sip, the back of my throat felt cold, and then the carbonation gently spread throughout. Finally, I felt like the day had come to an end.
The skewers included chicken thigh, skin, heart, and liver. The thigh was thick, and with every bite, its rich flavor burst forth. The skin was crispy and fragrant, the heart had a bouncy texture, and the liver melted on the tongue, quietly asserting itself with the sweetness of the sauce.
The sweetness of chilled tomatoes and the fragrance of fish cake with aonori. The softness of daikon cakes soaked in dashi. And to finish, grilled rice balls with the aroma of charcoal. Each item felt as if it had been prepared just for this very night, easily entering into my heart and body.
"Nights like this are the best." Nothing happened, I did not talk to anyone. I simply enjoyed delicious food and drinks quietly. The surrounding murmurs flowed at just the right distance, pleasing to the ears.
Within an hour, I left the restaurant. The wind had grown a bit colder, and my tipsiness was fading just a little. I returned to the riverside. The lights reflected on the water swayed, and the moon peeked between the clouds in the sky. The bridge's lights were blue, casting long shadows onto the river.
While I wanted to show this scenery to someone, I also felt a desire to keep it a secret. Voices flowed distantly, and a traditional boat was preparing to depart. The lantern-like lights floating on the river swayed fantastically.
On my way back to the hotel, I stopped by a convenience store. The moment I spotted a limited craft beer from Yaho Brewing on the shelves, my hand naturally reached for it. The label was unfamiliar. I felt like I was on a small adventure.
I returned to my room. There was no refrigerator. So, I opened the can right away. The sound of the can popping echoed. The still-cold surface of the can had a slight condensation, and I sat on the chair while wiping it with a towel. Outside the window, the night view of the river continued quietly.
I took a sip of the slightly sweet and aromatic beer. Today would not merely be a pre-business trip night but quietly mark itself as "a tale of my own."
Not to tell anyone, nor to post it anywhere. This night was something to keep within myself.
And surely, I would remember it again. A quiet night spent alone at Tenmabashi in winter.