Published date: March 4, 2025
Mitsui Garden Hotel Fukuoka Gion - Five Years Since Fukuoka!
Room Type Stayed
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Experience of the stay
Last year, after staying at Mitsui Garden in Tokyo, I was unexpectedly left with a very good impression. The quality of chain hotels is indeed above par. Even though it’s a chain hotel, it’s different from typical business hotels, giving families or solo travelers like me a great lodging experience.
This time coming to Fukuoka, the hotel prices have skyrocketed after the pandemic. Unable to book through major sites, I was fortunate to have accumulated tokens through Hafh, allowing me to effortlessly book a night in high-priced areas that range from 4,000 to over 10,000 yen without feeling the sting. Another aspect I admire about Mitsui Garden is that almost all locations have a large public bath, allowing travelers to relax and soothe themselves after a long day exploring Fukuoka city. I was arranged in a corner room this time, and although the outside window faced a busy road adjacent to the subway station, it turned out to be surprisingly quiet, providing a good quality sleep at night. The transportation and location around here are very convenient, just a three-minute walk to the subway station. Famous sights like Kushida Shrine and Canal City Hakata are also within walking distance, making it very convenient. Unfortunately, I didn’t book the breakfast at the restaurant downstairs in advance, which is known to be a popular spot. On the day of my check-in and the following day, I saw many people waiting to get in, which was a bit regrettable. Next time, I’ll make sure to book the breakfast as well when reserving my room.
Experiences during the trip
Right across the street from the hotel is a popular spot: Mentai French Bread Full Full. After checking in and resting a bit, I queued up around 4 PM and waited about half an hour. It certainly lived up to its reputation, and it was tasty even after reheating it back in Taiwan.
My favorite dipping noodles in Fukuoka: Menya Kiyotaka. Last time I visited, I ate at the main store near Tenjin, which had a long line even after lunch hours. Later, I discovered they have a branch inside Hakata Station, and even though there was still a wait, the queue inside was more comfortable, and the staff was very enthusiastic and friendly, greeting everyone loudly when entering and exiting. The taste hasn’t changed; it’s still delicious.