Published date: May 2, 2025
A Week Starting from Kokura: Travel is Not Just Movement, but a Way of Life
Room Type Stayed
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Experience of the stay
On this journey, I stayed at the Daiwa Roynet Hotel in front of Kokura Station for a whole week. Not that type of traffic rush, but slowly, using Kokura as a foothold, a 'living base' to which I could return every day to relax and reorganize.
The hotel location is unbeatable; it takes only a few minutes to walk to JR Kokura Station, and the subway, buses, and Shinkansen are all interconnected. Every day from here, whether it's to Mojiko to see nostalgic buildings, to Hakata for Ichiran ramen, or even rushing to Beppu for hot springs, the itinerary can be easily arranged.
Moreover, I booked my room with Hafh, coinciding with the Golden Week, and the price was significantly cheaper than outside. Being able to stay in the most reliable hotel during the most expensive holiday felt like a treasure.
The hotel itself follows a practical approach, with self-service laundry, vending machines, and self-check-in counters, **everything runs smoothly, without surprises but also without mistakes.** The rooms are tidily arranged, and after coming back exhausted from a day out, taking a warm bath and brewing some tea makes one feel 'ah, I have my own space.'
What I love most is taking the elevator down every morning, directly entering the lifestyle sphere surrounded by the station, shopping mall, and convenience store. That feeling of 'going out is travel, returning is life' is very comfortable.
Traveling is not just about reaching a destination; sometimes, a good base can allow you to play further and rest better. I am very satisfied with my week in Kokura.
Experiences during the trip
On this journey, I stayed at the Daiwa Roynet Hotel in front of Kokura Station for a whole week. Not a mindless rush, but a choice to walk slowly and look around, turning the 'one-week stay' journey into a reflection of living in a different place.
The hotel is very close to JR Kokura Station, with the subway, Shinkansen, and buses all connected. Every day from here, going anywhere feels as convenient as turning a corner in the city to find a view.
I walked to Kokura Castle, where I experienced the shadows of samurais, the shadows of cherry blossoms, and the calm wind of a quiet afternoon. I took the train to Mojiko, where the nostalgic buildings, like a banana cake, are sweet yet carry a hint of history.
One day, I drove into the mountains to Takatsukiyama Shrine, along a serene mountain road filled with the scent of the forest. Further, I made a special trip to the old Bungo Mori Arsenal, a filming location for 'Suzune's Journey' — being here made me feel like I had stepped into an anime film 🎬.
In the next two days, I extended my exploration even further. Dazaifu Tenmangu was still bustling with people; the crowds and plum blossom rice cakes created a passionate picture, while at Yufuin's Kinrin Lake, the mist floated over the water, unreal yet calming like a dream.
After each day’s adventures, returning to Kokura, I would stroll back to the convenience store downstairs to buy a hot drink, then take a bath and watch television to unwind. The amenities of the Daiwa Roynet Hotel, although simple, provided that comfortable and relaxing 'just right' experience — washing machine, self-check-in, quiet corridors, everything was in place without being intrusive.
And the best part is, I booked my stay with Hafh, saving a lot on accommodation despite it being the Golden Week. Encountering a stable and friendly hotel during the most expensive time felt like a rare stroke of luck.
Traveling is not just about the destination. When you have a good base, you can go further and return more peacefully. Thank you, Kokura, for accompanying me this week.