Published date: May 9, 2025
Solo Trip Based at an Art Hotel
Room Type Stayed
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Experience of the stay
This was my second time staying here. The first time was with my children, and this time it was a solo trip.
It takes about 30 minutes by shuttle bus from Narita Station. I first relaxed in the hot spring. Since I was alone, I took my time. I enjoyed both the indoor and outdoor baths.
It was a holiday week, so there were a lot of people, but it didn't feel lonely at all.
For dinner, I picked up food from the 24-hour convenience store and relaxed in my room. I even bought a beer and ice cream to treat myself.
Breakfast was a convenience store sandwich and a cup of miso soup. The last time I stayed, breakfast was included, but to me, convenience store food was enough. Instead, I planned for an earlier lunch to have eel.
From my room on the 9th floor, I could see planes from Narita Airport in the distance. Perhaps because the neighboring area is a golf course? There were no tall buildings, and I felt refreshed looking at the distant view.
I could hear some outside noise, but it also made me feel secure, thinking that someone was nearby.
Although it was just for one night, I was able to relax thoroughly.
Experiences during the trip
This time, as it was a solo trip, I decided to extend my reach from Narita.
*Inubosaki via Choshi Electric Railway
I wanted to go to a wide-open area, so I went to Inubosaki. I've always wanted to ride the Choshi Electric Railway. Since I was alone, I didn’t set a strict itinerary, just enjoying the random journey!
I rode a train for the first time in a while. Buying a ticket from the conductor on board was exciting and fun. It was enjoyable to see train enthusiasts and photographers as well.
I had a seafood rice bowl at Inubosaki. Maybe because it was crowded, the wait time was long, but the taste was excellent.
I didn't climb the 99 steps of the lighthouse due to the line, but the sounds of the waves and the view of the open sea were refreshing, and I felt rejuvenated.
At the station, I bought the famous wet senbei as a souvenir.
*Choshi
It's famous for its soy sauce factory, isn't it? It smelled like soy sauce...
Next time, I’d like to explore the Choshi Electric Railway starting from Choshi.
*Naritasan Shinsho-ji
I always feel good coming to Shinsho-ji.
Before praying, I decided to have eel rice. Since I was alone, I had time to spare. I thought it was okay to wait, so I challenged the restaurant that I had to give up on last time due to the line: "Kawazoya." Although I had to wait for two hours with a numbered ticket, I thought I could get in quickly at the temporary store, so I went there. I ordered eel rice and liver soup. They call out numbers for you to pick it up. After waiting about 15 minutes, oh, it looked delicious!
The first bite melted in my mouth.
After filling my stomach, I went to pray. Just in time, a ritual was beginning, so I watched. Is that the fire used for burning gomagi? As I was gazing at the fire, tears began to flow unexpectedly. Suddenly, everyone stood up, started handing their bags and wallets to the priest to have them blessed by the fire. I was surprised as it was my first time, but I also asked to have my bag blessed.
The Fudo Myoo was impressive, and regardless of faith, I got to observe it closely.
The goshuin was already written in places other than the main hall, but I felt a different atmosphere this time, which was nice.
After circling around, I experienced sutra copying. They said it would take more than an hour, but since I was on a solo trip, I had the freedom of time. I thought I wouldn’t be able to do this if I were with my children and decided to try it. I’m not very good at writing, but I aimed to write with care and intention. I concentrated and it was tiring, but I felt refreshed afterward.
At the end, I drew an omikuji and took my time walking back through the approach path.
A solo trip that was accessible by regular trains. It was my first time staying in a hotel alone, but it was a good experience. It's nice to be with others, but being alone is also wonderful. I think I’ll look for another place through HafH again.