The location is incredibly convenient! After dropping off our luggage, we could head straight out to shop in the Tenjin area. Almost everything we wanted was within walking distance, including clothes, glasses, and cosmetics.
The room wasn’t very large since the hotel is downtown, but it was comfortable enough for a good night’s rest. The breakfast buffet had a fantastic selection, and the floor-to-ceiling windows offered beautiful views of the lush garden, making breakfast even more relaxing and enjoyable.
Nishitetsu Grand Hotel | Review by Wen
Other Reviews by Wen
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Mameda Town
Hita City, neighboring Fukuoka and Kumamoto, was a prosperous “Tenryo (directly ruled by the Shogunate)” merchant town in Edo Period. The city is still dotted by classic buildings and earthen walls, which earned the nickname “Little Kyoto in Kyushu.” Roughly a 15-minute walk from Hita train station will take you to Mameda Town, where houses of merchants still remain who were providing goods to the Shogunate during the Tenryo Era.
The streets and buildings are gorgeous! The charming old-fashioned atmosphere also has a cute touch ❤️ Walking around here is so peaceful and relaxing. Whether you’re by a wall, next to a vintage window frame, or just standing along the street, it’s easy to take beautiful, atmospheric photos. It’s truly a lovely place.
There are also some Attack on Titan collaborations here. I love the anime, so spotting Captain Levi around town and inside the shops was such a fun surprise〜 -
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Mizuki Spring Tour and Strolling the Shrine Town
Aso Shrine has a history of about 2,300 years and is known for Aso’s agricultural rituals, designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. In the shrine town, the Aso Ichinomiya Monzenmachi Shopping Street offers excellent food, including takeout items, sweets, and lunches featuring Akaushi beef, a local Aso specialty, and is bustling every day with worshippers and visitors. As you stroll through the shrine town, you will come across spring water spots called mizuki.
Although we only had limited time on this visit and just took a quick look around, we still saw two or three mizuki spring water spots.
The streets were really pleasant and perfect for a leisurely stroll, coffee, or a snack.
If you have time after visiting Aso Shrine, setting aside some time for the full mizuki spring tour would make for a great travel plan! -
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Aso Shrine (Kumamoto)
The master god who has created Aso, Takei Watatsu no Mikoto, and 12 of his family gods are enshrined here. As the head of Higo Province, this is ranked top over nearly 500 branch Aso Shrines nationwide. Its history goes back more than 2000 years. Its faith is fused with volcano worship that believes Mt. Aso to be a god.
The tall tower gate is very solemn and impressive. There’s also a unique horizontal approach, and you can see the Aso volcano group in the distance.
I heard this is a famous power spot, and walking around here really did feel peaceful and refreshing.
The sacred spring at the entrance was incredibly cold. I was a little disappointed I didn’t have a water bottle with me... I couldn’t take any of the spring water to drink. -
