I was actually a little nervous before checking in because quite a few of the reviews online weren't very good, so I had already prepared myself for the worst. But once we actually stayed there, I felt it wasn't as bad as the reviews said, and overall, it was fairly acceptable to me.
We stayed in a double room with two twin beds and a large Japanese-style room, so it was quite spacious. The room had heating and air conditioning, as well as extra comforters, so it wouldn't be cold at all if you came in winter.
The unfortunate thing about the room was that the soundproofing was really just average, and we could hear some noise from outside. However, it wasn't enough to affect our sleep.
The restaurant, on the other hand, left a good impression on me! The dining area was very spacious, with tatami mats and wooden tables and chairs, and the seating was quite comfortable. There were plenty of food options and a good variety of ingredients. Most importantly, they offered several kinds of sake to sample for free, so you could enjoy a little drink with your meal. It really felt like staying at a Hokkaido inn.
When you come to Sounkyo, the most important thing is, of course, the hot springs!
Choyotei has both indoor and open-air hot springs. Soaking in the piping-hot water was incredibly relaxing. This is exactly what staying at a hot spring inn in Sounkyo is all about.
Accommodations really come down to personal preference. Online reviews can be useful, but you won't know whether a place suits you until you've stayed there yourself.
Sounkyo Choyotei | Review by 楊雅雯
Other Reviews by 楊雅雯
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Sukesan Udon Uomachi Branch
Sukesan Udon is a udon chain that originated in Kitakyushu. The Uomachi Branch is located in the Uomachi Shopping Arcade in Kokura and is popular with everyone from locals to tourists. Its carefully crafted flavors, extensive menu of more than 150 items, and exceptional convenience as a 24-hour, year-round restaurant are all part of its appeal.
On this trip to Kokura in Kitakyushu, I went out of my way to visit a well-known local udon restaurant, Sukesan Udon Uomachi Branch! I was originally just looking for a quick bowl of noodles, but it turned out to be unexpectedly delicious, and the prices were incredibly low. The value for money was a pleasant surprise!
Ordering is self-service, so you can choose items according to your preferences. The restaurant is also quite spacious and comfortable for dining. The udon noodles are smooth and chewy, and the broth is rich yet easy to drink. Even a simple bowl of noodles was very satisfying.
The best part is that this restaurant is open 24 hours, so whether it's morning, evening, or the middle of the night, you can always get a steaming bowl of udon!
If you're visiting Kokura and looking for affordable and delicious local food, this place is definitely worth adding to your list!
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Sarakurayama Observatory
It's an observatory from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Kitakyushu city area. To reach the observatory at the summit of the 622-meter-high mountain, visitors take a cable car and a slope car.
On this trip to Kitakyushu, I made a special point of visiting the Sarakurayama Observatory, and it definitely didn’t disappoint! To reach the summit, you can take a cable car and then transfer to a small monorail called the slope car. Along the way, you can enjoy the mountain scenery, and as the car slowly climbs, the view becomes more and more expansive. Just riding up was a lot of fun.
After reaching the summit, the view was even more stunning! You can see Kitakyushu, the mountains, and the bay in the distance. At night, the entire city sparkles with lights, and together with the winding waterways and bridges, it creates an incredibly beautiful million-dollar night view. I really couldn’t stop taking pictures.
This isn’t just a great place to enjoy the scenery—the cable car ride up the mountain is also well worth experiencing. If you’re traveling to Kitakyushu, I highly recommend adding the Sarakurayama Observatory to your itinerary and seeing this captivating night view for yourself. It’s definitely worth the trip!
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Shiranoe Botanical Garden
Open for nearly 80 years as a botanical park, this spot on a gentle hill offers natural landscapes woven by plants throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy seasonal views including spring cherry blossoms, peonies, hydrangeas, lotuses, autumn wildflowers, and foliage. The park exudes an authentic Japanese ambiance throughout, with over 700 cherry trees of 60 varieties from Kyushu, making it one of the most significant collections in the region.
On this trip to Kitakyushu, I found another place that made me feel relaxed—Shiranoe Botanical Garden. The entire park is beautifully maintained, and you can enjoy all kinds of flowers, plants, and trees along the way. Walking through the park feels especially pleasant.
The best thing about this place is that it offers different scenery in every season. You can enjoy soft pink cherry blossoms in spring and romantic red maple leaves in fall. Each season brings a different kind of natural beauty.
The park never feels rushed. It’s perfect for slowing down, enjoying the scenery as you walk, finding a place to sit and rest, and spending some leisurely time.
Compared with busy tourist attractions, I prefer quiet places like this where I can get close to nature and take a peaceful walk.
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