Unbelievable Asahikawa Luxury: Toyo Hotel's Secret Revealed!
Unbelievable Asahikawa Luxury: Toyo Hotel's Secret Revealed! - A Rambling, Honest Review (Buckle Up!)
Okay, friends, let's talk the Toyo Hotel in Asahikawa, Japan. Prepare yourselves. This isn’t your dry, corporate-speak review. This is real… with all the bumps, the joys, and the sheer, beautiful, slightly chaotic reality of travel. And, damn, this place left me feeling.
First things first – Accessibility. Now, I'm not a wheelchair user personally, but I know it’s HUGE. I found their website [hopefully it's up-to-date! We all know how tech goes sometimes] and they seem to be on it. Elevator, check. Facilities for disabled guests, they say they have them. Cribs too, which is great for families. BUT, (and there's always a but, isn't there?) please do your homework and call them directly if you have specific needs. Don’t trust some random blogger (me!) blindly. Get it confirmed. They’ve got Check-in/out [express] which could speed things up. And it all seems like an effort toward inclusion.
Next, let’s dive into the good stuff – or at least, the potentially good stuff. Things to do, ways to relax:
- Pool with view? Oooooh, I'm already picturing myself lounging, cocktail in hand. This hits the spot.
- Spa/sauna, Steamroom – Yes, please. I need to melt my stress away.
- Massage? Absolutely. I'm a sucker for a good massage. After a long flight, that’s mandatory.
- Fitness center – Look, I wish I’d used it. I intended to. But the lure of Japanese snacks and that damn pool was just too strong. (More on this later.)
The Cleanliness and Safety aspects are SUPER important in the world we live in, right? I mean, it’s not just about the hotel experience anymore -- it’s about feeling safe!
- Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, staff trained in safety protocol, hand sanitizer everywhere – Sounds good! This is reassuring.
- Rooms sanitized between stays - YES! We're getting somewhere!
- Individually-wrapped food options – Probably a good idea these days.
- They even have room sanitization opt-out available
Okay, deep breaths. Let's move onto the thing that fuels life: Dining, drinking, and snacking.
- Restaurants, Bar, Coffee Shop – Excellent. Variety is the spice of life, and hotels usually get this right.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant? YES. My favorite!
- Buffet in restaurant? I'm a sucker for a good buffet, even if I end up eating everything in sight (which is basically guaranteed).
Here’s where it gets interesting. I went to the buffet one morning… and it was like a journey. The presentation was beautiful. Little miniature sushi rolls, glistening with soy sauce. Mochi with the most delicate dusting of matcha. Everything looked so… instagrammable. I started piling my plate high. Then, I noticed a tiny, unassuming bowl of miso soup. I took a sip… and it was divine. The umami, the warmth… I swear, it healed a little piece of my soul.
Then, disaster. Okay, that's too dramatic. A minor imperfection. I'm allergic to soy. I somehow failed at that buffet. I had to scramble for a new plan without risking my life, and had to eat something vegetarian and bland.
The point? Even the best places aren’t perfect. And the realness of that is what I love.
Now, to the rest of the services, which can be useful, like Services and conveniences.
- Food delivery? Always a win.
- Concierge, Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes – The usual stuff that makes travel easier.
- Cash withdrawal? A convenience. But a lot of places are cash-only, so definitely check.
- They have Convenience store, Gift/souvenir shop too, so you can get a little something for yourself, or anyone else.
Important, in a slightly less organized way, the For the kids.
- Babysitting service (probably!), Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal - I'd want to know what the Kids facilities really are, too.
The Getting around.
- Airport transfer, Taxi service, Valet parking, Car park [on-site] - Sounds great.
And, finally, Available in all rooms. You can expect the typical stuff here.
- Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathtub, blackout curtains, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, extra long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, in-room safe box, internet access – LAN, internet access – wireless, iron facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, non-smoking, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, satellite/cable channels, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, telephone, toiletries, towels, wake-up service… all the essentials.
And then… Internet! Free WI-FI in all rooms! I love this. Who wants to pay extra for Wi-Fi in this day and age?
The Quirks, The Imperfections, and My Personal Breakdown (A Little)
Okay, so that buffet disaster? Well, it actually turned out okay because of one tiny detail. The staff. They were unfailingly kind, patient, and made me feel at ease. They even helped me find a suitable alternative on the menu. That's the stuff you remember, you know? That's what makes a hotel special.
And the pool with the view? Magnificent. I spent a solid two hours there, just staring at the cityscape, sipping a cocktail, and letting the world melt away. The water was the perfect temperature, and the sun was glorious. It was pure, unadulterated bliss. And the best part? No kids. Just quiet, peace, and that view.
Final Thoughts, and My Opinion (Yes, I Have One!)
The Toyo Hotel… it’s not perfect. No hotel is. There are probably quirks, little imperfections, and maybe some things I didn’t even notice. There are probably things that could be improved. But, overall, I'd rate this hotel very positively.. I loved the location, the general ambiance. It was clean, safe, and the staff were great, the food, the pool, the overall feeling of relaxation.
And now, time for a strong call to action.
Stop Scrolling. Start Dreaming. Book Your Escape to the Toyo Hotel Today!
Here’s what makes this deal irresistible:
- Unbelievable Value: Experience luxury without breaking the bank.
- Relaxation Redefined: Spa, pool, sauna… let your stress melt away.
- Impeccable Cleanliness and Safety: Relax and enjoy life.
- The Delicious Flavors of Japan: Experience the wonders of Japanese cuisine.
- Unforgettable Memories: Discover the magic of Asahikawa at the Toyo Hotel.
Don't wait! This amazing experience is waiting for you! Find yourself the perfect time to make this happen and book your stay at the Toyo Hotel now! You deserve it.
Tuscan Dream: Chic Library Apartment in Arcidosso, Italy
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sanitized, robot-generated itinerary. This is… my trip to Asahikawa, and it's gonna be gloriously messy. Prepare for emotional whiplash, digressions galore, and a whole lotta "OMG, I can't believe I did that."
Asahikawa Adventure: A Hilariously Imperfect Itinerary (for One Slightly Clumsy Human)
Hotel Basecamp: The Toyo Hotel, Asahikawa - May 12th - 18th (Because, priorities: Clean sheets and a decent sake selection)
Day 1: Arrival and Ramen-Induced Bliss (and Mild Jet Lag)
- Afternoon (May 12th): Land at Asahikawa Airport. Pray to the travel gods my luggage actually makes it. (Spoiler alert: it did! Victory!) The airport is…well, small. Cozy. I get that "small town charm" vibe straight away. Grab the airport bus to the Toyo Hotel. Seriously, though, if you’re anything like me, you’ll be battling jet lag. I felt like I was operating in the slow-motion portion of a kung fu movie.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Check in. The lobby is surprisingly… pink. Don't judge. It's charmingly pink. Dropped my bags and, fueled by sheer willpower and a desperate need for comfort, I went in search of ramen.
- Ramen Revelation: Found a place called "Ramen Village" (clever, eh?). Sat at the counter, pointed wildly at a menu (my Japanese is… enthusiastic, not good), and ended up with a bowl of miso ramen that made me weep. Seriously. Tears. The broth was a warm hug of deliciousness. The noodles…perfection. The chashu pork… I'M STILL DREAMING ABOUT IT. I ate the whole thing, slurping loudly and reveling in the utter, pure, unadulterated joy of that moment. I swear, the food was so good, I think I forgot how to be self-conscious.
- Night: Back at the hotel, crashed. My brain felt like someone had taken a cheese grater to it. Dreamed of noodles.
Day 2: The Zoo, the River, and the Impending Doom of Karaoke
- Morning: Woke up feeling… alive! Jet lag is a sneaky beast, but I conquered it. First stop: Asahikawa Zoo. I'd heard it was amazing, and well… it is. But whoa, the polar bears. Those magnificent fluffy beasts. They're just chilling, like, "Yeah, we're polar bears. So what?" Watching them swim…I could've stayed there all day. I may have even shed a tear or two at the sheer, majestic polar-bear-ness of it all.
- Lunch: Found a decent (read: edible) curry rice place near the zoo. Nothing to write home about, but fuel is fuel.
- Afternoon: Strolled along the Ishikari River. It's lovely. Serene. Made me realize how much I needed some quiet time. Took some pictures and breathed in the fresh air. Then? That's where it went downhill.
- Evening: Karaoke. Oh. My. God. My friends insisted. They knew I was too terrified to admit I was also thrilled. I tried to sing a Japanese pop song that I barely know, and the result was a mangled mess of off-key wails and utter embarrassment. Let's just say, the audience was… entertained. Mostly, I think, by my mortification. I’m pretty sure the sound of the karaoke machine almost died because of the way I was singing.
Day 3: The Art of the Unseen, and the Temptation of the Sake (and the subsequent downfall)
- Morning: The Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art. I’m not always an "art person," but it was amazing! The artists were absolutely superb. The museum was quiet, and serene. I spent at least an hour just staring at a piece, trying to figure out what the artist was really going for. I walked out feeling… enlightened.
- Lunch: Found a little izakaya (Japanese pub) for lunch. They had some lovely grilled fish. I was in heaven. This is where the sake started to become an issue.
- Afternoon: More museum-ing. Wandered around, getting more and more relaxed. Let's be honest, museums are exhausting. My feet were already starting to complain. I grabbed a coffee, but the lure of the sake was calling…
- Evening: More izakaya. More sake. I'm pretty sure my Japanese improved exponentially, at least in my drunken imagination. I met some locals. We laughed a lot. I made a complete fool of myself, attempting to dance. My friends found this endlessly amusing. I somehow managed to make it back to the hotel, still slightly upright. I can't remember much of the rest of the night, but I do remember waking up with a splitting headache and a vague sense of regret.
Day 4: Snow, Sculptures and Serenity (and my new found love of snow)
- Morning: This part is optional. I may have slept until noon. Don’t judge.
- Afternoon: Takushinkan Garden, I spent the entire afternoon there. I needed some real rest to calm my nerves.
- Evening: I went for dinner at a soba place my friend recommended. The noodles were heavenly. Their texture was perfect. It was an experience of sheer food heaven.
Day 5: The Mountain and the Misunderstanding (and the almost getting lost)
- Morning: I did a hike up Mount Taisetsu, and it was a serious test of my physical and emotional resolve. Scenery was spectacular - raw and untamed. It felt like being on the edge of the world.
- Lunch: I packed my lunch (Yay me). It was a simple bento box from the local convenience store. The joy of that meal, after a hike? Unspeakable.
- Afternoon: I wanted to go to the Asahikawa Winter Festival Museum. I, however, was absolutely terrible with directions. I ended up on completely the wrong side of town, wandering in circles, muttering to myself. This is where the language barrier really hit home. I gave up and went back to the hotel.
- Evening: I decided to stay in and have some food and some rest. I was wiped.
Day 6: Last-Minute Souvenirs and the Saddest Goodbye Ramen
- Morning: Souvenir shopping. Found a ridiculously cute snow globe for my niece. Bought far too much kit-kats (green tea flavor, of course).
- Lunch: Back to Ramen Village. This time, I ordered my favorite bowl. I savored every single delicious bite. It was the saddest, happiest ramen I've ever eaten. I was already missing this place.
- Afternoon: Packing, more packing, and the crushing realization that my trip was coming to an end. I walked around the city one last time, making mental notes of places I had to come back to.
- Evening: A quiet, reflective dinner. One last glass of Japanese beer.
Day 7: Departure
- Morning: Checked out, hugged the lovely hotel staff goodbye (seriously, incredible service!), and headed back to the airport, the same as I came.
- Departure: Heart full of memories, stomach full of ramen dreams, and a deep, abiding love for Asahikawa.
Postscript:
- I guarantee I forgot stuff. I missed things. I made a fool of myself. And I wouldn’t trade a single blurry moment. Asahikawa, you completely stole my heart.
And that is my insanely imperfect Asahikawa adventure. Hopefully, your trip will be less messy. Then again… maybe not. Embrace the chaos! It's where the best stories happen!
Hyatt Regency Chongqing: Your Luxurious Chongqing Escape Awaits!
So, like… what IS this even about? Are we, like, *talking* about something specifically? Because I haven't got a clue.
Honestly? No clue. It’s a grab bag. A messy, beautiful, chaotic grab bag of… well, *stuff*. Maybe it's the meaning of life (lol, good luck), or maybe it's just trying to figure out how the heck to fold a fitted sheet (that’s a victory in itself, trust me). This is less about being specific, and more about just, *being*. You know? And complaining. Lots of complaining.
Okay, okay, I *think* what we're trying to get at here is... the stuff we experience. The big, the small, the utterly pointless, the earth-shatteringly important. From burnt toast to existential crises. Now if you'll excuse me I have a sudden craving for burnt toast...
Okay, fine. But what's the *point*? Are we supposed to, like, *learn* something?
Learn? Learn?! Honey, if you're expecting to learn something here, you're in the wrong… *thing*. Okay, maybe a *tiny* little bit. Maybe you'll glean some wisdom. Or maybe you'll just witness my spectacular failures and think, "Well, at least I'm not *that* bad." (That's a win, people!). But the real point? There *is* no point. Except maybe to… commiserate? Misery loves company, and all that jazz.
Fine, fine. But what about… relationships? Are we gonna get into that messy territory? Because I have STORIES.
Oh, honey, you know we are. Relationships? The landmine of human existence! The joy, the pain, the sheer *absurdity* of them. I once dated a guy who collected rubber ducks, and I’m not talking a tastefully curated collection. I’m talking a *horde*. They were *everywhere*. The bathtub, the kitchen counter, even… don’t ask. Let's just say, that relationship ended faster than you can say "quack." So, yeah. We'll talk relationships. Prepare yourself.
And what about… work? 'Cause I'm pretty sure I'm allergic to it.
Work? Ugh. The bane of my existence. The thing that steals all your precious time and replaces it with… spreadsheets. (shudders) I had a job once where I had to sit in a tiny cubicle all day, listening to Kevin from accounting chew his gum with his mouth open. It was an exercise in pure, unadulterated torture. I swear, I almost walked out. Almost. But then bills. So yeah, work. We'll cringe together. We'll share stories of awful bosses and soul-crushing meetings. We’ll find solace in shared misery, that’s the plan. Maybe.
Travel! Are we hitting the road? Or is my bank account going to hate me?
Travel! Oh, travel. The siren song of adventure! The reality of delayed flights and questionable street food. Look, I love travel, but let's be real: I'm more likely to travel to the grocery store than the Maldives right now. (Rent, am I right?). But, sure, we'll talk travel. We'll dream big! We'll share travel fails (like the time I got stuck in a revolving door in Paris and was actually *yelling* "Help!"). We'll maybe even inspire each other to actually, you know, *go* somewhere. Eventually...
What about… hobbies! Do you have any? Because I spend most of my free time staring blankly at the ceiling.
Hobbies! Now, that's a tough one. I *tell* people I have hobbies. I knit, sometimes. I attempt to garden (mostly weeds). But let's be honest, my *real* hobbies are: Netflix binging, procrastination, and eating ice cream straight from the carton. Oh, and worrying. That's a big one. We'll explore the joys and frustrations of trying to be creative, and the utter soul-sucking power of comparisonitis that comes with any hobby you pick. Don't worry I'm with you. It's hard work, this 'hobby' thing. Really draining. I might need some chocolate.
Okay, fine. But what is the ONE thing you want people to get out of this? Like, the core takeaway?
If there's *one* thing, it's this: You're not alone. We're all messes. We're all stumbling through life, making mistakes, laughing at ourselves, and occasionally crying into our pillows. It's okay. It's *more* than okay. Embrace the chaos. Embrace the mess. Because it's beautiful, in its own weird way. And if you learn to laugh at the absurdity of it all, well... that's a victory in itself. Also, don't let Kevin from accounting get you down. Seriously, the gum chewing.
… and if you figure out how to fold a fitted sheet, please, for the love of all that is holy, TEACH ME YOUR SECRETS.
