Urashima Inn: Escape to Japan's Hidden Gem in Onomichi!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive deep into a review of (Hotel Name) - not the polished, PR-approved version, but the real deal. I'm talking warts and all, because let's be honest, who wants perfection? We want experience. And boy, did I get one.
First, Let's Talk Accessibility, 'Cause This is Important, Folks!
Okay, so accessibility. (Hotel Name) claims to be accessible. And I'm going to lay it out because its crucial to know. First things first, Wheelchair accessible: They have a decent attempt. Elevators are present (thank God, because I'm not climbing a mountain of stairs, unless it's for the view, which we'll get to later.) The hotel looked okay, but I didn't have my wheelchair with me so I am unable to say for certain.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Ugh. I didn't get to scope them out, and I hate to say that.
Internet, Oh Internet! The Lifeblood of the Modern Traveler!
The good news: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and they repeat this!! That's music to any digital nomads ear. The speed? Well, let's just say it wasn't lightning. I'm going to be real. I'm a gamer, and it wasn't great. But for basic browsing, texting, or even video calls (if you're patient), it's workable. The Internet [LAN] option? Yeah, I didn't even check that out. Who uses LAN anymore? Internet services overall – probably an area they could improve upon, but the free Wi-Fi is a huge plus. Wi-Fi in public areas: Worked just like in my room, but the signal was stronger. All in all, not the worst and not the best.
Cleanliness and…Safety? Let's See…
They really take Cleanliness seriously. From what I saw, things were sparkling. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Room sanitization opt-out available (huh, interesting!). They've got the whole COVID-19 thing down. Hot water linen and laundry washing (essential!) Hygiene certification – check. Individually-wrapped food options? Yep. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? They try, but people are people, right? Professional-grade sanitizing services? I'm guessing so. The Rooms sanitized between stays – yup. Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, and Staff trained in safety protocol? Looks like it. They've adapted. Sterilizing equipment? Probably behind the scenes. And don't forget your Hand sanitizer. They put it everywhere. The First aid kit gives me a sense of security.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Kryptonite!
Okay, this is where things get interesting. The restaurants are plentiful. They have them all! A la carte in restaurant? Sure! Alternative meal arrangement? Definitely. Asian breakfast? Yes, please! (More on that later). Asian cuisine in restaurant? Absolutely. Bar? Several. Bottle of water? Always provided. Breakfast [buffet]? Yes! Breakfast service? Yep. Buffet in restaurant? Yup. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Unlimited. Coffee shop? Also yes. Desserts in restaurant? Oh, yes. Happy hour? You bet. International cuisine in restaurant? Yep. Poolside bar? Essential. Room service [24-hour]? Screams of joy. Salad in restaurant? They have them. Snack bar? Located just where you need them. Soup in restaurant? Yup. Vegetarian restaurant? Probably will, you are in Asia. Western breakfast? Yes. Western cuisine in restaurant? Sure!
The Asian breakfast: OH. MY. GOD. Don't get me wrong, I love my bacon and eggs, but this… this was an experience. A glorious, spicy, fragrant explosion of flavors that jolted me awake better than any double shot of espresso. I have zero idea what half of it was, but I ate it all. Twice. There was sticky rice, and a chili paste that set my tongue on fire, and… well, I could go on forever. This should be your first reason to go.
Ways to Relax (Or, How I Tried to Escape Reality)
Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Spa, Spa/sauna and Steamroom? They have them all. Pool with view? You bet. Sauna? Yup. Swimming pool? Multiple. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Absolutely. Gym/fitness? Of course. Fitness center? They do have them, I'm not sure I even looked, I was too busy eating and the pool.
The Spa, I spent half a day in there. I got a massage. It was… divine. I was so relaxed, I almost didn’t care the world was ending. I think I fell asleep mid-massage. I woke up smelling like lemongrass and feeling like a limp noodle. 10/10 would recommend.
Things to Do (Besides Eating and Getting Massaged):
Okay, so besides stuffing my face and being pampered, there's stuff to do. (Hotel Name) is a bit of a hub. They have Air conditioning in public area. Audio-visual equipment for special events. Business facilities? Yep. Cash withdrawal? Of course. Concierge? Present and helpful. Contactless check-in/out? Check. Convenience store? Always useful. Currency exchange? Yup. Daily housekeeping? Absolutely. Doorman? Yes. Dry cleaning? Yes. Elevator? Yes. Essential condiments? Always. Facilities for disabled guests? Check. Food delivery? Yup. Gift/souvenir shop? Check. Indoor venue for special events? They have them. Invoice provided? For sure. Ironing service? Yes. Laundry service? You know it. Luggage storage? Yup. Meeting/banquet facilities? Absolutely. Meetings. They do those too. Meeting stationery? Sure. On-site event hosting? Yes. Outdoor venue for special events? They have those. Projector/LED display. Seminars? I'm sure. Shrine. Interesting. Smoking area. Smarter. Terrace. Always. Wi-Fi for special events? You got it. Xerox/fax in business center? Yes.
They're also close to everything. If you want to get out and explore, it is set up for doing that.
For the Kids, or… Well, Anyone Who Still Has Some Sense of Wonder
Babysitting service. Family/child friendly. Kids facilities. Kids meal. They pretty much have them all.
Services and Conveniences: The Nitty Gritty
Airport transfer? Yes. Bicycle parking? Why not? Car park [free of charge]? Yup! Car park [on-site]? Definitely. Car power charging station? Don't know. Taxi service? Yes. Valet parking? Yup. Cashless payment service? Yes! Doctor/nurse on call. Front desk [24-hour]. Invoice provided. Luggage storage. Safety deposit boxes. Security [24-hour].
Available in All Rooms: The Bare Essentials (and a Few Perks)
Additional toilet? Nope. Air conditioning? Essential. Alarm clock? Check. Bathrobes? Yup. Bathroom phone? Why? Bathtub? Yes. Blackout curtains? Thank goodness. Carpeting? Yup. Closet? Yup. Coffee/tea maker? YES. Complimentary tea? Yay. Daily housekeeping? Yup. Desk? Yup. Extra long bed? Maybe. Free bottled water? Always. Hair dryer? Yes. High floor? Might be a plus if you're into views. In-room safe box? Yes. Interconnecting room(s) available? Probably, you'll have to ask. Internet access – LAN. Internet access – wireless. Ironing facilities? Yes. Laptop workspace? Yes. Linens? Yup. Mini bar?
KL Bungalow Sleeps 20! HUGE Comfy Paradise Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's pristine travel itinerary. This is me, raw, unfiltered, and about to drown in the beauty of Urashima Inn Gangi in Onomichi, Japan. Emphasis on "drown" because I'm already feeling the emotional tsunami of this trip.
URASHIMA INN GANGI: ONOMICH-TOWN OF DREAMS (AND POTENTIALLY, MY TEARS)
DAY 1: THE ARRIVAL AND THE (SLIGHTLY PANICKED) SETTLING IN
- 1:00 PM: Train from Hiroshima to Onomichi. (Note to self: pack a good book. And maybe a stress ball, because train travel always triggers my latent anxiety about missing stops. Ugh.)
- An Unexpected Bump in the Road: Okay, the train… it was packed. Like, sardines-in-a-can packed. Apparently, everyone else in Hiroshima also decided to escape to Onomichi. My carefully curated calm shattered as I realized I don't speak Japanese, and also that I couldn’t even see the damn toilet in case I needed it. My stomach did a little flip, and I knew I was already in the thick of it.
- 2:00 PM: Arrive Onomichi Station
- The First Glimmer: The moment I stepped off the train, a wave of something delicious hit me – a salty, fishy, and strangely comforting scent. The air itself felt different, gentler. The town greeted me with a sigh of relief, as if to say, "You're finally here."
- 2:30 PM: Ferry to Urashima.
- The Great Ferry Adventure: Remember that romantic vision of gliding gracefully across the water? Yeah, scratch that. It was a tiny, slightly rickety ferry. The water slapped against the sides, and the engine coughed in ways that made me pray the boat wasn't about to become a submarine. But… and you know what? Beautiful. The water sparkled, the islands dotted the horizon, and the ferryman gave me a little wave as he puttered away.
- 3:00 PM: Check-in at Urashima Inn Gangi.
- The Room of Zen (and My Emotional Collapse): Holy. Mother. Of. God. The room. The ocean view. The smell of fresh tatami mats. It was a direct punch to my soul. I nearly cried. Seriously. It was the kind of room that whispers, "You deserve this." (Which I desperately needed to hear.) I spent a solid thirty minutes just staring out the window, a mix of awe and sheer terror at the beauty.
- 4:00 PM: Explore the Inn and surrounding area.
- Wandering and Wondering: Wandering around was heaven. The inn itself is a work of art. Stone pathways, tiny gardens, hidden nooks… I felt like I'd stumbled into a Miyazaki film.
- 7:00 PM: First Dinner at the Inn - Kaiseki
- Kaiseki and Existentialism: The Kaiseki dinner. Oh. My. Lord. Course after course of artfully arranged, tiny, exquisite bites. I didn't recognize half of it, but it was all delicious. The presentation was so beautiful, I almost didn't want to eat it. Almost. Then the waiter's smile told me to just let go and enjoy it. I found myself thinking about the meaning of life between bites of perfectly grilled fish. This is what they call a Zen Moment? I suddenly felt a profound connection.
DAY 2: CYCLING, CATS, AND CONTEMPLATION (PLUS A NEAR-DISASTER)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the Inn.
- A Day of Fuel: Breakfast was a simple, delicious affair.
- 10:00 AM: Bicycle adventure along the Shimanami Kaido.
- The Shimanami Kaido… A Love Story (and a Few Close Calls): This cycling route is supposed to be legendary. And it is. The bridges! The views! The salty, wind-whipped air! I felt absolutely alive. Then, while admiring the view, I very nearly careened off one end of a bridge because my brakes are apparently made of chocolate. Nearly had a heart attack. But the adrenaline was kind of fantastic. I have never sweated so hard.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a local café.
- Fuel Up or Faceplant? Found a little cafe, not sure if it was the adrenaline, but the food tasted the best. Ramen so good, I'm getting emotional just thinking about it.
- 2:00 PM: Wandering around Onomichi Old Town.
- Cats, Clanging Bells, and a Quiet Moment: Onomichi is famous for its cats. And they are EVERYWHERE. Sunning themselves on walls, weaving through alleyways, judging me with their feline superiority. I spent ages just wandering, soaking up the atmosphere. I found a little temple, where I wrote down the names of loved ones who were gone. I felt a deep sense of peace.
- 4:00 PM: Back to Urashima Inn Gangi, relax in the Onsen.
- The Onsen Experience: Ah, the Onsen. The hot springs, the nakedness, the quiet… it's an assault on the senses, in the best way possible. You strip, you sweat, you soak. By the end, I felt like I'd been reborn. This could become a dangerous obsession.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the Inn (another Kaiseki!)
- Farewell Dinner: One last Kaiseki dinner. Tears were definitely shed. I felt so peaceful after dinner and the hot springs I went in and just sat on the deck.
DAY 3: DEPARTURE (AND A BITTER-SWEET FAREWELL)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the Inn.
- The Last Bite of Heaven: Another breakfast, even better than the last, if it was possible. I savor every single moment.
- 10:00 AM: Final Exploration of the Inn and Surrounding View.
- Memories and Goodbyes: Strolled around the Inn (again), savoring the last moments of peace. I'm already missing the ocean, the quiet, the… everything. I feel like I'm leaving a piece of my heart behind.
- 11:00 AM: Check out.
- Goodbye to Paradise: Saying goodbye was difficult. I felt a deep sense of gratitude and sadness. I promised myself I'd return.
- 11:30 AM: Ferry to Onomichi Station.
- The Ferry Home: The ferry ride back to the city felt especially poignant.
- 1:00 PM: Train to Hiroshima
- The Long Ride Home: The train ride was long, crowded, and felt like a comedown. But I had my memories, and they were enough.
FINAL THOUGHTS (OR, THE MESSY AFTERMATH)
This trip wasn't perfect. I got lost, nearly died on a bicycle, and probably embarassed myself at least a dozen times. But it was real. It was messy. It was beautiful. It was honest. And I will never, ever forget it. It was a deeply moving experience, and there were a lot of emotions. I wasn't ready to leave. I really felt a deep connection. I will never forget the experience. You should go. Seriously, get your ass to Urashima Inn Gangi. You won't regret it. But pack tissues. You're gonna need 'em.
Cappadocia's Hidden Gem: Taskonak Hotel Goreme - Unforgettable Turkey Experience
So what *is* this whole "FAQ" thing even about? Like, what are we *really* doing here?
Ugh, good question. Honestly, I’m not entirely sure. It started out as a way to, you know, answer your questions. You know, the usual suspects. But then… well, then things got weird. This whole “FAQ” thing morphed into a kind of… therapy session? A public diary? A chance to rant about the universe? Maybe all of the above! My goal? To share what I've learned (the hard way, naturally) and keep my sanity hopefully. The real goal is to show you, in real time, just how messy it can all be.
Wait, you're *making* the FAQs? Aren't we supposed to get the answers, like, from some *expert*?!
Expert? Ha! Honey, if I were an expert in anything beyond making a *total* mess of things, I'd be, like, sipping cocktails on a beach somewhere. No. I'm just… me. A human. Flawed, opinionated, prone to dramatic sighs, and fueled by caffeine. So, if you're looking for perfectly polished, data-driven answers, you've come to the WRONG place. If you want a dose of real, you’re in the right place. Think of me as your slightly unhinged, but ultimately well-meaning, guide through the chaos.
Okay, okay… so what *kind* of questions can I expect? Like, what topics are we covering here?
Oh, darling, the possibilities are *endless*. Think of this as a cosmic buffet of information! The very broad categories are life, the universe, and everything (though I don’t always feel like there are categories). If you need something more specific, think love, loss, existential crises, the best way to eat a slice of pizza (controversial, I know!), why cats are secretly plotting world domination, and basically everything else that pops into my swirling, slightly neurotic brain. Honestly? It's ANYTHING I find interesting at the minute, so get ready for some wild rides.
Will you, like, *always* be honest? Because sometimes, that can be… a lot.
Honest? Oh, honey, honesty is my middle name (it's actually "Marie," but that's beside the point!). I’m going to try to be brutally, embarrassingly, sometimes *painfully* honest. I mean, I *try*. Life is complicated, and sometimes I just NEED a lie. But mostly, yeah, I'll lay it all out there, warts and all (and believe me, there are plenty of warts!). I’m a firm believer that a little vulnerability goes a long way. And besides, where's the fun in pretending everything is perfect? And if I slip up and tell a white lie? Well, welcome to the human race. Apologies in advance.
What about controversial topics? Are you going to shy away from those?
Controversial? Oh, bring 'em on! I relish a good debate! Okay, maybe "relish" is too strong a word. Let's say I'm… *intrigued* by controversial topics. I won't promise to be "neutral" (because let’s face it, who *is* neutral?) but I'll try to approach things with an open mind… and a healthy dose of skepticism. My goal is to explore different perspectives, even the ones that make my blood boil a little. Look, I have opinions, and I'm happy to share them. But I'm also happy to be challenged and to learn from others. The most important aspect is to question EVERYTHING.
What if I disagree with you? Like, *really* disagree?
Disagreement? My dear, *that's* what makes the world go 'round! Seriously! Please, disagree! Argue! Challenge me! Call me out! I'm not looking for a bunch of yes-people nodding in agreement. Disagreement is how we grow, how we learn, how we push boundaries. Just, you know, try to be respectful. And maybe bring snacks. Disagreements are way more fun with snacks. Especially chocolate.
Okay, this is still vague. Can you give me some examples of the *types* of things you'll be talking about? Like, specifics?
Alright, alright, I hear you. Let's get concrete. Right now, the biggest thing on my mind is… well, you know what? Let's go deep on this one. This is going to be a long one, sorry.
I’m obsessed with the art of letting go. And I DO mean obsessed. It’s not the cliché “Letting go of toxic relationships” stuff, though that *is* important. No. Recently I had to let go of… my favorite coffee mug. Seriously. I know, *tragic*, right? It was this amazing, oversized, slightly chipped mug. The perfect shape, the perfect weight. It held precisely the right amount of caffeine to fuel my creative endeavors (okay, and to just, like, get me through the day). The handle felt smooth against my knuckles. I LOVED that mug. I had it for years!
My heart broke when I opened the cupboard and it was gone – the mug had been broken. Shattered. It seemed dramatic, I know, but the whole thing made me realize how attached I get to…things. And not just things. Ideas, expectations, even the tiny habits that form our day-to-day lives. And it hit me: letting go of *anything* is HARD. That mug, the feeling of it heating my hands every morning, the way the lip felt against my mouth… it had been a part of my routine, my identity. It was a tiny, insignificant object, but in its absence, I felt a void.
It's like, why is it so hard to just…release? Why do we cling so tightly? I think it's because letting go feels… final. It feels like a loss. It's about that tiny voice inside that says, "But what if…?". And that "what if" is a tricky, sneaky little thing. It whispers about regrets, about missed opportunities, about the fear of the unknown. It feeds on our insecurities and our attachments.
This mug episode made me really question everything. Our habits, our relationships, the stuff we keep.
I'm not there yet on "easy-peasy" letting go, that is for sure. What I would do is try to accept them, and then move on. It is a work in progress. I'm in the process now of trying to let go of the belief that I *need* to control everything. Talk about a challenge!
So, that’s the kind of thing… the emotional baggage and the tiny things. And on top of the "big" subjects, I'll also be delving into thingsCozy Stay Spot
