Rilakkuma Obsessed

This post is about a side trip we had to Ureshino during our time in Nagasaki.

We had built the trip mainly around Nagasaki, but hubby couldn’t resist exploring this little Onsen town situated in a tea-growing region.

From the train station, we had to walk to the hotel. It seemed like a very rural, small town. There wasn’t much to speak of in terms of sidewalks for most of the way, especially sidewalks that were built to handle suitcase wheels. Some gravel and cobblestones made it challenging to roll our suitcases the whole way. I’d recommend arranging a taxi if you decide to go.

Although the walk was slightly challenging, as usual with walks, we had a great time sightseeing. You can really feel out the vibes of the area by walking. We also came across a bakery that we stopped at for a break, and the owners were so friendly. They gave us a sample and talked story with us for a bit. I ended up getting gifts for my coworkers there.

There were lots of retro, antique signs still up on walls as we walked past, and an outdoor magazine stand outside of a shop.

Some of the buildings we came across had an abandoned vibe, and it reminded me of a town that had seen more popular days with more tourism that has since seen a decline in visitors.

We passed by a shrine, a foot bath and what seemed to be some more “downtown” action.

Some of the streets we navigated were so narrow, we had to pull over to let trucks pass by.

When we found the hotel, I thought the outside of it looks so retro:

The lobby was spacious, the staff were very friendly and helpful, and there was a lounge with free coffee/tea/lemon water. The place was large – it felt like a luxury onsen hotel, but we didn’t pay luxury prices in terms of what we are accustomed to in Hawai’i ( we only paid $100 per night). You would also think that during Fall, the place would be bustling and fully booked, but it didn’t seem like it was full. Ureshino is in Saga prefecture, which my hubby said is one of the least-visited prefectures in Japan.

The lounge had a section where you could pick out a different yukata, and a shelf where you could stock up on amenities (“service” items) like tabi socks, toothbrush/hygiene items, etc.

When we got up to the room, the outside was built to feel like a traditional entrance:

The room inside had an entryway to keep your shoes and luggage, and the rest of the room was tatami with low table/chairs and a closet that held a futon and comforter.

After settling into the room and trying the traditional snacks they had left us, we went for a walk around town again to enjoy the Fall air.

It was such a quaint town, very residential. We happened upon a restaurant that seemed popular, and offered hot tofu soup that my hubby was very excited to try.

The food blew our socks off, and I ended up having some hot sake with it. Was so nice since it was chilly outside.

We wandered a bit more to walk off the food, and I really enjoyed looking at all the older buildings and residences.

We came across a plaza with a foot bath and other onsen facilities around town.

There was a river that ran through town as well.

The bakeries in town were delicious:

The next day had us BACK at the same restaurant for lunch again – we couldn’t stay away, it was SO good!!

I want to take some time to show you the onsen situation at our hotel! Here are some pictures from when you get off the elevator on the “onsen” floor. There are great views of the town and mountains behind it.

Here is a video of what the “rest area” outside of the men’s and women’s onsen entrances was like – there was even a freezer with free popsicles to take:

We found footbaths and pedestrian bridges…

Interesting shrines and torii…

Cute, local restaurants with delicious food… until we had to say “aloha” and catch our flight back to our home from Fukuoka.

Fukuoka was all decked out for the holidays, it was very bright!!

I wouldn’t say no to visiting Ureshino again – it’s a great option for those who prefer a small-town vibe, slower pace, love tea and teaware, and onsen! 🙂