Mitsui Garden Hotel Kumamoto

Kumamoto is Kumamon's hometown, and the hotel is filled with Kumamon-themed elements. Check-in was very convenient, and the hotel offers great value for money. Kumamoto is also quite a retro city, with a very old-school feel. My trip was a bit rushed, so there were many places I didn't get to see, but the hotel was excellent.

This was my second stay here. The room is really only suitable for one person; it would be quite cramped for two. The hotel's location is excellent, right next to the shopping street. It's also very close to the Kumamoto City tram station, and a taxi to Kumamoto Station isn't expensive, costing around 1200 yen. In the distance, outside the window, you can see a park, which looks especially beautiful in the morning.

Overall, a great experience with good value for money. There's a shopping mall right next door, and plenty of restaurants within a few hundred meters, like Katsuretsu Tei and Isomaru Suisan. The soundproofing is good; it might also be that the neighbors were quiet, as I didn't hear any noise. The window soundproofing was also excellent. The Kumamon themed room was super cute and I was very satisfied!

Facilities: The room wasn't huge, but it had everything we needed. Cleanliness: Very clean, no hidden dusty spots. Service: The service was excellent. I accidentally booked a smoking room, but the front desk immediately switched us to a non-smoking one when I mentioned it. Environment: The area was quite quiet, even though it's right near the bustling Kamitori and Shimotori arcade, which has plenty of dining and shopping options. Location: It's a bit of a distance from Kumamoto Station. The closest tram stop is Karashimacho, and it's just across the street from the Sakuramachi Bus Terminal.