Richmond Hotel Morioka Ekimae

Our second stop on this East Japan trip was Morioka. The hotel is right across from the station, but I didn't dare cross the road because there was no pedestrian sidewalk. So, I took the underground passage instead. Since it was my first time there, I wasn't familiar with the area and had to carry my suitcase up the stairs. Luckily, there weren't too many steps. I actually didn't have high hopes for this hotel, but it turned out to be surprisingly good! The service was excellent, and it's conveniently connected to a Lawson convenience store; you can enter the hotel directly with your room key. I heard the breakfast was good, so I bought one day's worth to try it out. It was 2600 JPY per person, and breakfast started at 6:15 AM. The Japanese really wake up early – there was already a queue before it even opened! The single room was very spacious, and the soundproofing was excellent. The price was also very reasonable. I'll definitely choose this place again next time I'm in Morioka.

The environment: The room was surprisingly spacious, exceeding my expectations. There's a 24-hour convenience store right downstairs, and you can use your room key to enter and exit. It's also very close to the train station. Facilities: The facilities were great. They even provided free hydrating facial masks and toiletries, making it the only hotel on my trip to Japan that offered masks. Service: Breakfast was quite varied, and the floor-to-ceiling windows offered a view directly across from Morioka Station, so you could enjoy the scenery while eating. Guests staying on certain floors also had access to afternoon tea, with cakes, nuts, and drinks, and could enjoy the night view in the evening! Overall, I felt it was excellent value for money!

The room decor was average, but the bedding was really comfortable. The breakfast was absolutely amazing – you definitely have to try it! The hotel is conveniently located just east of Morioka Station, right across a small road. On the west side of Morioka Station, there's the Malios building with a free observation deck on the 20th floor. You can catch a bus to Koiwai Farm from bus stop 10 at Morioka Station; it's about a 40-minute ride and offers stunning views of snowy mountains and green pastures together.