Stay at Hotel Oriental Express- Nakasu Kawabata during the Cherry Blossom Season
[Five-day, four-night cherry blossom trip] A simple but heartwarming accommodation experience
For this cherry blossom trip to Japan, I chose a small hotel that is simple and low-key in style, but full of surprises. It doesn't have a luxurious lobby or 24-hour reception service, but it is this "just right" feeling of comfort that makes my journey more relaxed and enjoyable.
📍 Super convenient location, stress-free city exploration
The hotel's location is simply the "golden midpoint" - two subway stations can be reached within **5 minutes' walk**, making it super easy to go to popular cherry blossom viewing spots or find food late at night. There are also **4 convenience stores + 1 supermarket** nearby, so you don’t have to worry about having a midnight snack or replenishing daily necessities. I even found a super delicious local coffee shop!
🛏 Simple twin room, more spacious than expected
I was worried that the affordable hotel room would be cramped, but after opening the door, I unexpectedly found that the **twin room had enough space** and could even fit two suitcases. The decoration is in Japanese minimalist style, clean and tidy, the bed is moderately soft and hard, and I slept soundly every night. Although there are no fancy facilities, it has all the necessary sockets, Wi-Fi, and kettles, which is just right for a "pragmatic" traveler like me.
### **☕️ Hidden benefits: free coffee & all-you-can-drink period**
What surprised me most was that the hotel provided free coffee and alcohol during **specific hours**! Although it is not available 24 hours a day, you can grab a cup of hot coffee or a sip of red or white wine before returning to your room in the evening to instantly heal your tired feet. This unobtrusive but thoughtful little service adds a lot to the accommodation experience.
### **💁 Low-key but warm service attitude**
The receptionists here are not overly enthusiastic, but they will greet you politely with a smile and a simple greeting every time you meet them. Once I asked for recommendations for nearby cherry blossom spots, and even though they were busy, they still patiently gave me a map and marked the best spots for taking photos. This "non-intrusive but responsive" service style actually makes me feel more comfortable.
### **🌸 Conclusion: Suitable for travelers who "want to save money but don't want to compromise"**
If you are looking for the luxurious experience of a five-star hotel, this may not be the right place for you; but if you want a **clean, convenient, cost-effective** accommodation and want to enjoy your journey quietly, this hotel is definitely a smart choice. The five-day and four-night cherry blossom trip became easier and more memorable because of this small place to stay.
**Next time I come, I might still choose this place - unpretentious, but just right. ** 🌸