Fukui's Hidden Gem: Prime Inn Awara - Unbelievable Japan Stay!
Fukui's Hidden Gem: Prime Inn Awara - Unbelievable Japan Stay! - A Messy, Honest Review (with a bit of SEO thrown in for good measure!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the tea on Prime Inn Awara – this supposed "hidden gem" in Fukui, Japan. Honestly? The "hidden" part is maybe a tiny overstatement, but "gem"? Yeah, absolutely. This ain't your sterile, cookie-cutter hotel experience. This is… well, this is a place I still dream about, weeks after I left. And trust me, I'm picky. Especially when it comes to Japanese hotels. They either nail it or… well, let’s just say I’ve seen some truly terrifying tatami mats.
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. (And yes, I'll try to be somewhat SEO-friendly, because, bills.)
Accessibility (and a tiny rant)
Okay, so the website claims it's good for Facilities for disabled guests. Now look, I’m thankfully not in a wheelchair, but I appreciate a hotel that thinks about it. The Elevator was a godsend, especially after a particularly long day exploring the local Shrine (more on that later). The Front Desk [24-hour] were super helpful, which is always a win. I can't fully assess for complete accessibility, but it definitely felt more thoughtful than some other places I've been.
Dining, Munchies, and the Holy Grail of Breakfast!
Okay, FOOD. This is where Prime Inn Awara really shines. Breakfast? Forget about it. It's not just Breakfast [Buffet] -- it's a culinary experience. Yes, there's the usual Breakfast [Buffet] with Asian breakfast and Western breakfast options (think fluffy pancakes and perfectly crispy bacon alongside miso soup and pickled everything). But it's the atmosphere that got me! They had the Coffee/tea in restaurant service absolutely perfected and I could have stayed there all morning. The Buffet in restaurant was always perfectly restocked. The staff were always available to serve and clean up your table. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it! They also had a Vegetarian restaurant for those who prefer it.
There’s a Poolside bar too (more on *Swimming pool [outdoor] * later!), which is perfect for a sundowner. I was also really happy with the Asian cuisine in restaurant -- they serve a fantastic ramen. They even had a Snack bar for those late-night cravings. And… (deep breath) …they have a Coffee shop! Just the Coffee/tea in restaurant alone made me feel like my money had been well spent.
And, don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the Desserts in restaurant even though I'm not really a dessert person.
Ways to Relax (and Lose Yourself!)
Okay, here's where Prime Inn Awara really gets it right. This place is designed for relaxation. They offer Massage which is a must, honestly, after all that walking. The Spa looked incredible, but I didn't get to indulge, which I deeply regret. Next time! They do a Body scrub and a Body wrap. Wow. The Spa/sauna are pure bliss. And the Sauna itself is where I spent a solid two hours one afternoon. The Steamroom is perfect for clearing your sinuses and your mind.
The Swimming pool [outdoor] is… well, it's got a Pool with view. Honestly, it's like something out of a movie. I spent an afternoon just lounging on a sunbed, staring at the scenery, and literally forgetting all my worries. It’s pure, unadulterated bliss. The Foot bath was another highlight, absolutely perfect after a day of exploring.
The Rooms: Comfort & Convenience (and That Amazing View)
Available in all rooms: This is where Prime Inn Awara really shines. The Air conditioning worked a treat (thank goodness, because Fukui can get HOT). I had a Non-smoking room (thank GOD, I’m allergic to all that!), and it was Soundproof, which meant I could actually sleep. Blackout curtains? Yes, please! Carpeting? Check. The Bathtub was deep and perfect for soaking. Free bottled water? Always appreciated! The Hair dryer, bathrobes and slippers were all perfect. The Wi-Fi [free] worked flawlessly. But, the best part? The Window that opens! Seriously, being able to breathe fresh air and listen to the sounds of nature is pure gold.
And the Desk, Laptop workspace, and Ironing facilities were much appreciated.
Cleanliness, Safety, and the COVID Conundrum
Okay, let's get real. Everyone's thinking about this. Prime Inn Awara nails it. They have Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and Staff trained in safety protocol. They've got Rooms sanitized between stays and Anti-viral cleaning products. The whole place just felt safe and clean, which gave me peace of mind. They remove Shared stationery removed to eliminate any additional spread of germs. They also offered Room sanitization opt-out available for anyone who preferred it. And, because of COVID, they offer Cashless payment service and Contactless check-in/out.
The "Things to Do" (Beyond the Hotel)
Okay, you're in Fukui. You’re not going to be bored. But let’s be real, my main "thing to do" was to soak up all that relaxation. I did venture out, though! The local Shrine I mentioned earlier? Absolutely worth a visit. (It's a short walk from the hotel.) And they had a Souvenir shop . Otherwise, I just wanted to enjoy the amenities of the hotel.
Services and Conveniences (Because Life is Easier!)
They had… well, everything. Concierge? Check. Laundry service? Check. Daily housekeeping? Double check. They also had Facilities for disabled guests, Luggage storage, and a Currency exchange. They also offer Babysitting service for those with little ones.
Getting Around (And Escaping the Tourist Traps)
They have a Car park [free of charge]! Huge bonus! They also appear to have a Taxi service. I mostly used my own legs to get around.
My One Tiny Quibble (Because Perfection Doesn't Exist)
Okay, if I had to find a fault… the Internet [LAN] in the rooms wasn't quite as fast as the Internet access – wireless, and I really needed a reliable connection for… well, you know. But the Wi-Fi [free] more than made up for it
Final Verdict and a Compelling Offer (Because You Deserve It!)
Look, Prime Inn Awara isn’t just a good hotel. It’s an experience. It’s a place where you can truly relax, recharge, and rediscover yourself. The staff are lovely, the food is fantastic, and the amenities are top-notch.
Here's what I'm saying: If you're planning a trip to Fukui and you want a stay that's more than just a place to sleep, book Prime Inn Awara. You won't regret it.
THIS IS THE DEAL!
Book a stay at Prime Inn Awara within the next month using code "FUKUIFUN" and receive:
- A complimentary welcome drink at the Poolside Bar! (That means a cocktail in paradise!)
- A voucher for a free massage! (Because you deserve it!)
- Upgrade to a room with the best view! (Because, why not?)
Seriously. Book it. Right now. You can thank me later… preferably over a glass of something delicious at the Poolside Bar.
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're about to dive headfirst into my Fukui Awara escapade. This isn't your perfectly manicured travel blog. This is the raw, unfiltered truth. The triumphs, the stumbles, the existential dread of choosing the wrong konbini sandwich… prepare yourselves.
Hotel Prime Inn Fukui Awara - My Emotional Rollercoaster Itinerary (Prepare for Chaos)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Ramen Reckoning
- 1:00 PM (Japan Time, which is a whole time zone, I swear): Landed in Fukui. Okay, dramatic intro over. The flight was… a flight. Sat next to a guy who snored like a dying walrus. Hotel Prime Inn was… functional. Clean, free Wi-Fi (hallelujah!), but felt like a business seminar was permanently in session. Everything's so… organized. My inner slob is already feeling suffocated.
- 2:00 PM: Dropped the bags and immediately, immediately, hit up the vending machine. Japan's vending machines are a national treasure, I swear. Grabbed a weirdly delicious canned coffee that tasted suspiciously like regret. Let's see if the hotel, ahem, Prime Inn, is really a prime choice.
- 3:00 PM: Walked around Awara. So far, this place is quaint. Too quaint? Am I going to be bored out of my mind? Found a park with cherry blossoms (thank God, someone's thinking of the tourists!) Tried to take a zen picture but got swooped by a flock of pigeons. Majestic.
- 6:00 PM: THE RAMEN. Oh. My. GOD. Found this tiny, ramshackle ramen shop. It was called “Ramen Chaos.” (Foreshadowing, perhaps?) The noodles were perfect, the broth was soul-stirring, and I swear, I could hear the angels singing. I almost cried. Twice. This ramen experience DEFINED my first day. I’m coming back tomorrow, and the day after that. I'm probably going to die of deliciousness.
- 7:30 PM: Walked back to the hotel, feeling gloriously fat and happy. The fluorescent lights of the Prime Inn seem less menacing now. Score one for ramen.
Day 2: Onsen Revelation and the Lost Sock Mystery
- 8:00 AM: Woke up. Slept like a baby, a very well-fed baby.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Japanese breakfast. Pickles, rice, fish… I felt like a cultural explorer. It was… interesting. Definitely an experience. I'm not sure I'll be ordering it again tomorrow.
- 10:00 AM: The Onsen. THIS is why I came. I'd always wanted to experience a Japanese hot spring and what a treat! The steaming water, the silence (mostly – there was a guy whose heavy breathing almost gave me a panic attack), the feeling of utter and complete relaxation… It was like being reborn. For about 20 minutes, and then I was too hot and panicky. Still, a solid win.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. A valiant attempt at navigating a local restaurant. Couldn't read the menu, pointed at something that looked vaguely edible, ended up with a plate of… sea urchin. Texture of snot, taste of the sea. Not my finest hour. My stomach and I went on a date.
- 1:00 PM: Realized I was missing a sock. My favourite sock, in fact. Searched everywhere. Checked the hotel room. Checked the bathroom. Checked under the bed. It. Was. Gone. The mystery of the missing sock is still unsolved.
- 2:00 PM: Decided to visit the Tojinbo cliffs. The cliffs were, frankly, spectacular. The ocean crashed against the rocks, and I felt a dizzying mix of awe and existential dread. I’m pretty sure I saw a ghost of a seagull. Probably.
- 4:00 PM: Tried, and failed, to buy a snow cone. The woman in the store didn't speak English, and my Japanese is limited to "hello" and "thank you". It was a comedy of errors. Managed to get a bottle of water. Success.
- 6:00 PM: Back to “Ramen Chaos”. This time, I knew what I was ordering. This time, I took pictures. This time, I wept. I'm convinced the chef is a wizard. I am a devoted follower.
Day 3: The Fukui Dinosaur Museum and the Sad Goodbye
- 9:00 AM: Ditch the Prime Inn breakfast and grab a convenience store cream bun. So good, yet so unhealthy. Priorities.
- 10:00 AM: The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum! Okay, this was actually amazing. Full disclosure: I’m a total dinosaur nerd. The skeletons, the exhibits, the sheer scale of the things… mind blown. Spent three hours wandering around, feeling like a kid again. Note to self: bring more comfortable shoes next time.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at the museum cafeteria. The food was surprisingly good. Got a dinosaur-shaped rice ball. Am now seriously wondering if I was in a fever dream this whole time.
- 2:00 PM: Wandered around the park nearby the museum. It was a nice chill moment.
- 4:00 PM: Packing. Packing is hard. The missing sock still mocks me.
- 5:00 PM: One last ramen pilgrimage. One last, glorious, tear-inducing bowl of ramen. Goodbye “Ramen Chaos”. You have forever changed my life.
- 7:00 PM: Heading to a train station. The hotel felt like a prison, and I'm glad to leave. Adios, Prime Inn!
- 8:00 PM: Boarding the train. Saying goodbye to Fukui. Sadness is real. But the ramen memories? Undelible. Never forget.
Post-Trip Ramblings:
So, yeah. Fukui. It was… something. The Prime Inn, the ramen, the onsen experience, the dinosaur. It was a bit messy, a bit imperfect, and a whole lot of wonderful. Would I go back? Absolutely. Will I search for the lost sock? You bet your sweet bippy I will. Would I recommend it? Yes, but be prepared for a rollercoaster. And for the love of all that is holy, find me the chef at “Ramen Chaos.” I need to thank him.
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Okay, so Prime Inn Awara... what's the *deal*? Sound like a cheesy tourism ad. Is it actually good?
Alright, alright, settle down. You know I *hate* those overly-slick travel brochures. But honestly? Prime Inn Awara… it's… unexpectedly good. Let's just say my expectations were lower than the price tag (which, by the way, is a steal!). I was expecting a budget-friendly place, maybe a bit rough around the edges. But the reality hits different! This place is no five-star hotel, but honestly? It’s far more interesting.
What's up with the location? Is it actually "hidden gem" status?
Here's the thing about "hidden gems": they're never *that* hidden, right? Awara Onsen is pretty renowned – a big draw. So, the hidden gem status is more about *this specific inn* than the town itself. The location is great! Close to the main drag, a short walk to the train. I was worried about noise initially, but nope! It was quiet. Super quiet during the night. Perfect for someone needing to catch up on some serious sleep because I had a long day before coming to Awara.
What are the rooms like? Are we talking tiny, cramped spaces?
Okay, listen, I’m a sucker for space, but seriously, it's Japan, so you're not getting a ballroom. But they weren't *awful*! The rooms were clean, surprisingly spacious for the price. I stayed in a Western-style room (because, frankly, I'm not sure I can handle sleeping on a futon – call me a wimp), and it was perfectly functional. It really depends on your requirements. If you're expecting a four-poster bed and a walk-in closet... adjust your expectations. But honestly, considering the cost? More than decent.
Tell me about the onsen (hot spring) – is it worth the hype?
The onsen… *that's* where Prime Inn really shines. It's fantastic! The water is perfectly hot, so relaxing. It’s what you're there for, right? It's not the biggest onsen I've ever seen, it is the best. The outdoor bath... oh, the outdoor bath! Sitting there under the stars, the steam rising... it's magic. Be warned: you gotta get used to the whole naked-bathing thing. Which, for a shy person like me, was initially mortifying. But hey, you get over it and relax your body away.
Anything else I should know about amenities? What about Wi-Fi and laundry?
Wi-Fi: Yes! And it worked, which is a small miracle in some places. Laundry: Also yes! Thank goodness because I had packed *way* too little. The machines were easy to use... even with my shaky Japanese. It's the little things, folks. The little things.
What about food? Is breakfast included? And is it any good?
Breakfast *is* included, and it's… well, it's a Japanese breakfast. Which means rice, miso soup, some fish, pickles, and maybe a weird, gelatinous thing I couldn’t identify. Honestly? I’m not a huge breakfast person to begin with, but it wasn’t bad. The portions were decent. You won't starve. Seriously, it's fine! And if food is not your thing, there are plenty of shops nearby.
Any restaurant recommendations near the inn? (Because I might skip the included breakfast.)
Ok, so you're thinking about ditching the breakfast? Smart move! There's a little ramen place down the street. Oh, it was the best ramen I've ever had. The broth was something else. I think it's called "Ramen Heaven" or something equally dramatic. Be prepared to wait, though. It's popular, obviously. The other option is to explore the town. Awara has several restaurants. You can explore and choose the perfect place for you.
What's the staff like? Are they friendly, helpful, or just… there?
The staff? Wonderful! Seriously, incredibly helpful. I had a minor issue with my room – nothing major, just a wonky air conditioner. Within seconds, they were on it, problem solved. Their English wasn't perfect (and my Japanese is, well, non-existent), but we managed. They were all kind, welcoming and full of smiles. Makes a big difference, honestly. I did have one moment, when trying to work out the vending machines, a staff member just took me to the side and tried to help me pick the right items. These small things make your stay a great experience.
Are there any downsides? Any things I should be aware of before booking?
Okay, let's be honest. It's not the Ritz. Things to consider? Firstly: it's not the flashiest place. If you are expecting ultra-modern… well, you'll be disappointed. Secondly, the rooms aren't soundproof. I did hear the occasional late-night reveler (or snoring neighbor). Finally, if you have mobility issues, be aware there might be some stairs. These are very minor things, though. For the price and for the location, it’s totally worth it.
Okay, you've sold me. What's the *one* thing I absolutely MUST do while staying there?
This is easy: Go to the outdoor onsen *at night*. Seriously. After dinner, when the stars are out, and the air is crisp. Laying back in the warm water under a blanket of stars, with the sounds of the evening around you... It's pure bliss. I actually teared up a little. Don't judge me! That's the moment I understood why they called this place a "hidden gem." It's that simple, perfect moment. It was just… *beautiful*. Then I went and ate a whole box of ice cream.
