Kokura is about 1 hour by limited express train from Hakata (Fukuoka) and just 10 minutes from Yamaguchi prefecture’s Shimonoseki city. Here you’ll find interesting sightseeing spots like the nostalgic retro-style Mojiko Port or the beautiful old residence of the merchant Ito Denemon which was featured in a popular TV series.
Kokura is not as busy as Hakata during the New Year holidays, so you can spend some leisurely time here. Let me introduce you Rihga Royal Hotel Kokura located in front of Kokura Station. This is where you can experience a luxurious New Year holiday.
Kokura’s landmark, the high rising Rihga Royal Hotel Kokura!
Rihga Royal Hotel Kokura rises just across Kokura Station’s north exit. It’s a rather high and impressive building for such a small city. The contrast with the blue sky is stunning and this hotel has turned into one of Kokura’s symbols.
Around New Year many tourists come to Kokura to spend some time at Mojiko Port or Space World theme park, to buy New Year meal products from Tanga Market or eat local food. Kokura may not be the most famous sightseeing spot, but it’s definitely worth visiting.
The magnificent night view from Rihga Royal Hotel Kokura!
The three best night views in Japan are Hakodate, Kobe and Nagasaki, but in 2013 a new list with the “new best night views” was released by an NPO selection committee.
The new three best night views are: - Fukuoka prefecture’s Kitakyushu city as seen from Mt Sarakura - Nara prefecture’s Nara city as seen from Mt Wakakusa - Yamanashi prefecture’s Kofu basin as seen from Fuefukigawa Fruits Park
All of these seem less famous but for now please focus on the fact that Kitakyushu’s night view was considered one of the best among 100 night views in Japan. Although the selection committee chose the view from Mt Sarakura, the panorama from Rihga Royal Hotel Kokura is just as beautiful!
Book one of the rooms on the top floor and spend some romantic time watching the breathtaking night view.
Delicious fried seafood and luxurious room service which includes “toshikoshi soba”
When traveling for New Year, most people decide to visit some countdown events in the vicinity so they usually only book a simple room with a bed and a bathroom. But another suggestion is to spend the New Year at Rihga Royal Hotel Kokura and order “toshikoshi soba” (traditional New Year noodles) as a room service. It will be served with large fried pieces of seafood and vegetables. Make sure you have space for this great treat after your dinner.
The breakfast is a traditional New Year meal
And the New Year comes. It’s not often that you welcome it in a city hotel. Since it’s the first day of the year, the breakfast in Rihga Royal Hotel Kokura consists of traditional Japanese New Year dishes. How great is that for a breakfast buffet! You can take as much as you want, but I recommend going elegant and trying a little bit of everything.
Conclusion
Have you ever spent the New Year in a city hotel? The accommodation fee at Rihga Royal Hotel Kokura is quite reasonable and similar to other city hotels. After the delicious New Year breakfast you can go to Izutsuya department store across the street for the first bargain sale of the year.
By the way, there is also a race track in Kokura and a top-class sushi restaurant (“Tenzushi Kyomachi”) which the famous Japanese jockey Take Yutaka praises as the best in Japan. It’s a luxurious restaurant and it’s closed during New Year, but if you visit Kokura in another time of the year, be sure to stop by.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
-
-
-
-
-
Top 8 Recommended Spots To Visit Near Hakata StationTrip101 Editorial -
Create an account to