Kagoshima's BEST Hotel? APA Hotel Kagoshima-Chuo-Ekimae Review!
Okay, buckle up, because we're diving headfirst into the APA Hotel Kagoshima-Chuo-Ekimae. Forget the sanitized, corporate drivel – this is the real deal. Think of it as your insider's guide, warts and all. And believe me, there are warts. But also, some glorious golden nuggets.
First Impressions: The Arrival & Accessibility – Okay, Let's Get This Out of the Way
Right, so, accessibility. Important stuff. And here, APA kind of delivers, but with caveats. The location? BANG ON. Right by Kagoshima-Chuo Station, which is basically the central nervous system of the city. Fantastic for getting around, no problem. They do mention facilities for disabled guests, and there's an elevator (phew!), which is vital. BUT, and this is a big but, I've been in hotels that really prioritize accessibility, and this isn't quite that level. More research is needed if you require high accessibility - better to call ahead and confirm. That said, getting your luggage to the room SHOULD be painless.
Rooms: The Good, The Bad, and the Really Tiny
Let's be honest, APA hotels are known for their… let's call it "efficient" use of space. My room? Cozy. Miniature, even. Think less "palatial suite" and more "cleverly designed shoebox." But you know what? I actually loved it. The bed was surprisingly comfy (extra long, hallelujah!), the blackout curtains were a godsend (especially after a day exploring Sakurajima!), and the air conditioning? Glorious. Absolutely essential.
- In-room essentials: Yeah, they’ve got the basics: a decent shower, a safe box, even an iron (thank god!). Free wifi (yes!) is a must, and the LAN? Probably still exists somewhere in the room (I didn’t look). The little amenities (like bathrobes, slippers) are nice little touches.
- The Weird Stuff: The bathroom has a phone. A bathroom phone. Does anyone actually use those anymore? The toilet was… Japanese. If you know, you know. (And if you don’t, you will soon enough!).
- Cleaning: The cleaning was very good. The room was cleaned daily. There is also the option to opt out of room sanitization. The aircon was perfect.
Internet & Connectivity: Staying Connected (or Not Really, Sometimes)
Free Wi-Fi in the rooms is a HUGE win. I mean, come on, it's 2024. The internet was… okay. Sometimes blazing fast, sometimes… well, buffering. The LAN access likely works better, if you’re like me (old school or needing to get a lot of work done).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure
Okay, let's talk food. This is where things get interesting.
- Breakfast Buffet (Buffet in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast): The breakfast buffet was… well, buffet-y. A mix of Japanese and Western options. Okay but nothing to write home about. The Asian breakfast was pretty standard. The western breakfast was… okay. I got my fix but it was nothing special. Not bad for a quick bite before exploring Sakurajima.
- Restaurants (Restaurants, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant): They have restaurants. I ate in one, and it was decent.
- Snacks & drinks (Coffee/tea in restaurant, Bottle of water, Snack bar): There is a coffee shop and snack bar. Don’t expect some Michelin star dining.
Things to Do (or Not Do): Relaxation and Recreation – Limited but Present
Now, this is where APA hotels really fall flat. Don’t expect a resort experience.
- Fitness Center: There is a fitness center. I don't work out on vacation so I did not see it. Its probably fine.
- Other Relaxation (Spa/sauna): No sauna. No pool. No spa. Nothing really. Maybe its a good thing.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure (Most of the Time)
I actually felt pretty safe.
- Safety First: The staff seemed good, and security was well maintained, The fire extinguishers were present.
- Extra Safety: They take cleaning seriously. The sanitizing and hygiene certs are good. Everything feels clean.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
The hotel is decent. They have:
- Front Desk (Doorman, Front desk [24-hour], Concierge): The staff were excellent.
- Facilities (Elevator, Luggage storage, Cash withdrawal, Convenience store, Laundry service): All very handy!
- Other Services: Dry cleaning and ironing service are available.
For the Kids: Forget About It
Okay, look, APA hotels aren't really designed for families. There are no kids activities or facilities.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
- Location, Location, Location (Airport transfer): The hotel is conveniently located for getting around the city. Airport transfers were available. The train station is a stone’s throw away.
My Anecdote: The Perfect Storm of Exhaustion and Karaoke (Sort Of)
Okay, so here’s my personal experience. I arrived at the hotel absolutely wrecked after a long travel day. I’m talking zombie mode. I just wanted to shower, crash and prepare for the next day exploring the city. The room was small, but perfect for what I needed. After a quick shower, I was out like a light.
The Verdict: Is APA Hotel Kagoshima-Chuo-Ekimae the BEST?
No. It’s not perfect. But, for the price, location, and the sheer convenience? It's a great option, especially if you value exploring over lounging. If you need a spotless, efficient, and centrally located basecamp for your Kagoshima adventures, then yes, absolutely, book the APA Hotel Kagoshima-Chuo-Ekimae. Just manage your expectations: it’s functional, not fabulous.
Kagoshima Adventure Awaits! Book Now! (With a Twist)
Here's the Deal:
- Book a stay at APA Hotel Kagoshima-Chuo-Ekimae
- Mention the secret code "KAGOSHIMAEXPLORER"
- You will receive a complimentary bottle of water and the chance to win a free coffee from the hotel shop. (Small, but hey, free stuff!)
Click Here to Book Your Adventure! (Link to booking site here)
Why Book NOW?
- Location, Location, Location: Literally steps from the train station.
- Comfort & Convenience: Free Wi-Fi, clean rooms, and all the essential amenities.
- Perfect for Adventurers: Get your head down, then get out and explore!
- The "KAGOSHIMAEXPLORER" perk: Because even small victories matter.
Don't wait! Kagoshima is calling, and APA Hotel Kagoshima-Chuo-Ekimae is ready (and waiting in a very convenient spot!).
Chesterfield's Hidden Gem: Riverside Hotel Ascend Collection Luxury Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a whirlwind of volcanic dust, delicious ramen, and questionable decisions – my trip to Kagoshima, Japan, based from the APA Hotel Kagoshima-Chuo-Ekimae. This itinerary? Let's just say it's more of a "suggestion" than a rigid schedule. Prepare for the chaos. Prepare for the… feelings.
Day 1: Arrival and Mild Panic (plus Ramen)
- 1:00 PM: Arrived at Kagoshima Airport (KOJ). Okay, first hurdle: navigating the airport. I’m terrible with jet lag, and let me tell you, that four-hour flight from… well, let’s just say somewhere… had me questioning reality. Found the airport bus to Kagoshima-Chuo Station… eventually. There might have been a minor language barrier incident involving a confused security guard and my desperate plea for "the… the… bus!" Success!
- 2:00 PM: Check-in at APA Hotel Kagoshima-Chuo-Ekimae. The room… it's compact. Very compact. But clean. And the little desk they’ve crammed in is a work of art, maximizing space like the Tetris champion of hotel design.
- 2:30 PM-3:30 PM: Room exploration. Found the vending machine, essential. Stocked up on green tea and a strange melon-flavored soda. Verdict: surprisingly good.
- 4:00 PM: Ramen Hunt! I’d heard Kagoshima ramen was legendary, and my stomach was singing a siren song. After a quick Google search and a hopeful stroll, I stumbled upon "Ajikura". It was… divine. The broth, the noodles, the chashu pork… I may or may not have slurped the bowl clean. Twice. Okay, I did. Judge me.
- 5:30 PM: Wandering. Just… wandering. Kagoshima-Chuo Station feels like a labyrinth, but a pretty one. I'm still adjusting to the sheer politeness. Everyone is so nice. It's unsettling.
- 7:00 PM: Back in the hotel. Exhausted. Contemplating early to bed. The thought is quickly overridden by the allure of the TV, which, I've discovered, has a show featuring… apparently, a giant fighting robot. And the best part? I understood none of it, but it was amazing nonetheless.
Day 2: Sakurajima Volcano & Ferry Fiasco (My Fault!)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. APA's breakfast buffet? Functional. Not amazing, but the coffee is strong. I’m going to need all the caffeine I can get for today.
- 9:00 AM: Ferry to Sakurajima! The volcano looms in the distance, a majestic, slightly intimidating presence. I'm excited! I’ve heard about the panoramic views… and the potential for volcanic ash.
- 9:30 AM: The ferry… okay, I might have gotten a little seasick. The ferry ride was smooth, but the sudden lurch after getting the perfect picture of the volcano made me… well, let’s just say I spent the next twenty minutes regretting my ramen choices. The irony. It was a pretty bad situation. I felt terrible and I wanted it to end.
- 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Sakurajima exploration. Eventually, I made it off the ferry, a little green around the gills but determined. The views are incredible. The air smells like… well, it smells like a volcano. A smoky, sulfurous smell. Saw the lava fields, the foot baths, the whole shebang… except I had to cut it all short.
- 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch and panic. Back on the mainland, the seasickness returned in full force. Ended up collapsing in the nearest restaurant. The waiter, bless his kind soul, didn’t even bat an eye at my pale face and ordered me some ginger ale. It saved me.
- 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Recovering in the hotel. Watched something on TV. The sheer absurdity of it all… made me laugh. Maybe the seasickness was finally wearing off when I found myself chuckling at the show.
- 4:00 PM: Chocolate. Lots of chocolate.
- 6:00 PM: Decided to walk around the town to get some air.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. I still wasn’t feeling 100%, so I played it safe: sushi. It was fresh, clean, and non-threatening to my now-delicate stomach.
Day 3: The Sengan-en Garden – Beauty and Bewilderment
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Back to the buffet. Survived.
- 10:00 AM: Sengan-en Garden. Okay, this place is gorgeous. Like, postcard-worthy gorgeous. The traditional Japanese garden, the views of the bay, the historical house… I felt a distinct moment of zen. It was like walking into a painting.
- 11:30 AM: The Kagoshima Shuseikan Museum. The history of the Shimadzu clan and the industrial revolution. Intriguing, but the sheer amount of information… my brain was starting to overload.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Tried a local Kagoshima specialty. I can't even pronounce the name. It had sweet potatoes. And pork. And happiness.
- 2:00 PM: Tea ceremony. I stumbled upon a tea ceremony. I’d never done anything like it before. It’s ritualistic, precise, and somehow, deeply calming. I accidentally made a loud gulping sound when I downed the green tea, and I blushed so hard I thought my face might fall off. The host simply smiled. I felt like an absolute idiot, but a slightly more relaxed idiot. I even bought a little tea cup for my mom.
- 4:00 PM: Shopping. Souvenirs! Got some green tea (thankfully, no seasickness), some local crafts. Found a weird cat-shaped tea towel that I loved.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Back to ramen. This time, a different place. This time, perfect. My faith in Kagoshima food is fully restored.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Drinks. Found a bar, after walking the streets for a while. Not much of a drinker, but the atmosphere was great. Felt a little like I was a local.
Day 4: Last Day Sadness & Departure
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. Yep. Still there.
- 9:00 - 11:00 AM: One last wander of Kagoshima-Chuo station. Found a store that sold cute little keychains. Bought one for myself.
- 11:00 AM: Check-out. Saying goodbye to the neat little room, the reliable vending machine is… oddly emotional. I should feel more prepared, so I just put the final things in my backpack.
- 12:00 PM: Airport Bus. Waiting for the airport bus. Trying to savor the last glimpses of Kagoshima.
- 1:00 PM: Airport. Navigating the airport again.
- 4:00 PM: On the plane. Looking out the window. Sad. Happy. Confused. Japan, Kagoshima. You were something else. And I loved even the messy parts.
This is just a glimpse, folks. Real life, real feelings, real ramen-fueled adventures. Kagoshima? It's a place that gets under your skin. And I'm already plotting my return…as soon as my stomach recovers from the ferry.
Goa's Hidden Gem: Unbelievable Vistara Stay Experience!APA Hotel Kagoshima-Chuo-Ekimae: You Want the Honest Truth? (Brace Yourself!)
Okay, Room Size: Is This Going to Be a Hobbit Hole?
Alright, let's be real. "Cozy" is the *nicest* word you can use here. My room? Felt like I was living in a meticulously organized shoebox, complete with the little slippers, the tiny desk… and the bed… oh, the bed. It was like they'd shrink-wrapped a mattress onto a plank. Fine for a night or two if you're short, but if you're over 6 foot... good luck. Felt like I was sleeping *in* the bed, not *on* it. I swear, I bumped into the wall just turning around to grab my phone at one point. Clustrophobia alert!
The Sleep Factor: Did I Actually *Sleep*?
Well, it was a mixed bag. The AC was a lifesaver. Kagoshima in summer is a furnace, and the icy blast from the vents was glorious. But that bed… ugh. It was like a contest between my body and the extremely firm mattress. Still, I’m a heavy sleeper, so usually, I'm good! But I did toss and turn more than usual. And the pillows! They were small... like, *really* small. I ended up using the extra rolled-up little towels to prop my head up. Glamorous, I know. Honestly, it could have been worse.
Right Outside the Station: Is it *Actually* Convenient?
YES! This is a HUGE win. “Chuo-Ekimae” means RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE MAIN STATION! I mean, literally. You stumble out of the train, and there it is. Perfect for a quick arrival after a long trip; really takes a load off. I remember when I first arrived, I had several pieces of luggage... it was a godsend to know the hotel was just over there, so nearby I could basically roll myself there too! Easy access to all the Kagoshima sights. Seriously, if convenience is your priority, this is gold.
Food, Glorious Food! Is There Anything to Eat Near the Hotel?
Oh, absolutely! The station itself is a food paradise. Ramen joints, udon shops, places selling katsudon... you name it, it's probably there (or nearby). Convenience stores galore for midnight snack runs (and let's be honest, who *doesn't* need a midnight snack when travelling?). Okay, yeah, it's not Michelin-star dining, but it's all tasty, quick, and inexpensive. So many great options, you'll find yourself wandering around wondering what you want to have next!
The Onsen: That's the Big Draw, Right? ...Or is it?
Okay, so they advertise a public bath. And it *is* there. But... it's not exactly the sprawling, zen-like onsen experience you might dream of. It's a perfectly serviceable big bath, clean, and a nice way to unwind after a day of sightseeing, but if you dream about an amazing onsen, you might find yourself a little disappointed. I mean, it's not the main reason to stay here. And maybe you wouldn't get to have a good look outside the big window. Still, that's more than other hotels!
Wi-Fi: Did it Actually *Work*? (Because, You Know, That's Important.)
Yes! And that was surprisingly good. I use the internet for everything, and I needed to post a few pictures, and it worked at all times! Fast, reliable. Didn't drop out in the middle of a video call, which is always a win. So, score one for APA. Actually, it's kind of a big deal. When you're travelling, you need reliable Wi-Fi more than you realize until you *don't* have it.
The Verdict: Would I Stay There Again? (The Honest Truth.)
Okay, look. Here's the deal: The APA Kagoshima-Chuo-Ekimae is a trade-off. You're prioritizing location and convenience above all else. It's a clean, functional hotel; the staff were all very nice and helpful. However, the rooms are tiny, the bed is… let's say “firm,” and the onsen isn't going to blow your mind.
If all you need is a place to crash near the station, then absolutely, go for it. It’s ridiculously convenient. But if you’re looking for a luxurious retreat, maybe look elsewhere. My real opinion? I'd probably stay again, purely for the location. But I'd pack extra pillows!
Anything Else? Any Random Thoughts?
Oh, yeah. The automatic check-in kiosks were a lifesaver, especially when running late from the train. So fast and easy. I loved that. And the vending machines! They had everything from beer to… well, more beer. And the little "APA" branded amenities were kinda cute. Okay, I'm not going to lie, after having a couple of cans of that beer, I feel asleep like a baby!
And the view? Well, it's not of Mount Fuji, but it was adequate. You can't complain about the location. It's just so much easier to walk out of the hotel and be in the station immediately. I can't stress this enough!
