This basic business hotel sits in a prime spot of Kitakyushu, offering no-frills but perfectly adequate rooms just steps from the city’s art scene. We found the rooms clean but compact – typical of mid-range Japanese hotels. While the staff works hard to please, the somewhat dated furnishings and basic amenities might leave you wanting more for your money.
The hotel’s biggest draw is its location – you’re just 4 minutes from the Municipal Art Museum and the bustling Riverwalk Gallery. The 24-hour front desk and reliable WiFi kept us connected and supported during our stay.
On the downside, don’t expect luxury touches or spacious quarters. The bathrooms, while private and functional, are snug even by Japanese standards.
This place works best for practical travelers who plan to spend most of their time exploring the city rather than lounging in their room. It’s particularly suitable for solo travelers or couples who value location over amenities and don’t mind trading some comfort for convenience. Budget-conscious art enthusiasts will appreciate being within walking distance of Kitakyushu’s cultural highlights.
Good To Know
- 3-star hotel located in Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu, with proximity to art museums, shrines, and parks.
- Offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, essential amenities, and popular features like breakfast and 24-hour front desk.
- Reasonably good overall experience based on guest ratings, with strong service and cleanliness ratings.
- Well-connected location, with a 4-minute walk to Kokura Station and access to regional airports.
- Suitable choice for visitors seeking accessible accommodations in the Kitakyushu area.
Hotel Overview and Location
Smile Hotel Kokura is a 3-star hotel located in Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu, Japan.
It offers a convenient location, situated just a 4-minute walk from the Kitakyushu Municipal Museum of Art and Riverwalk Gallery.
The hotel is also half a mile from Yasaka Shrine and a 10-minute walk from the Matsumoto Seicho Memorial Museum.
Other nearby attractions include Myoken-gu Shrine (2.6 miles) and Tamukeyama Park (2.9 miles).
The nearest airport is Kitakyushu Airport, located 15 miles away.
The hotel’s central location and easy access to public transportation make it an attractive choice for travelers exploring the area.
Accommodation and Amenities
The hotel features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, private bathrooms, and essential amenities such as a TV, hairdryer, desk, and electric kettle.
Popular amenities include non-smoking rooms, breakfast, a terrace, and 24-hour front desk services.
Additional features include a vending machine, baggage storage, and security measures like smoke alarms and CCTV.
The hotel caters to the needs of its guests by providing a comfortable and well-equipped accommodation.
Guest Ratings and Reviews
Guests have rated Smile Hotel Kokura a 7.4 out of 10 based on 24 reviews.
The hotel’s staff received an impressive 8.6, while cleanliness was rated 7.7. Guests found the comfort level satisfactory at 7.9.
The facilities scored 7.5, and the location was deemed adequate at 7.6. Value for money was rated 7.3.
The hotel’s ratings suggest it provides a reasonably good experience, with particularly strong service from the staff.
While not exceptional, the hotel seems to offer a solid, reliable stay for travelers to the area.
Nearby Attractions
Kitakyushu Municipal Museum of Art and Riverwalk Gallery stand just a 4-minute walk from the hotel, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s cultural attractions.
Yasaka Shrine, half a mile away, is another notable site to explore.
The Matsumoto Seicho Memorial Museum, a 10-minute walk, honors the renowned Japanese novelist.
For nature enthusiasts, Myoken-gu Shrine and Tamukeyama Park, both within 2.9 miles, provide scenic respite.
With convenient access to Kokura Station and proximity to several airports, the hotel’s location allows for easy exploration of the surrounding cities, including Ube, Shimonoseki, and Fukuoka.
Transportation Options
Smile Hotel Kokura’s strategic location provides guests with convenient transportation options. The hotel is situated a 4-minute walk from Kitakyushu Municipal Museum of Art and Riverwalk Gallery, with easy access to nearby train stations. For travelers seeking to explore further afield, the hotel is well-connected to major airports in the region, including Kitakyushu Airport, Yamaguchi Ube Airport, and Fukuoka Airport.
| Transportation | Distance |
|---|---|
| Kokura Station | 4 min walk |
| Kitakyushu Airport | 15 miles |
| Yamaguchi Ube Airport | 22.9 miles |
| Fukuoka Airport | 32.1 miles |
The hotel’s proximity to public transportation and accessibility to regional airports make it a suitable choice for visitors seeking a well-connected accommodation in Kitakyushu.
Hotel Policies and Rules
The hotel’s check-in time runs from 3:00 PM to 11:30 PM, and guests must check out by 10:00 AM.
Children aren’t allowed, and cribs or extra beds are unavailable. Pets aren’t permitted, and the hotel only accepts card payments; cash isn’t accepted.
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by accommodation type. Non-smoking rooms are available, and the hotel offers 24-hour front desk services.
Additional amenities include a vending machine, baggage storage, and security measures like smoke alarms and CCTV.
Kitakyushu Municipal Museum of Art
Located just a 4-minute walk from the hotel, Kitakyushu Municipal Museum of Art showcases a diverse collection of contemporary Japanese art.
The museum features:
- Rotating exhibitions highlighting the works of emerging and established artists
- A focus on paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations that explore themes of modern Japanese culture
- Educational programs, lectures, and workshops for visitors to engage with the artwork
- A gift shop offering art-inspired souvenirs and publications
With its convenient location and engaging exhibitions, the museum is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts staying at the Smile Hotel Kokura.
Convenience and Accessibility
Conveniently situated, the hotel lies just a stone’s throw from several key attractions and transportation hubs.
A 4-minute stroll takes guests to the Kitakyushu Municipal Museum of Art and Riverwalk Gallery. Yasaka Shrine is half a mile away, while the Matsumoto Seicho Memorial Museum is a 10-minute walk.
Kokura Station, which provides access to the wider region, is within easy reach. For travelers arriving by air, Kitakyushu Airport is just 15 miles from the hotel.
With its strategic location, the Smile Hotel Kokura offers exceptional convenience, allowing guests to explore the area’s cultural, historical, and transportation offerings with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Hotel’s Check-In and Check-Out Times?
According to the information provided, the hotel’s check-in time is from 3:00 PM to 11:30 PM, and the check-out time is until 10:00 AM.
Are There Any Restrictions on Guests Bringing Outside Food?
There are no explicit restrictions mentioned on guests bringing outside food to the hotel. The hotel provides essential amenities for guests but does not appear to prohibit bringing in their own food and drinks.
Does the Hotel Offer Any Discounts or Special Packages?
The hotel doesn’t seem to offer any special discounts or packages based on the information provided. It focuses on providing essential amenities and services at a reasonable rate for guests.
Can the Hotel Arrange Transportation to Local Attractions?
The hotel can arrange transportation to local attractions for guests. They offer shuttle services and can provide information on public transportation options to help guests easily access nearby sights and destinations.
What Is the Hotel’s Policy on Smoking and Noise Levels?
The hotel has a non-smoking policy throughout the property. While noise levels should be kept to a minimum, the hotel does not have specific quiet hours and expects guests to be considerate of others during their stay.
The Sum Up
The Smile Hotel Kokura offers a convenient and comfortable stay in the heart of Kitakyushu. With its proximity to top attractions, essential amenities, and competitive pricing, it provides exceptional value for both business and leisure travelers. Whether exploring the city’s cultural highlights or simply enjoying the natural surroundings, the Smile Hotel Kokura serves as an ideal home base for your Kitakyushu adventure.