This popular hotel is in a convenient location just a 3-minute walk from Nankai Wakayamashi Station. “Our motto is heartfelt and ecology. We want our hotel to be people- and environment-friendly,” tells Manager Yabuta. The openhearted smiles are welcoming and the staff at the front desk is friendly. You feel like you are at home.

When I toured the guest rooms, I was shown the air purifier they provide for persons who suffer from hay fever or allergies. A foot massager for the weary traveler is quaintly found against the wall. Mr. Yabuta added, “We even clean the slippers every day. So, the rooms are spic-and-span.”

The rooms are simple and practical, which is why many businesspeople take advantage of it. “We’re completely full tonight. And, we often have reservations for weekday nights,” Mr. Yabuta noted.
Breakfast is served at the restaurant on the 8th floor, but the restaurant is open only for breakfast. Guests can choose between Japanese and Western breakfasts and much of the menu is homemade.

Back in the lobby, there is free coffee on the counter in the morning. The sofas are great for sitting and relaxing. Glancing to the side, I noticed a map of ramen outlets. When I asked Mr. Yabuta if he liked ramen, he quickly answered, “I love it.” “Wakayama Ramen tastes different wherever you go. They make it with a soy sauce base, hammock stock and so forth, but I like the soy cause version,” Mr. Yabuta happily told. There are shops all over the place and Mr. Yabuta seemed very well acquainted with them. There is a Wakayama Ramen shop even in the underground foodcourt at the train station.

From here, it takes about 20 minutes to walk to Wakayama Castle and about 30 to the Avalorm where the symposium is being staged, but that is about the right distance for a brisk morning walk.
For souvenirs, it is recommended to try Takashimaya in the train station. They have fish paste, soy sauce dried plums and more. Mr. Yabuta also pointed out that, “Takashimaya also has Wakayama Ramen for souvenirs.” The people of Wakayama get excited when they talk about ramen!