Located 1 minute on foot from the east exit of JR Wakayama Station, I went and checked out this hotel that just opened in May this year. Just inside the doors, you step into a spacious lobby. The ambient is absolutely gorgeous with a grand piano located in the center and colorful flowers arranged in gigantic vases. There are sofas that are great for relaxing, so here you have an ideal place for reading or just taking a break. The indirect lighting found here and there is also stylish.

I talked with Mr. Ishida from their sales department. With a smile of content, he told me, “Our guests are quick to comment on how beautiful our hotel is. And, in order to maintain that level of emotion, we treat them with sincerity and warmth.” “Sincerity” was truly the perfect word to describe him.

Wanting to see the rooms, I asked if I could and they kindly gave me a tour. The halls, elevators and corridors were all spacious. I was shown several rooms on the 11th floor, each of which had its own character. Floor plans are diverse and unique, and interiors are stylishly done with black overtones. They also have put a lot of effort into security, so you will feel safe.

When I inquired about meals, I was told, “Dinner is not included, but with the station right over there, there shouldn’t be any inconvenience. Breakfast is served free-of-charge at the 2nd floor restaurant.” They do not sell souvenirs in the hotel, but confectionaries and other items can be found at Surugaya on the first floor of the station building at Wakayama Station. It is a long-established store that used to cater to the Kishu Clan.

I tried asking Ms. Ono at the concierge where was a good place to visit, to which she replied without hesitation, “Ide Ramen, of course. It’s about a 15-minute walk from here.” Ide Ramen is a famous eatery known for sparking the ramen boom in Wakayama. The symposium will be an excellent opportunity to try it.
Also within walking distance is Nichizengu, a shrine that appears also in the first commissioned history book of Japan, the Nihon Shoki. How about a morning walk to the shrine for a little worship?