My Secret Garden in Japan: Yufuin Ryokan Nogiku

Ryokans are Japanese style inns located mostly at hot spring resorts. While Beppu is the more popular choice for onsen in Oita, I convinced CS to travel farther to Yufuin instead. This quaint town offers a wealth of fascinating boutiques, interesting local finds, beautiful cafes, and art museums - all within walking distance from the train station. After spending a few days in the city and sleeping in a small hotel room in Fukuoka, it was indeed a treat to wander amid rice paddies and farm houses before finding our home for 3 days in town - Yufuin Ryokan Nogiku.

There's no security in the property as Japanese people are known for their honesty and discipline. Guests can just follow the signs (with English translation) leading towards the reception area.

CS and I were warmly received by the staff upon entering the reception area. As soon as he learned that we're from the Philippines, he called his English speaking colleague to officially welcome us, explain onsen etiquettes and its operating hours, show us the facilities and lead us to our room.

Yufuin's most prominent skyline is the twin-peaked Mount Yufu, as viewed from our living area.

Before leaving, the staff graciously offered hot green tea and some homemade Dorayaki, a classic Japanese confection of honey pancake sandwich with red bean paste filling, made by his father. The mildly sweet and fluffy pancake was extremely delicious that we brought 2 boxes back to Manila for pasalubong and personal consumption.

This traditional Japanese hotel offers only 8 rooms - each equipped with tatami floors, futon beds, LED television with local channels only, kotatsu (Japanese heated wooden table), refrigerator, toilet and outdoor bath with basic toiletries, and private onsen. Guests are also provided with yukata and wooden slippers for the authentic Japanese onsen experience.

Our booking is inclusive of delicious and balanced breakfast freshly delivered everyday. As the hotel has no in-house restaurant, our meals are delivered by the staff directly to our room.

If we're not dining out, MaxValu is our go-to place for affordable sushi and sashimi. Best time to visit is late in the afternoon to early evening for discounted prices up to 70% off.

Pros: Private outdoor onsen on each room, clean and well-kept accommodation, spacious bedroom and living area with a great view of Mount Yufu, delicious Japanese-style breakfast, attentive and helpful staff, and free parking if you're driving to town.

Cons: No lunch/dinner service and late check-in/early check-out policy in Japan.

~o~o~o~

Yufuin Ryokan Nogiku
2879-1 Kawakami, Yufuin
Yufu, Oita, Japan
Tel.: (8197) 785-3372

Executive Hotel Lounge Review: Hotel Jen Manila

Shangri-La group's mid-range hotel chain, Hotel Jen has evolved into a hip and vibrant accommodation to cater the needs of a modern business traveler or an urban explorer. To see Hotel Jen's Club King Room features and amenities, please click here.

And of course, the ultimate perk of staying in the club floor - exclusive club lounge benefits!

Ambiance and Amenities.

Offering an amazing view of Manila Bay, Windows by the Bay is Hotel Jen's private club lounge located at the 19th floor of the building. Dress code is casual but guests are encouraged to refrain from wearing gym attire, swimwear, bathrobes and room slippers.

Photo from Hotel Jen's Website

Variety and Abundance of Snack Choices.

Food during evening cocktails is quite limited but the staff are quick to replenish the buffet so guests won't have to wait even on a full house. As a mid-range hotel offering an affordable rate of Php7600 for a club room with lounge benefits, Hotel Jen definitely surpassed my expectations with flying colors with a simple yet complete variety of food choices from appetizer to dessert.

Unlimited alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages.

Operating Hours.

• Afternoon tea - 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
• Evening cocktails - 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
• Breakfast - 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  

Full Breakfast Buffet.

An array of breads, cheese, nuts, cold cuts, salad, cereals, fried rice, vegetables, fish, beef tapa, sausage, corned beef, sweet ham, fresh fruits, yogurt, and fresh juice comprises the buffet breakfast at Windows by the Bay. For a wider selection of international cuisine, guests can also choose to take their breakfast at Latitude, Hotel Jen's all-day dining restaurant.

Other Perks & Services Offered.

• Exclusive check-in and check-out
• A totally in-the-know lounge team to help you get the most out of your stay
• Free local calls
• Evening cocktail hour
• Lounge facilities

Overall Service.

Among the hotel club lounges in Manila, Hotel Jen's Window by the Bay is by far the most kid-friendly lounge we've been to where kids are allowed to stay even during cocktail hours. Staff are generally friendly and accommodating, some would even initiate small talks to make you feel at home. So if you're on a budget but fancies a VIP service for a day or two, why not book a club room at Hotel Jen for the ultimate staycation experience. Trust me, it's worth the upgrade!

~o~o~o~

Hotel Jen

3001 Roxas Boulevard

Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Tel.: (632) 795-8888

Website: www.hoteljen.com 

Yufuin's Best Grilled Eel at Yufumabushi Shin Ekimae

Home of Yufuin's best Hitsumabushi - Nagoya's famous grilled eel, CS made sure we arrive early for dinner because (1) its one of the best restaurants in Yufuin, and (2) lines tend to get long and we didn't want to wait out in the freezing cold. We visited the Yufuin, a quaint town in Oita, Japan, last February where temperature can go as low as -1 degree at night time.

Yufumabushi Shin Ekimae has 2 locations in Yufuin - one near the train station (the branch that we visited) and the other by the lake. A staff greeted the minute we entered the full house restaurant where we were ushered to a vacant table sharing with another couple. The menu offered is in multiple languages with corresponding photos for easy reference.

On the table

The staff patiently explained which sauce to use per dish as no English translation was indicated.

Everything is locally grown and produced so you're guaranteed of its freshness and quality. Cooking also takes awhile but you'll definitely enjoy the side dishes unique to the restaurant.

Bungo Beef Mabushi - JPY2,361 (Php1,130)

There are 3 ways (or 3 steps for some people) to enjoy your Yufu-mabushi:

1. Eat your mabushi as served; just add more condiments to your liking.
2. Mix the side dishes (pictured below) for more flavors and spice.
3. Pour the soup stock then blend everything up!

Hitsumabushi / Eel Mabushi - JPY2,361 (Php1,130)

Both dishes were excellent and provided a fun and unique dining experience for us. The beef was really soft - literally melts in your mouth, and the eel? You'd never go wrong with perfectly seasoned and grilled unagi, which I enjoyed down to the last grain of Japanese rice.

Tip: Always bring cash when traveling to Yufuin as majority of shops only accept cash payments. It's also advisable to have extra US Dollars as back up money for better exchange rates.

~o~o~o~

Yufumabushi Shin Ekimae
5-3 Yufuincho Kawakita
Yufu, Oita, Japan
Tel.: (819) 7784-5825

Fukuoka Eats: Ikinari Steak

Our main goal was to eat as much sushi and sashimi in Fukuoka. Well, most locals and tourists that night thought of the same thing as majority of the restaurants we went to were not accepting customers anymore - waiting list was crazy long! Walking past several sushi places brought us to Ikinari Steak, a Japanese chain famous for its fast service and standing-only concept.

There are several tables with chairs but majority of the customers prefer to eat while standing.

Menu cards are conveniently placed on each table. Once you're decided on your orders, just proceed to the back counter to order and pay, remember to specify your cooking preference or you'll get the standard medium done steak. I like mine medium rare with all its bloody goodness!

Different seasonings and sauces to add more flavors to your steak just within your reach.

What we ordered

Complimentary plates of salad are provided to each customer while we all wait and savor the smell of steaks grilling at the kitchen - a scent I wouldn't mind sticking to my clothes and hair!

CS and I decided to get two medium rare sirloin - mine's the smaller 10oz piece while he devoured his 14oz steak both served in very hot cast iron plates with loads of onions and garlic. The steaks are priced by its weight at JPY7 per gram exclusive of taxes and service charge.

With its quick service, value for money menu and excellent food quality, its no surprise Ikinari Steak is gaining worldwide popularity and following!

~o~o~o~

Ikinari Steak
810-0001 Tenjin Chuo-ku
Fukuoka Prefecture
Fukuoka, Japan
Tel.: (819) 2707-3229

No Changes in NAIA Airport Terminals on August 31

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) reiterated last July 29 that the planned changes in terminal assignments for airlines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) will not push through on August 31. 

“Contrary to what is now circulating in social media, the August 31, 2018 terminal transfer of airlines WILL NOT PROCEED as originally envisioned. While talks with some airline operators have started and with some signifying their intent to transfer, options that have been discussed are EXPLORATORY in nature,” MIAA said in a statement. “Discussions gave rise to unforeseen operational constraints that require longer time to resolve,” it added. 

The agency also clarified that the transfer beginning July of some Philippine Airlines (PAL) international flights to the NAIA Terminal 1 “is necessary to prepare NAIA Terminal 2 for its rehabilitation which is expected to commence before year-end.” The adjusted PAL flights are to and from destinations in the United States, Canada, and the Middle East. -Source