For our recent trip to Kumamoto, we stayed at Sotetsu Grand Fresa Kumamoto, traveling with our 6-year-old child. Our priorities were clear: comfort, convenience, and a family-friendly environment. Thankfully, this hotel exceeded our expectations with its great location and thoughtful in-room amenities — especially the comfy bed, purified water system, and air purifier. It gave us such peace of mind during our stay in Kumamoto!
🚗 Getting to the Hotel
From Aso Kumamoto Airport, the easiest way is to take the Airport Limousine Bus (about 50 minutes) to Sakuramachi Bus Terminal, then walk about 6 minutes to the hotel.
If you’re coming by JR train, take the Kumamoto City Tram from Kumamoto Station (about 17 minutes), get off at Karashimacho Station, and walk another 4 minutes.
The hotel is located just near Shimotori Shopping Street, with a supermarket and convenience store right downstairs — super handy if you need baby supplies or snacks!
🏨 Hotel Environment & Amenities
The hotel is modern and simple in design, with a bright and spacious lobby. There’s a generous self-service amenity bar offering lotion, cleansing oil, face masks, and more — both moms and dads will find what they need here.
One of our favorite features is the building-wide air purification system. You can feel the freshness right when you walk in — a big plus when traveling with kids! The lobby also has self-service washers and dryers, perfect for longer family trips.
On the 3rd floor, there are separate public baths for men and women — ideal for privacy and relaxation. The baths are clean, relaxing, and open from 3 PM to midnight, giving guests plenty of time to unwind. The water is clear and has the feel of an authentic Japanese onsen — perfect for resting after a long day.
Klook.com🛏 Room Review: Double Room
1️⃣ Super Comfy Beds (Perfect for Families)
We stayed in a double room, and the bed was by Serta, a well-known American mattress brand. It provided a great balance of support and softness. Even with two adults and one child in the same bed, we slept comfortably — our little one had no trouble at all falling asleep.
2️⃣ Purified Water System – Safe for Drinking & Baby Formula
All faucets in the room use water filtered by the Ryosui Kobo purification system. Whether you’re brushing your teeth, showering, or making baby formula, it’s safe and convenient. No need to buy bottled water!
3️⃣ Humidifying Air Purifier for Comfortable Air Quality
The in-room air purifier with humidifier was especially helpful since Kumamoto can be dry — particularly in autumn and winter or when using air conditioning. It kept the air comfortable and was gentle on our child’s nose and skin.
🛁 Bathroom & Amenities
The bathroom followed a typical Japanese layout with separate wet and dry areas. It’s not huge, but very clean, with stable water pressure and temperature — no surprise hot or cold bursts while showering.
The amenity station in the lobby offers a variety of items like face lotion, cleansing oil, and masks — a thoughtful touch that helps moms save luggage space!
🏪 Nearby Attractions & Convenience
1. Easy Shopping Access:
There’s a FamilyMart downstairs, and within 5 minutes you’ll find Don Quijote and other supermarkets — getting snacks or essentials is a breeze.
2. Great Dining Options:
The area is full of restaurants — from local ramen spots to yakiniku and sushi joints, perfect for family meals.
3. Close to Top Attractions:
It’s only a 10-minute walk to Kumamoto Castle. A great evening stroll to enjoy the night view!
💰 Room Rates (Approximate, per night, in TWD)
| Room Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Comfort Double (Non-smoking, City View) | NT$2,500–3,600 |
| Standard Twin (Non-smoking, City View) | NT$3,500–4,700 |
| Superior Twin (For 3 Guests, Non-smoking, City View) | NT$4,000–5,500 |
💡 Prices vary depending on season, holidays, and how early you book.
Where to Book:
🔍 Extra Tips from Reviews:
- Google Reviews (4.4★): Guests love the cleanliness, onsen, and friendly staff. Some mention that check-in kiosks are fast and hassle-free.
- Agoda Reviews: Many families appreciated the location and room comfort. Some noted that rooms are on the smaller side — typical for Japan, but manageable.
- Booking.com Reviews: Great ratings for location and value for money. Travelers recommend choosing a room with a city view on a higher floor for more tranquility.
