Part 1: Japan

At Our Travel Journey, we believe in frugality and luxury at affordable prices. We decided to fly into Osaka in business class with Air Canada as this sets the tone for a luxurious start of our journey through Japan. The comfort and premium service of business class ensure us we arrive relaxed, refreshed, ready to explore. Upon landing at Kansai International Airport (KIX), we will take the train straight to Kyoto. Kyoto’s rich cultural tapestry awaits, and the next two nights will be spent immersing in its historical charm.

For the first night, since we will arrive quite late in Kyoto, we booked a cheaper hotel for the night. JR WEST GROUP VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI will be our first stop as it is close to the station and is good enough for a cheap night. Best part is Ange have some Expedia credits to use and that is exactly what she did. The next day we will hotel hop to HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa by Marriott. We are very excited for this hotel as it blends modern luxury with traditional Kyoto aesthetics, offering a serene retreat in the heart of the city. Its proximity to iconic landmarks like Nijo Castle and the Kyoto Imperial Palace makes it an ideal base for exploring. The hotel’s spa facilities provide a perfect opportunity to unwind after days filled with sightseeing. We usually would not splurge this much on a night at  a hotel but with Zee’s free night certificate from his American Marriott Brilliant card, this hotel was a no brainer and what a start to the trip!

After the half luxury stay in Kyoto, the journey continues to Osaka, where accommodation is arranged at the newly anticipated Osaka Station hotel by Autograph Collection Marriott. This hotel promises contemporary luxury and prime location convenience, making it an excellent choice for exploring Osaka’s vibrant urban landscape and taking day trips to Nara and Kobe. From the bustling streets of Dotonbori to the historic Osaka Castle, the city’s eclectic mix of attractions is within easy reach. The hotel’s stylish ambiance and top-tier amenities ensure a comfortable and memorable stay.

Following the Osaka experience, a flight to Beppu marks the next leg of the journey. Staying at the Seaside Hotel Mimatsu Oetei for two nights offers guests the chance to indulge in Beppu’s renowned hot springs. The hotel’s prime location by the sea provides stunning views and easy access to Beppu’s geothermal attractions, such as the Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour). The soothing onsen baths and tranquil environment make it an ideal spot for relaxation and rejuvenation. There, we booked a room with a private onsen to reward us of the many future steps we will be taking. The interesting part of this booking process was that Expedia had the price at $800 for the two nights but if we are to pay at the hotel, it would only be around $650. Obviously we chose the latter and suspect it has something to do with the weak Japanese Yen and Expedia price not updated.

The final destination in Japan is Fukuoka, reached by a scenic train ride that showcases Japan’s beautiful countryside. In Fukuoka, we will stay at the Grand Hyatt Fukuoka for three nights. This luxurious hotel, located in the heart of the city, offers a blend of elegance and contemporary comfort. Fukuoka’s vibrant food scene, historical sites like the Fukuoka Castle ruins, and modern attractions such as Canal City are all within easy access. The Grand Hyatt’s exceptional service and amenities provide the perfect end to a memorable journey through Japan. The cost of the hotel was paid with 2 Free Night Awards with the Chase Hyatt card and an additional 12,000 Hyatt points to supplement the last night.