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Jin Travels Japan

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Crispy Tonkatsu Heaven at Gohantotororo Toromugi!

A Malaysian foodie reviews Kitakyushu's best pork cutlet with free rice refills and unique tororo yam experience
★★★★★ 5/5

Restaurant Information

🏯
Name: Gohantotororo Toromugi
📍
Location: Riverwalk Kitakyushu, 4F
🍱
Cuisine: Japanese Tonkatsu with Tororo Yam
👥
Dined As: 3 Malaysians
🕒
Hours: 11am - 8pm daily
💴
Price: ¥1000-2000 per person

Key Features

🍚
Specialty: Authentic Tororo Yam Dishes
🐷
Signature: Perfectly Crispy Tonkatsu
🆓
Bonus: Free Rice & Tea Refills!
🏙️
Location: Shopping mall convenience
👥
Occupancy: Plenty of 4-seater tables

Discovering Tonkatsu Bliss

After cushion shopping at DAISO (essential for our Kyushu road trip comfort!), we explored Riverwalk Kitakyushu's 4th floor restaurants. As Malaysians craving rice but wanting something uniquely Japanese, Gohantotororo Toromugi caught our eye with its tororo yam offerings - a rarity back home!
Food Explorer Tip: When traveling, look for dishes you can't easily find at home! Tororo yam became our culinary adventure at this hidden gem.
The promise of crispy tonkatsu paired with this unique Japanese specialty sealed the deal. Located conveniently in the Riverwalk complex, it was the perfect refueling stop before exploring Kokura Castle.

The Tororo Experience

Rice with tororo yam at Gohantotororo
The unique tororo yam rice experience

Adventurous Eating

Tororo (grated yam) isn't your everyday Malaysian dish! The waitress kindly warned us about its unusual texture, so only I ordered it to share with my friends - a wise decision!

The tororo had:
  • A slippery texture between pumpkin puree and Chinese wat-tan-hor gravy
  • A subtle earthy flavor that grows on you
  • Health benefits that made me feel virtuous
While my friends preferred traditional rice, I loved this authentic Japanese experience. The tororo paired beautifully with the main event...

Tonkatsu Perfection

Crispy Juicy Heaven

The tonkatsu here ruined all other pork cutlets for me! Each golden-brown piece featured:
  • A shatteringly crisp panko crust
  • Incredibly juicy, flavorful pork inside
  • Perfectly balanced tonkatsu sauce with sesame aroma
  • Just the right meat-to-fat ratio
This was undoubtedly the best tonkatsu of our entire Japan trip - superior to any we've tried in Malaysia. The quality justified our choice immediately!
Crispy tonkatsu at Gohantotororo
Crispy perfection - the best tonkatsu!
Tonkatsu meal set at Gohantotororo
Proper way to serve rice (but I used the black container!)

Rice Refill Joy

The meal setup included a black rice container and white serving bowl. While proper etiquette suggests transferring rice to the white bowl, my Malaysian appetite had other plans!
I used the black container as my personal rice bowl - table manners temporarily forgotten when faced with such deliciousness. And the best part?

FREE RICE REFILLS! For someone with my appetite, this was paradise. I happily refilled my container three times, ignoring curious glances. When tonkatsu is this good, you need extra rice to savor every bite!

The Refill Advantage

Unlimited Fuel

The free refill policy extends to both rice and tea - a rare and wonderful feature in Japan! This became especially valuable since:
  • We had a full afternoon of castle exploration ahead
  • The tonkatsu sauce demanded extra rice
  • At ¥1000-2000 per meal, this offered incredible value
I strategically ate slowly to maximize rice consumption, leaving completely satisfied without overspending. The self-serve rice station made refills discreet and convenient.
Rice refill station at Gohantotororo
The beautiful sight of free refills!

What We Loved

  • Perfectly crispy yet juicy tonkatsu
  • Unique tororo yam experience
  • Free rice and tea refills (rare in Japan!)
  • Great value for money (¥1000-2000 range)
  • Convenient Riverwalk Kitakyushu location
  • Friendly staff who advised on tororo
  • Comfortable seating and atmosphere
  • Perfect pre-castle exploration meal

Minor Considerations

  • Tororo texture might challenge some palates
  • Can get crowded during peak hours
  • Limited English menu (but pictures help)
  • Not ideal for low-carb diets (too much rice temptation!)

Ready for Tonkatsu Bliss?

Visit Gohantotororo Toromugi at Riverwalk Kitakyushu!

Get Directions via Google Maps
For our Kitakyushu and Kokura Itinerary, read here: foods-japan.co.jp

Final Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

Gohantotororo Toromugi delivers exceptional tonkatsu with unique Japanese touches. The free rice refills and tororo experience make this a must-visit in Kitakyushu for adventurous food lovers seeking authentic flavors at reasonable prices.

Perfect for

Tonkatsu enthusiasts
Adventurous eaters wanting to try tororo
Value-seekers who appreciate free refills
Shopping mall diners

Consider elsewhere if

You dislike unconventional textures
Prefer quick-bite options
Need extensive English support

Traveler Tip: Arrive slightly before noon to avoid lunch crowds. The free rice refills are especially valuable if you're heading to Kokura Castle afterward - you'll need the energy for exploration!

Have you tried tororo or know other great tonkatsu spots? Share your experiences below!

© 2025 Jin Travels Japan

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Mythical Escape at Takachiho Hanare no Yado Kamigakure!

A Malaysian trio reviews the 'Shion' room at Kamigakure Ryokan - complete with private onsen and divine cuisine!
★★★★★ 5/5

Ryokan Information

🏯
Name: Takachiho Hanare no Yado Kamigakure
📍
Location: Takachiho, Miyazaki Prefecture
🛏️
Room: Shion (Japanese-Western w/ Private Onsen)
👥
Occupancy: 3 Malaysian girls road-tripping Kyushu

Key Features

♨️
Onsen: Private indoor hot spring bath (outdoor bath during warmer seasons)
🍽️
Dining: Kaiseki dinner with A5 Miyazaki wagyu + Course Breakfast
🏮
Atmosphere: Mythical Japanese fairytale setting
🚌
Service: Free shuttle to Takachiho Shrine

Discovering Kamigakure

Takachiho is nestled in the northern part of Miyazaki Prefecture, steeped in Japanese mythology. According to legend, this is where the sun goddess Amaterasu hid in a cave, plunging the world into darkness until she was lured out by a raucous dance.
Road Trip Tip: When traveling to remote areas like Takachiho, always book accommodations well in advance! Kamigakure opens bookings three months ahead - which I set a reminder to secure our spot during peak season as soon as the booking slot was open.
As three Malaysian girls road-tripping through Kyushu, we appreciated Kamigakure's perfect blend of traditional charm and modern comforts. Booking the 'Shion' room through Agoda was smooth and we were thrilled to get a plan that included A5-grade wagyu beef sukiyaki!

The Shion Room: Our Mythical Sanctuary

Shion room at Kamigakure
The cozy kotatsu area in our Shion room

For more details on our Takachiho itinerary, read my two-part detailed post here and here.

Stepping right into a Fairytale in Takachiho

We stayed in the Shion room, named after the purple blossom often mentioned in classical Japanese literature. The design paid homage to the Heian period with:

  • A serene tatami area with kotatsu (heavenly in autumn!)
  • Western-style bedroom with incredibly comfortable beds
  • Traditional shoji sliding doors creating peaceful ambiance
  • Private onsen bath with sacred water from Tamare Falls
The color palette of soft purples and muted tones created a sense of refinement and grace. As Malaysians, we felt like we'd stepped into a scene from The Tale of Genji!

Onsen Bliss

The private hot spring bath was nothing short of magical. The bath used sacred water sourced from the Tamare Falls in Takachiho Gorge, with healing properties. The stone finish and gentle sound of trickling water created perfect serenity.

After exploring Takachiho all day, soaking in the therapeutic waters melted our fatigue away. The complementary herbal pack and hinoki scent made it a truly spiritual experience.
Private onsen at Kamigakure
Our private indoor hot spring bath

Divine Dining: A Feast Fit for the Gods

Kaiseki dinner at Kamigakure
Our exquisite kaiseki dinner

Dinner: A Seasonal Symphony

Our multi-course kaiseki dinner featured local ingredients from Takachiho. Highlights included:

  • Appetizer Platter: Delicate shrimp, rich duck, earthy burdock root
  • Sashimi: Flounder and amberjack so fresh they melted in our mouths
  • Main Event: Takachiho sukiyaki with A5 Miyazaki wagyu beef
  • Dessert: Beautifully arranged persimmon and jelly
The wagyu beef was so tender it practically melted in our mouths. I proudly finished five bowls of rice with the delicious sukiyaki broth!

Breakfast: A Colorful Start

Breakfast was a beautifully arranged seven small plates of side dishes served in a woven basket. The meal featured:

  • Light and refreshing soba noodles
  • Perfectly grilled fish with crispy skin
  • Sweet and savory tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette)
  • Crisp green salad and comforting miso soup
  • Refillable rice (essential for Asian travelers!)
Each dish was a colorful and flavorful representation of local ingredients, enjoyed with a view of Takachiho's morning beauty.
Breakfast at Kamigakure
Our exquisite Japanese breakfast

Impeccable Service

Thoughtful Transportation

While it's walkable from Kamigakure to Takachiho Shrine, they provided free shuttle service to Takachiho Shrine for the Yokagura show we booked. On a cold autumn night, this was incredibly appreciated!

Reading Materials

In the lobby, there are also Japanese reading materials to learn more on the Yokagura and Takachiho's culture!
To learn more on Yokagura, here's an informative Yokagura post to satisfy your curiosity!

Car Care

We were touched to find a windshield cover on our rental car in the morning - a thoughtful gesture we hadn't even considered during the cold night.

Attention to Detail

While we were at the Yokagura show, staff prepared our futons and left our dessert carefully cling-wrapped in our room.

What We Loved

  • Private onsen with sacred water from Tamare Falls
  • Exquisite kaiseki dinner featuring A5 Miyazaki wagyu
  • Perfect blend of traditional and modern design
  • Thoughtful service and attention to detail
  • Free shuttle to Takachiho Shrine
  • Comfortable Western beds + traditional tatami area
  • Beautiful Heian-period inspired decor
  • Refillable rice with meals (a Malaysian must!)

Minor Considerations

  • Booking requires planning (opens 3 months in advance)
  • Remote location requires driving
  • Premium price point (worth every yen!)
  • Limited English support (my Japanese came in handy)

Experience Kamigakure Yourself!

Ready for your own mythical retreat in Takachiho?

Book Kamigakure via Agoda

Final Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

Kamigakure's Shion room provided a perfect blend of mythical atmosphere, luxury amenities, and exceptional service. The private onsen, divine cuisine, and thoughtful touches made this a highlight of our Kyushu road trip.

Perfect for

♡ Travelers seeking a mythical Japanese experience
♡ Those who appreciate exquisite kaiseki cuisine
♡ Visitors wanting to explore Takachiho's wonders
♡ Anyone needing relaxation in a private onsen

Consider elsewhere if

✖ You need extensive English support
✖ You're on a very tight budget
✖ You prefer urban environments
Travel Tip: When staying at Kamigakure, don't miss the Yokagura (night Kagura) show at Takachiho Shrine! It's a magical performance of ancient Japanese myths.

Have you experienced Kamigakure or other Takachiho ryokans? Share your stories below!

© 2025 Jin Travels Japan

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Shin-an Ryokan Beppu Review: Private Onsen Experience in Kyushu Shin-an Ryokan Beppu Review: Private Onsen Experience in Kyushu

Private Onsen Bliss at Shin-an Ryokan in Beppu!

A Malaysian trio reviews the 'Bun' room at Michelin-starred Shin-an Ryokan - complete with private indoor & outdoor hot springs!
★★★★★ 5/5

Ryokan Information

🏯
Name: Shin-an Ryokan
📍
Location: Beppu city center, Kyushu
🛏️
Room: Bun (Maisonette w/ Private Onsen)
👥
Occupancy: 3 Malaysian girls road-tripping Kyushu

Key Features

♨️
Onsen: Private indoor & outdoor hot springs
📏
Size: Spacious 77.83㎡ maisonette
🛁
Amenities: Dyson hair dryer, luxury toiletries
⭐
Special: Michelin-starred authenticity

Discovering Shin-an

When planning our Beppu stay, I initially had my heart set on KAI Beppu by Hoshino Resorts. But with our late arrival after driving from Kokura, we realized we wouldn't maximize a luxury stay. That's how I discovered Shin-an - a charming Michelin-starred ryokan that turned out to be our hidden gem!
Road Trip Tip: When traveling between Kyushu cities, always account for jet lag and travel fatigue! Opting for Shin-an's central location meant we could maximize our limited time.
As three Malaysian girls road-tripping through Kyushu, we appreciated Shin-an's perfect blend of traditional charm and modern comforts. Booking the 'Bun' room directly through their Japanese website (they're also on Agoda) was smooth despite the language barrier - my Japanese skills came in handy!

The Bun Room: Our Traditional Sanctuary

Shin-an Bun room entrance
The entrance to our private sanctuary

For a post with even more details on the ryokan, or if you'd like to check out our self-drive itinerary in Beppu, consider reading here.

Steps into Tranquility

Walking into our 'Bun' room felt like stepping into a tranquil Japanese dream. The 77.83m² maisonette-style space features:
  • A serene downstairs living area with tatami mats
  • Upstairs bedroom with heavenly futons (I'm obsessed!)
  • Traditional shoji sliding doors creating peaceful ambiance
  • Modern amenities like a 50-inch TV and kitchenette
The scent of hinoki cypress from the indoor bath filled the air as we entered - instant relaxation! As Malaysians unaccustomed to such traditional spaces, we were fascinated by every detail.

Futon Happiness

Upstairs, the bedroom had us squealing with delight! The futon setup was perfection - I proudly arranged my pink futon myself. The space was so serene, with minimalist decor that made us feel worlds away from Beppu's city center just outside. Downstairs became our communal hangout spot where we planned our adventures while enjoying the indoor onsen view. The unique layout felt like having our own traditional Japanese house - a luxury we don't experience back in Malaysia!
Shin-an Bun bedroom with added futon
Pure futon happiness upstairs

Onsen Heaven: Private Hot Spring Perfection

Indoor onsen at Shin-an
Soothing indoor rock bath
Outdoor rotenburo at Shin-an
Shin-An's Rotenburo

Bathing in Bliss

The real showstopper? Our private indoor and outdoor hot springs! After exploring Beppu all day, we couldn't wait to try them. Indoor Bath: The hinoki-scented rock bath was perfect for my friends who prefer privacy. The stone tub with steaming mineral water created a spa-like atmosphere. After a day of traveling from Kokura, soaking in 40-60°C therapeutic waters melted our fatigue away. Outdoor Rotenburo: This was MY happy place! The open-air bath under the autumn sky was magical. Though compact, all three of us fit comfortably. Adjusting the temperature to 60°C, I lingered long after my friends retreated, listening to rustling leaves while sipping drinks - pure ambivert heaven!

Luxury Touches & Amenities

Premium Toiletries

From Dr. Ci:Labo skincare sets to yukatas and geta sandals, every detail felt luxurious. The Dyson hair dryer was an unexpected luxury that had us all trying it immediately after our baths!

Thoughtful Extras

We were welcomed with a bottle of wine and enjoyed the service drinks (mineral water, coffee, tea). The fully equipped kitchenette with tableware made snack times convenient.

Perfect Location

Centrally located with excellent restaurant recommendations. We saved money by dining out instead of paying for kaiseki meals, which funded our next ryokan stay in Takachiho!

What We Loved

  • Private indoor AND outdoor onsen in our room
  • Authentic tatami/futon experience we Malaysians adored
  • Michelin-starred quality at reasonable prices
  • Spacious 77.83㎡ layout perfect for groups
  • Central location near Beppu attractions
  • Luxury touches (Dyson dryer, premium toiletries)
  • Serene atmosphere despite city center location
  • Helpful staff with excellent local recommendations

Minor Considerations

  • No in-house restaurant (but surrounded by great options, and cuts down the price so it's technically a big win for us)
  • Japanese website might challenge non-speakers
  • Outdoor bath is compact for 3 people simultaneously
  • Futon setup requires some effort (but it's part of the experience!)

Experience Shin-an Yourself!

Ready for your own onsen retreat in Beppu?

Book the Bun Room Directly (JP Site)
(They're also available on Agoda)
Book via Agoda if you'd prefer an English site

Final Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

Shin-an's Bun room provided the perfect blend of traditional ryokan experience and private luxury for our Malaysian trio. The private onsen, authentic futon sleeping, and thoughtful amenities made this a highlight of our Kyushu road trip.

Perfect for

Groups/families wanting private onsen
Travelers seeking authentic Japanese experience
Those who value space and location

Consider elsewhere if

You prefer western beds
Need English-speaking staff at all times

Group Travel Tip: For road trippers like us, Shin-an's location near Beppu's main attractions means less driving after check-in. Arrive early to maximize your onsen time! The private baths are perfect for relaxing after a long drive.

Have you experienced Shin-an or other Beppu ryokans? Share your stories below!

© 2025 Jin Travels Japan

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Image may contain: 1 person, standing, ocean and outdoor
Jin, Type A ENFP, Virgo-Libra Cusp
Slytherin
Multilingual and travels to Japan for various purposes.
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