Escape to Paradise: La・se・ri Resort & Stay, Himi, Japan
Escape to Paradise: La・se・ri Resort & Stay, Himi, Japan - The Honest Truth (and a Few Tears of Joy)
Okay, buckle up buttercups. This ain’t your typical travel blog fluff piece. I’m gonna tell you straight: La・se・ri Resort & Stay in Himi, Japan… well, it’s a vibe. A very, very good vibe. And sometimes? The vibes are a little wonky. But aren't we all?
First off, let's get the practical stuff out of the way, because, let's be honest, that's what we think we care about.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, But Improving.
Right, so, Accessibility. It's listed on the brochure, and they do have Facilities for disabled guests. Now, this is Japan, which is usually pretty on point with accessibility, but let's be real – it’s not always perfect. The elevator is a lifesaver, of course. But navigating the grounds? Slightly hilly. Wheelchair users will want to double-check specifics; it's not a guaranteed breeze, but they are trying. More on this in the “getting around” section later.
Internet – The Eternal Struggle.
Internet access: You got it, thank the Wi-Fi gods! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet [LAN] for those old-schoolers, and Wi-Fi in public areas. Hallelujah! Connection was decent, but I swear, sometimes I felt like I was back in dial-up times, crawling through the internet. The Internet services were listed, but let's just say my Zoom calls weren't exactly crystal clear. But hey, who needs the internet when you’re staring at THAT view? (More on THAT view later)
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe, Feeling Clean (Unless You're Me, Apparently)
Okay, here's where they REALLY shine! Cleanliness and safety is taken seriously. They’ve got Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff trained in safety protocol. The fact they have Professional-grade sanitizing services and that the Rooms are sanitized between stays gave me peace of mind. They went the extra mile, even offering Room sanitization opt-out available, if you're that type of person. (Me? I'm a germaphobe. I was practically bathing in the hand sanitizer.)
Safety/security feature: They delivered with CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, and for those scared of fire, Smoke detector!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Stomach's Paradise and My Wallet's Hell
Alright, the food. THIS is where La・se・ri really tries to woo you. And for the most part, they succeed.
- Restaurants: Several choices! A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant. They've got a Vegetarian restaurant which is great for some, and they Breakfast [buffet] is something to behold. It's so much, and they also offer Breakfast service and Breakfast [buffet].
- Drinks: They have a Bar, a Poolside bar for those lazy days, and Coffee/tea in restaurant and Coffee shop for caffeine addicts like myself. I would suggest trying the local beer - it’s divine.
- Special mentions: They also have a Snack bar, and Room service [24-hour] which is handy for those late-night ramen cravings.
- Prices: The food is expensive. But, let me tell you, the quality is generally worth it. The Desserts in restaurant are worth all the money you'll ever spend.
I did experience an Alternative meal arrangement, which I'll get into in a bit in “things to do”, but it's a mixed bag.
Things to Do: Beyond the Basic "Relax"
Okay, the "things to do" are… well, they're amazing. But also… let's be honest, sometimes you feel a little confined to the resort. Don’t get me wrong, the Spa is legit! And you can get a Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, and if you are feeling it, the Sauna, Spa/sauna, and Steamroom are all available to help you relax.
But, let's talk about the real star: that Pool with view. Oh. My. God. The outdoor Swimming pool [outdoor] is stunning! You can even swim in it, and the Poolside bar really helps. And who am I kidding? I practically lived there.
The Perfect Day (and the Imperfect Moment)
Picture this: Waking up in the massive Non-smoking room, the sun streaming in through the Window that opens. You have a Coffee/tea maker, a Refrigerator for your drinks, and Free bottled water to keep you hydrated.
Then, a trip to the spa for a Body wrap. Ahhh, utter bliss!
But here's where things get interesting. The Food delivery situation is a bit dicey. I asked about it, and it resulted in a bit of a misunderstanding. I ordered something, and it never arrived. I should have used the Room service [24-hour]. This isn't the resort's fault, but it felt a little isolating.
The "Getting Around" Gauntlet
Now, this is important. Yes, there's Car park [free of charge], and Car park [on-site]. They even have a Car power charging station! But getting around the actual resort? It's a bit of a workout, especially for anyone with mobility issues (like, say, if you've had a few too many cocktails and are feeling wobbly).
The shuttle service is available (Airport transfer, even!), but it's not always the easiest.
What’s in the room? (The Good, the Bad, and the Slippers)
Okay, the rooms. They try to be luxurious, and they mostly succeed! There are Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Closet, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free].
But let's talk about the Slippers. They give you slippers! It's a little touch that makes you feel like you're living the high life. Until you're trying to navigate those slightly uneven pathways, and suddenly, those slippers become a safety hazard! I swear, I almost ate it a few times.
For the Kids: Yay and Nay!
They have Babysitting service if you need it, and it's Family/child friendly, but it’s not exactly Disneyland. Kids meal is a good addition, and that Swimming pool [outdoor] is definitely a kid-pleaser.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference (and Some that Miss the Mark)
La・se・ri tries to think of everything. From Air conditioning in public area to Daily housekeeping, they've got the basics covered. They even have a Concierge and Currency exchange. They have a Cashless payment service which is great! However, I did notice a few things missing. I mean:
- They have a Convenience store - but it felt a bit underwhelming and the Gift/souvenir shop was pretty bland.
- The Invoice provided was a little difficult to change (when needed!)
- The Luggage storage was handy.
- The Meeting/banquet facilities is great for doing business.. or hosting a seminar.
- The Indoor venue for special events, and Outdoor venue for special events makes events easier.
The Emotional Verdict - Is it Actually Paradise?
Look, La・se・ri tries REALLY hard. And for the most part, it delivers. The views? Unmatched. The spa? Heavenly. The food (mostly)? Delicious. The service? Generally excellent.
But… it's not faultless. It's imperfect. It's human.
And that, my friends, is what makes it kind of perfect.
**Overall Rating: 4.2 out
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: CHANGJIANG HOTEL, Suzhou
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned itinerary. This is my potential train wreck of a trip to La・se・ri Resort & Stay Himi, Japan. Let's see if I survive… and maybe actually enjoy myself.
La・se・ri Resort & Stay Himi: Operation "Get My Zen On (Or At Least Pretend)" - A Messy Itinerary
Day 1: The Great Arrival & Questionable First Impressions
6:00 AM - 8:00 AM: The Pre-Trip Panic & Travel Day Fiasco: Ugh. Woke up in a cold sweat. Did I pack my passport? Did I accidentally leave the stove on? Rushed through the airport, smelling vaguely of existential dread and instant ramen. Found my flight… sort of. Apparently, "boarding soon" means "standing in line for an hour while toddlers scream and the air conditioning blasts directly into your soul." Anecdote Alert: Ended up next to a guy who spent the entire flight explaining the intricacies of his stamp collection. Fascinating, I'm sure. Just please… make it stop.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Flight + First Japanese Meal - The Descent & Foodie Dreams (and Disasters): Finally, touchdown! The sheer, clean beauty of the Japanese airport took me by surprise. Exiting the airport and figuring out where to purchase the train tickets was its own chaotic ballet of pointing, frantic googling, and sheer dumb luck. Arrived in Himi! Found a local ramen place near the station, the scent alone was a promise of paradise. Emotional Moment: The ramen… it was life-changing. (Okay, maybe a slight exaggeration, but the broth! The noodles! The everything!). Suddenly, all the pre-trip stress melted away and I felt some kind of hope for the next few days.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Check-In Chaos & First Glimpse of La・se・ri: Google maps led me astray. Twice. Finally, made it to the resort. Gorgeous, even if I was now covered in a light sheen of sweat. Check-in was surprisingly smooth (thank god), and then… the room. Omg. It's like a Pinterest board exploded into reality. Minimalist, beautiful, and… I immediately spilled green tea on the pristine tatami mats. Great start.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch (or the Hunt for Non-Spicy Food): Resort restaurant time! Praying they have something that doesn't require a fire extinguisher. I'm a spice wimp, always have been. Quirky Observation: The staff all seem impossibly gracious. Like, they're smiling at me even after the tea incident. Are they… robots? Am I in the Truman Show? Ordered the tempura. Success! Mildly crispy, and perfectly seasoned.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Onsen Immersion - A Naked Encounter with Bliss: The onsen. The moment I've been dreading, and secretly craving. Undressed (awkwardly) and followed the instructions. Stepped into the water…pure, unadulterated warmth. Strong Emotional Reaction: Pure. Fucking. Bliss. Floating in the hot water, the sky above, trees… just pure zen. Sat next to a very old man, who stared me down in a very Japanese way. I felt exposed. It was…perfect. (Okay, maybe not perfect. I kept thinking of the stamp guy).
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Exploring the Resort & Immediate Regrets: Walked around the resort. The gardens are beautiful. Stumbled upon a… fishing pond? Decided, in a moment of utter stupidity, to try my hand at fishing. Caught nothing. Lost a hat. Messy Structure: Okay, detour. I need to get back to that onsen. That was the best part of the day. I'm not cut out for fishing. Back to the hot tub!
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner & Evening Relaxation (Probably More Ramen): Dinner reservations at the resort's main restaurant. Praying for more safe food options, and maybe a very large glass of something alcoholic. The service is impeccable. The food? Delicious and delicately prepared. Spent the rest of the evening relaxing, maybe reading a book, watching the sunset, and definitely regretting not bringing a better book.
7:00 PM - Late: Evening stroll and a potential karaoke disaster: Trying to find some local bars or karaoke places - the idea is appealing, and maybe it will be the only time, and I can be a different person. I don't expect to drink excessively, but whatever makes me happy.
Day 2: The Sea, Seafood, and a Questionable Attempt at Cultural Immersion
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM: The Waking and Breakfast. I slept like a log. The bed here is so comfortable (not like mine), and I had the most pleasant dreams (forgetting all my worries). The breakfast buffet is a culinary adventure. So many types of rice! So many types of fish! So many types of pickled things that I wasn't sure if I should touch them.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Sea Exploration & Seafood Market: Went to the Himi fishing port. The wind was crazy. Anecdote time: While on the pier, I got a view of locals unloading the boats; all of this, was a treat. Tried some fresh oysters. Texture: slimy. Taste: good. Decided being at sea, wasn't for me.
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Seafood Market Lunch & the Sushi Debacle: Lunch at the local seafood market. So much fresh seafood! My eyes, were also bigger than my stomach. Attempted to order sushi. Attempted. My Japanese is… well, non-existent. Ended up with something that looked vaguely like sushi… but tasted alarmingly like seaweed and fish glue. Strong Emotional Reaction: I love sushi but I was devastated!
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Fishing Village Exploration & The "Culture Shock" Attempt: Walked (a bit lost) through the Himi fishing village. It's charming, even if I feel like I'm constantly sticking out. I tried talking to a local fisherman. He said something. I smiled and nodded. Opinionated Language: I have no idea what he said. It was beautiful but confusing; sometimes, I have no idea what I'm doing. I give up!
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Back to the Onsen (Yes, Again): You know what's good after a day of questionable food and cultural collisions? The onsen. Pure, blissful, hot water. Need. More. Of. This.
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner: I'm going back to the ramen place. No point in suffering through any more culinary adventures.
7:00 PM - Late: The Karaoke Challenge (Maybe/Maybe Not): Maybe… just maybe… I'll gather my courage and go to that karaoke bar. Or maybe, I'll just stay in my room, watching Japanese television, and trying not to embarrass myself. The night is young. Or old.
Day 3: Departure, Reflection, and the Search for a Souvenir That Doesn't Suck
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Final Breakfast & Packing Shenanigans: Another delicious breakfast (this time, less bewildered by the options). Packing. Always the worst part of any trip. Imperfection Alert: I’m probably missing something. Probably.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Resort Farewell & Souvenir Hunt: One last walk around the resort. Sigh. Time to leave. Decided to actually purchase a souvenir. Not sure what to look for, but hopefully something will get me out of the resort.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Lunch and last-minute panic. Time to find some food. I have no more energy to find a good food place. I'll be heading back to the train, and go home
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Departure & Memories: Himi station. Train. Tears. Just kidding (mostly). Japan, you were… an experience. It was, I think, one of the coolest experiences I had this year. Strong Emotional Reaction:
Escape to Paradise: La・se・ri Resort & Stay - Himi, Japan - FAQs (From a Real Human Who Went!)
Okay, spill the beans. Is La・se・ri actually *worth* the hype?
Alright, here's the deal. Hype? Yeah, there’s some deserved. It’s undeniably gorgeous – the views of Toyama Bay practically *scream* Instagram post. But, and this is a big BUT – it’s not perfect. Think less a perfectly curated spa experience and more… a slightly chaotic, but utterly charming, adventure. I mean, the pictures? They're stunning. My reality? I spent a solid five minutes wrestling with the sliding door to my balcony, convinced I'd broken it. Turns out, you just needed a *very* specific angle. So… worth it? Yeah, absolutely. Just pack your sense of humor alongside your swimsuit.
The food! What's the deal with the food at La・se・ri? Is it all… fancy?
“Fancy” is a good word, but “delicious” is better. I'm talking, like, "I never want to eat anything else again" delicious. They lean *heavily* on that incredible local seafood, which is, you know, *the point* of being in Himi. The presentation? Art. Seriously, you'll be tempted to frame the plates before you devour them. Okay, full disclosure: I'm a messy eater. I managed to somehow dribble soy sauce (the good stuff, mind you) on the crisp white tablecloth. The staff, bless their kind hearts, were mortified. I felt terrible! But, the food? Absolutely magnificent. The sashimi? Melt-in-your-mouth. The udon? Perfectly chewy. And the breakfast... oh, sweet heavens, the breakfast. It's a crime to skip it.
How do you *get* to this "Paradise?" And is it a massive pain?
Transport? Okay, this is where it gets a *little* wonky. You’re probably flying into a major airport like **Toyama**. From there, it's about a train ride. Which, admittedly, is gorgeous. You'll whiz past rice paddies and stunning coastal views. So, not a *pain* exactly, more... an adventure. Be sure to double-check train schedules though – I nearly missed my connection and ended up sprinting through the station like a maniac. (Picture me: flailing arms, suitcase rolling away…) The station staff were very patient with my terrible Japanese. Worth it, though. Absolutely worth it. The anticipation built up as you got closer was a part of the experience, honestly.
Okay, the rooms. Are they as luxurious as they look online? And is there a weird Japanese shower situation going on?
Rooms... My room was… gorgeous. Okay, let's be honest, I was upgraded *once*. That’s a story for another time... The view was breathtaking from the balcony. The bed was like sleeping on a cloud. The décor? Minimalist chic, which is perfect because the natural scenery is the real star. The *shower* situation? Yes, there is a bit of a learning curve. You have the little stool, the handheld showerhead, and a whole separate area for washing before you get in the bathtub (which is itself a work of art). Don't be a dummy like me and try to do everything at once. Embrace the ritual. I actually *loved* it by the end, even though I splashed water everywhere the first time. (There were, ah, *many* towels)
Tell me about the onsen (hot spring)! Is it awkward for Westerners?
The Onsen... YES. Yes, it is. Awkward? Possibly. Embarrassing? Potentially. The first time I walked in, with my very pasty skin and a distinct lack of grace (I’m not a small person either), I was incredibly self-conscious. Everyone else seemed to *know* what they were doing. But, you know, *everyone* is just kinda there, soaking silently. And within about five minutes, I'd forgotten all about my self-doubt and was just… blissfully relaxed. The water is amazing, and the view from the outdoor onsen is something else entirely. Go early, go late, just… go. Don't be afraid of the nakedness. It's part of the whole Japanese experience.
Beyond the resort, is there anything to *do* in Himi? Or am I stuck sunbathing (which, I'm not complaining about, but…)?
Alright, let’s be real. Himi isn't exactly buzzing with nightlife. But that’s kind of the point! It’s all about the tranquility. There's hiking and exploring, sure. You can explore around the local markets, which I can attest to being a good way to get yourself hopelessly lost. I can’t even explain how I ended up in a tiny shop that only sold fishing rods, and tried to communicate through the sheer power of pantomime and Google translate. The local culture is vibrant and the people are incredibly friendly. If you’re into fishing, well, you’re in heaven. You can rent a bike and pedal along the coast. Visit some local shops. I mean, or just stare at the ocean and contemplate your existence. Honestly, that's a fantastic way to spend a day. I recommend it. I came home from this trip *completely* relaxed.
Are there any *serious* downsides I should be aware of *before* I book? Give it to me straight.
Okay, honesty hour. It *is* pricey. It's a splurge. Factor that in. Also, unless you speak Japanese, you will need to be a bit patient with communication sometimes. The staff are lovely, but language barriers can lead to some… interesting situations. (Like the time I accidentally ordered an entire platter of sea urchin and then had to pretend I loved it. I don't, by the way. Sorry, sea urchin.) And remember that whole "slightly chaotic" thing? Things don't always run *perfectly*. But honestly, these are minor hiccups. Seriously, I’d go back in a heartbeat. Just pack your phrasebook, your sense of adventure, and a healthy dose of acceptance of the occasional, delightful chaos. Trust me. Worth it.
Should I bring my kids?!
Hmm. Depends on your kids, honestly. It's not a theme-park-style experience. Super high energy kids might get… restless. There are some kids there sometimes, but it is a quiet sort of place and not super family-oriented. Small childrenHotel Price Compare
