Unbelievable TKD House in Asahikawa: Japan's Hidden Martial Arts Gem!
Unbelievable TKD House: Asahikawa's Chaotic But Charming Martial Arts Secret (My Honest Review!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. Forget your pristine, cookie-cutter hotels. We're diving headfirst into Unbelievable TKD House in Asahikawa, Japan. This isn't just a hotel; it's an experience. And trust me, it's an experience you won't forget, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a martial arts novice (like yours truly!). The whole thing is… well, it’s unbelievable. More on that later. First, let's unpack this beast of a hotel, shall we?
Accessibility - The Good, the Not-So-Good, and the "Trying Their Best"
Right off the bat, let's address the elephant in the room. Accessibility isn't their strongest suit. While they do list "Facilities for disabled guests," it’s not explicitly detailed. The website doesn't spell out wheelchair access details, leaving you to hope. I'd suggest calling ahead and asking specific questions if you need serious accessibility. I want to give them the benefit of the doubt, but clear guidelines are crucial.
On-site, Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Hmm… This needs investigating. I didn't see a dedicated lounge area specifically designed for accessibility, but again, my observation isn't the be-all and end-all. More research (and a direct phone call) is advised!
Internet Access - Wi-Fi Everywhere! (Thank Goodness!)
Okay, praise the hotel gods! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And it actually works well! I’m a digital nomad, so this is essential. And, thankfully, the Internet access [LAN] option means you aren't entirely cut off from the world. I'm addicted to streaming. The Internet services seemed up to standard, I had no problems using the Wi-Fi in public areas, which is a blessing when you’re trying to post those epic Insta stories.
Things to Do (Besides Being Amazed) & Ways to Relax – Spa Time!
Alright, let's talk about the good stuff! Though, fair warning, prepare for a bit of a journey! This isn't your typical "luxury spa and chill" kind of place. It's got the basics down (like the Fitness center, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Pool with view!) but that doesn't mean it's a walk in the park to enjoy any of them.
I went for the massage (duh!). The masseuse was lovely, and the massage was… adequate. Let's just say it leaned more towards "therapeutic" than "blissful". The spa area felt a little basic, not as fancy as some of the other hotels I've stayed in. The Foot bath, however, was a life-saver after a day of exploring! Pure bliss.
The Body scrub and Body wrap? Nah, I didn't try those. I was too busy marveling at the whole experience.
Cleanliness & Safety – They're Trying!
Okay, this is where TKD House gets some BIG points. In the post-Covid world, safety is more important than ever. They've got a ton of safety features.
- Anti-viral cleaning products? Check!
- Daily disinfection in common areas? Check!
- Hand sanitizer? Check! Everywhere. Literally.
- Hygiene certification? I saw some information.
- Individually-wrapped food options? Yup.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? Mostly enforced, I’d say.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services? Seemed like it.
- Rooms sanitized between stays? Definitely.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? Yes.
- Staff trained in safety protocol? Definitely.
- Sterilizing equipment? Yep.
- Room sanitization opt-out available? Not sure on this one.
The Staff trained in safety protocol was reassuring. This is a hotel that cares.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Adventure Awaits!
The Asian breakfast was…an experience. It wasn’t exactly what I’m used to, but it was delicious. They offer a Breakfast [buffet], which I'm a sucker for. The Breakfast service was efficient. I'm a sucker for Coffee/tea in restaurant, and I wasn't disappointed.
There's a Bar! Though, it didn’t scream "craft cocktails." More like "simple pleasures". I snagged a Bottle of water – essential!
**What's cool is the *Alternative meal arrangement*. You can order a *Kids meal* if you have children, or any other meal modifications you may require, such as Vegetarian restaurant.
Services and Conveniences – A Mixed Bag
The Concierge was super helpful. Daily housekeeping was efficient. The Elevator was a lifesaver (especially with luggage!). Luggage storage was available, which I greatly appreciated. There’s a Convenience store which is a lifesaver. I had a Cash withdrawal when I needed it.
They offer the standard Air conditioning in public area, Air conditioning in all rooms is included. Car park [free of charge] is a huge plus if you've got your own wheels. There are other amenities like Ironing facilities, although the hotel lacks Dry cleaning, or other amenities.
For the Kids – Kid-Friendly, To Some Extent
Babysitting service? I didn't use it, but it's there! Lots of families seemed to enjoy the hotel.
In the Rooms – Cozy Chaos
Air conditioning, check. Alarm clock – still a thing! Bathrobes – yes! Bathtub – yes! Blackout curtains – thank goodness! Coffee/tea maker – essential. Free bottled water – always appreciated. Hair dryer – yep. In-room safe box – perfect. Mini bar- sadly empty. Non-smoking - yes! Reading light - Yes. Refrigerator - check! Satellite/cable channels (though I mostly streamed). Seating area - yay. Separate shower/bathtub - yes! Slippers - a nice touch. Smoke detector - good! Soundproofing - good! Telephone - old school! Toiletries - provided. Towels - plenty. Wake-up service - appreciated. Wi-Fi [free] - the most important thing. Window that opens - vital for fresh air.
Getting Around – Pretty Simple
Airport transfer is available. Car park [free of charge]. Taxi service is easy to get.
The Unbelievable Bit (My Favorite Part!)
Okay, here's the real secret sauce. The "Unbelievable" part isn't just about the facilities (though those are mostly there). It's about the vibe. This hotel has character. It's not sterile. It's not boring. It feels…authentic. And the staff… they are the real heroes. They’re friendly, helpful, and they genuinely care about making your stay enjoyable. I ended up chatting with one of the front desk staff for like an hour about local restaurants – he gave me some AMAZING recommendations for sushi (a must-try!).
So, is it perfect? Hell no. But is it memorable? Absolutely.
My honest, somewhat imperfect assessment:
- Accessibility: Could be better. Call ahead and confirm details.
- Cleanliness: Excellent
- Food: Decent
- Service: Fantastic
My Over-the-Top, Totally Sincere, Imperfect Recommendation:
GO! Visit Unbelievable TKD House. If you’re looking for bland, stay away. But if you want a trip that's a little bit chaotic, a little bit quirky, in a place that makes you feel like you're part of something special… then book your stay. You won’t regret it.
Final Thoughts
I could go on, but you get the idea. This is a hotel with heart, imperfect but unforgettable.
Grab Your Gi and Get Ready! Unbelievable TKD House – Your Asahikawa Adventure Awaits!
Tired of the same old boring hotel experiences? Craving something different? Then get ready to be unbelievable! at the Unbelievable TKD House in Asahikawa. This hidden gem, nestled in the heart of Hokkaido, offers a unique blend of comfort, convenience, and a touch of delightful chaos.
Here's why you NEED to book your stay NOW:
- Unforgettable Atmosphere: Forget sterile and forgettable - the Unbelievable TKD House is bursting with character and charm. It's an experience, not just a place to sleep!
- Safety First: We're committed
TKD HOUSE ASAHIKAWA: A Hot Mess of a Trip (Probably)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly curated Instagram travel guide. This is reality, folks. We're talking TKD House in Asahikawa, Japan, and I'm heading there… solo. Don't judge. I needed a break, a chance to wrestle with my existential dread in the land of ramen and fluffy snow. Here's the schedule, or at least, what I think the schedule will be, knowing full well it'll probably disintegrate like a cheap air mattress.
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Ramen Vibes
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Arrive at Asahikawa Airport (AKJ). Okay, first hurdle: actually arriving. Knowing my track record, I'll probably miss the connection, end up stranded in some obscure airport bar, and have to beg a sympathetic stranger for a phone charger. Let's pray to the travel gods for smooth sailing. Once I do land, the plan is:
- Transportation Debacle: Train to Asahikawa Station. Hopefully, I can navigate the ticketing machines without accidentally ordering a lifetime supply of instant noodles. Japanese train stations are beautiful and terrifying simultaneously.
- TKD House Check-In: Find it. Pray it's not a total dive. Secretly hoping it's run by someone with a dry wit and a questionable sense of fashion.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): The real test begins:
- Ramen Reconnaissance: Find some truly epic ramen. I'm talking the kind that makes you weep with joy and contemplate your life choices simultaneously. Apparently, Asahikawa is the place. If I can't find good ramen, I might as well go home.
- Grocery Store Ambush: Wander in some local supermarket, maybe pick up some weird snacks I'll regret later. I'm picturing myself stumbling through the aisles, bewildered by a sea of unfamiliar packaging. Hopefully, I won't accidentally buy cat food.
- Early Bedtime (Maybe): Attempt to combat jet lag. Knowing myself, I'll be wide awake until 3 AM, staring at the ceiling, pondering the meaning of life (and whether I should have packed more socks).
- Evening (5:00 PM - Whenever I Crash):
- Ramen Round Two: Fine, I'll embrace the carb coma. Another bowl of ramen, because, why not? This is my vacation, and I'll eat what I want, even if it's the death of me.
Day 2: Snow Monkeys & Emotional Snowstorms (Probably)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The idea is a day trip to the local snow monkeys. Okay, let's be real. This could be a disaster. I'll probably get lost. I'll definitely trip on something. I might even get harassed by a particularly grumpy monkey. It's a gamble.
- Transportation Tango: Figure out the bus/train situation. My brain already hurts at the thought.
- Monkey Mania: Hopefully, the monkeys will be charming and not too judgmental. I'm picturing them judging my fashion choices. (They're probably right.)
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Lunch on the Go: Grab something quick on the way back.
- Optional: More Exploration: Maybe swing by a local park or temple.
- Lunch on the Go: Grab something quick on the way back.
- Evening (5:00 PM - Whenever):
- Dinner: Try a different kind of Japanese cuisine, hopefully, something I can pronounce.
- Contemplate My Life From My Window: Stare at the snow. Wonder why I sometimes make these decisions.
Day 3: The Art Museum & Cracking Under Pressure
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Visit the Asahikawa Museum of Art. I told myself I'd be cultured, and now I have to follow through.
- Wander Through the Galleries: Pretend to understand modern art. Take lots of selfies.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Relax and Recharge: Maybe take a nap. Consider how I'm doing.
- Shopping? Maybe?: There's a giant shopping center, but I'm not much of a shopper. But who knows, maybe I'll snap and buy a ridiculous souvenir.
- Evening (5:00 PM - Whenever):
- Final Dinner: One last hurrah. Maybe try a nice restaurant. Then, probably cry a little that I'm leaving.
Day 4: Departure & The Aftermath
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Check out of TKD House (hopefully without accidentally stealing the towels).
- The Farewell Train: Head back to the airport. Pray the train doesn't break down. (Again, I have an uncanny ability to make these things happen.)
- Afternoon (12:00 PM onwards):
- Fly Away: Begin the long journey home, probably already planning my next escape.
Important Notes & Potential Disasters:
- Language Barrier: My Japanese is… basic. Expect plenty of awkward hand gestures and frantic Googling.
- Weather: It's winter. It'll be cold. I'm from somewhere very warm, so there will be a lot of shivering.
- Procrastination: This itinerary is a suggestion. I'll probably change my mind about half of it.
- Emotional Rollercoaster: Expect moments of profound joy, crippling self-doubt, and a general sense of bewildered awe. That's just me, folks.
- Expect the Unexpected: Because that's life, isn't it? And it's a lot of the fun.
- I will 100% get lost, I will 100% mess up the train system. I will at some point have a near-death experience with the snow.
- I can't stress this enough, this trip is not a success until I eat too much ramen and buy a very ugly souvenir.
This is it. My half-baked plan. Send help (and maybe a translator). Wish me luck, I'm going to need it.
Hoan Kiem Lake SUN-DRENCHED Apartment: 1-Minute Walk!
Unbelievable TKD House in Asahikawa: Japan's Hidden Martial Arts Gem! (Maybe? We'll See...) - FAQs & Ramblings
Okay, okay... What *is* this "TKD House" exactly? Sounds a little... sketch?
Alright, deep breaths. "Sketch" is a fair assessment, honestly. It's a Taekwondo dojo, smack-dab in the middle of Asahikawa, a city in Hokkaido (that's way up north in Japan, freezing in winter!). But it's not your typical, sterile, all-business dojo. Think… a slightly crumbling, lived-in house. Think mismatched tatami mats. Think a distinct lack of air conditioning (that was a real problem). Think – and I am not making this up – a cat named “Kicks” that would casually stroll through training sessions. It's more like a family home that also happens to teach you how to break bricks with your bare hands. It’s... unconventional. And I loved it. Kicks was the best.
So, like, are the instructors legit? Or is this just some guy in a tracksuit pretending to be a master?
Good question! The sensei… he's definitely legit. He had the belt, the callouses, the stoic "I've seen things" expression. (And a surprisingly warm smile when you finally got your form right). He’d been doing this for, like, forever. You could tell he knew his stuff. But, and this is the beauty of the TKD House, he wasn't all stern pronouncements and discipline. He had a wicked sense of humor! He'd do this thing where he'd very seriously demonstrate a move, and then... wink. Like, "Yeah, you're gonna mess this up for a while, just accept it." And the other students, some were hardcore, some were… well, let's just say their commitment levels varied. But the vibe was inclusive. You felt like you belonged, whether you were a black belt or a fumbling beginner. Except for the time I managed to trip over my own feet and send a water bottle flying. That wasn't fun for anyone. Especially me.
What kind of training did you *actually* do? Spinning heel kicks all day?
Spinning heel kicks? Eventually! We did the basics, of course. Forms (that’s where you get all the fancy moves), sparring (where you try not to get kicked in the face… which I failed at occasionally), board breaking (SO satisfying!), pads work (lots of yelling!), conditioning exercises that left me feeling like jelly, and, crucially, a *lot* of repetition. Like, ad nauseum repetition. My legs cried. My shoulders ached. But slowly, slowly, I started to feel my body change. I felt stronger. More centered. It wasn't just about the physical; it was about the mental discipline, too. Except for the time I was partnered with a guy who clearly wanted to take me out. That was terrifying, and a bit of a low point. But even *that* taught me something!
Okay, I'm intrigued! What about the *atmosphere*? Was it all seriousness and "Hoo-ah!"-ing?
See, that’s the thing. It wasn’t *just* serious. It was a blend of intense focus and casual camaraderie. There was the shared exhaustion after a particularly brutal workout (those side kicks will get you!). There were the jokes about the sensei’s questionable fashion choices (tracksuits are a way of life, apparently). There were the awkward high-fives when someone finally nailed a difficult technique. One time, during a break, someone brought in these weird, super-sour Japanese candies. The looks on everyone's faces were priceless! It was a genuine community, a place where you could leave the stress of the day at the door (along with your shoes) and just… *be*. And yes, there was also the occasional "Hoo-ah!" but it felt more… supportive than intimidating.
Did you learn any cool self-defense stuff? Like, could you actually protect yourself now?
Um... sort of. The theory's all there. I know how to block, how to punch, how to kick (in theory!). But putting it into practice? Let's just say I wouldn't recommend challenging a bear to a fight. Or, you know, anyone remotely skilled in actual combat. What I *did* learn, though, was a certain confidence. A sense of awareness. That alone is worth the price of admission. Also, I can definitely break a board now. That's useful, right? In *some* situations? Maybe?
Alright, the burning question: Would you recommend this place? Is it worth the trip?
Absolutely. Unequivocally. YES. It's not about the fancy facilities, the polished floors, or the world-class instructors (though the sensei was great). It's about the experience. It's about pushing yourself, finding your limits, and connecting with something bigger than yourself. It’s about the friendships you’ll make. It’s about the cat. It's about the slightly chaotic, wonderfully imperfect reality of the TKD House. It's a hidden gem, a quiet rebellion against the genericness of... everything. If you're looking for a life-changing experience, and you don't mind a little sweat, a few bruises, and a whole lot of laughter, then yes, book that flight *now*. Just… maybe bring your own AC unit.
Okay, fine. I’m in! What do I need to know *before* I go?
Alright, buckle up. First, be prepared to sweat. A lot. Bring comfortable workout clothes, a water bottle (seriously, hydration is key), and a towel (because you *will* be drenched). Learn a few basic Japanese phrases – it helps! Respect the customs (shoes off inside the dojo, bow when you enter and leave). Be prepared to feel awkward for a while but don't give up! Embrace the chaos. And most importantly, be open to the experience. Don't be afraid to laugh at yourself. And finally, don’t expect perfection. Embrace the imperfections. And if you see Kicks, give him a pat. He'll probably ignore you, but hey, that's cat life, right?
Any horror stories? (Because, you know, I'm morbidly curious).
Oh, you want horror stories? Okay, here's one. One time, during sparring practice – and this is a true story – I misjudged a kick and completely whiffed. My foot swung, connected with *nothing*, and I ended up stumbling backwards, tripping over a discarded bag, and landing smack-Book Hotels Now
