Stayed here 1 night - excellent location for the dogo but a very long way from the station, so get a tram. I loved everything about the youth hostel - apart from the hardness of the bunk beds. We had been sleeping on futons on tatami matting for some weeks before staying here, so we were fully accustomed to harder beds, however both my partner and I in separate dorms found the futon very very thin on a rock hard bunk, and were consequently tired and quite sore the next day.
The hostel was lovely, with great ethics regarding food, lifestyle, a holistic approach to health, free fruit when we were there. So I want to give it a higher rating. But I could not have slept on those beds for more than 1 night. Breakfast was good and the shared washing facilities, dorms, the hostel in general were very clean.
Free internet too. So, for a lovely hostel in a good location this is a good choice. But I warned you about the beds. The Lonely Planet author who decided to call this place's dorms immaculate really stretched the word's meaning to a breaking point.
The beds are uncomfortable and the mattresses too short. The blood stains on the blanket should have been a clear enough warning sign, but not until the morning did I realize the room had bedbugs. Next morning I cancelled the remaining nights and got a full re-fund. I still wouldn't go as far as to recommend the place unless you're really on a shoestring budget. Otherwise, please indulge yourself and stay in some place nicer.
Arrived at this hostel along the Henro Michi experience and wanting a hot bath at dogo onzen. I found the staff friendly, the place quirky and the owner a very interesting and funny fellow. He was friendly, entertaining and showed us some magic with his water. The other travellers were cool and we all had a great time. Breakfast was fantastic. Saki was good too. The actual hostel itself is a strict YHA affair but the host speaks reasonably good english is decorated with various wacky items, posters and devices if you like pain, try the various mechanical foot and body massage devices in the lounge.
