It is a very cozy and simple hostel. The facilities were clean and the bed was big, with a curtain for privacy. It is a 5min walk to the gates of the Himeji castle and shops and restaurants are nearby. The host was very friendly, though strict with some rules.

The path to the beds is very narrow, so watch out with big luggage. Also, there is no check in possible after 9pm, where the host was VERY serious about it. For me it was no problem, but not good for any people arriving late at night. Also, on your check out day, you can only store your luggage there until 2pm, which I think is a little bit inconvenient, since it is basically the middle of the day. Maybe until 5pm would be nicer/more accommodating to travellers wanting to explore the city and continue travelling later in the afternoon.

Staff was truly incredible and they went out of their way to make the experience welcoming, accommodating, and friendly. I was only staying for a night to go see Himeji castle and I ended up going with new friends I made at the hostel. Strongly recommended for a single traveller.

The room is shared with many other people in bunks so prepare for that. The lights will likely remain on as no one will turn them off but that’s not the fault of the staff whatsoever it’s just one of the aspects of hostels that are unavoidable. The same is true of noise, even if there is a lights out time, people will still be loud in their sleep e.g. snoring. Please keep this in mind and pack earplugs when staying in a hostel. I would not recommend this for couples staying together as the beds are for one person.

Google Maps is essential for traveling in Japan! This hostel is in a very convenient location in Japan. I traveled alone, and this accommodation was in a good environment. There were no issues with the shared bathroom. The area provides easy access to Himeji Castle, convenience stores, a shopping district, and more. I took the bus and trains and walked, but using Google Maps was easy! I just matched the bus number on the left side of the road and pressed the "stop" button when I wanted to get off. I only used public transportation because it was unnecessary to use anything else! Lastly, this hostel is for individuals who wish to travel most of the day and need somewhere to rest at night. Interesting perks about the accommodation: - There is a phone number to call in case of an emergency - Area for luggage storage - Reasonable Check-In and Check-Out time - Friendly Staff - Good privacy - Common lounges - Easy Checkout - Easy access to leave and enter the hostel (this is good for late-night excursions) - Pictures match the atmosphere! - Microwave and Free water! The best feature about this accommodation is that it is in a nice area. There are many businesses to shop around! The lounge is also a great place to eat and socialize—I met many people there! I also liked that the staff member advised walking around the castle grounds when it was closed (which is also within walking distance)! There were many opportunities to get good photos! The staff also recommended going near "Shirotopia Memorial Park" to take pictures! I would stay here again!

The luggage storage is by the beds. It made retrieving my luggage tricky during quiet hours, but I do not believe I disturbed anyone. There is a rental fee for the towel (this is standard in Japan); the cost is small, but it is something to note. I only stayed one night, but more extended guests may have to adhere to cleaning hours. These are not significant issues; they are something to note! I recommend this location if you enjoy a "backpacking atmosphere."

This hostel had a lot for character and I really enjoyed staying there - even just for 1 night. I also did some clothes washing there which all went fine. Location is first class - right between the train station and the castle. It is on this sheltered avenue of shops which gets a lot of foot traffic. One would think in the daytime it would be quite noisy, but actually it wasn’t at all. Good showers, a comfortable bed, and a welcoming host.

The only thing I didn’t like was that there was quite a potent sulfurous smell that permeated the main common area (reception, lounge etc). For some reason it was not present in the dorm room which was great. Not sure what that’s about, but it was tolerable. Worth noting too that there is not really any sound insulation in the dorm room (the top bunks are open at the top) so if you have even quite a soft snorer (which unfortunately we did) you will hear it.

The host is absolutely fantastic and went above and beyond to make us comfortable and to provide us with tips on where to eat and places to visit. It felt like we were staying with an old friend. The location is also really great, especially to pop out and view Himeji Castle at night.

The sleeping rooms are tight quarters with a narrow walkway which is a bit tough with a large bag, especially when you're trying to be quiet (arriving late/leaving early). The bag storage area is the same as the sleeping quarters so it's tough to be quiet if you get up early.

Very good location near shops and the castle and train station. Friendly host. No English but can use translation apps. She gets other guests to help with translations or information e.g. when I arrived, she asked another guest to explain the entry door system. And when another guest arrived, she asked me to talk about the nearby temple that is worth visiting. Amenities are simple, bed is comfortable if a little dark as there is a lack of natural light and the overhead lights don't light the area that well. No kitchen facility but can use microwave and a fridge for guests. Plates and mugs provided, which are then placed in a basket for the host to wash up. Do note that guests are required to leave the premises between 10:00-16:00 (cleaning time). Upon check-out, luggage is stored free of charge until 14:00 and any later incurs a charge. There is no staff onsite overnight but an emergency number is provided.

Guests cannot be in the property between 10am-4pm but it's OK to pop in briefly

The bunks are very cozy. I didn't feel sandwiched between people at all. The dormitory is nice and dark, and the bathroom area is very clean and bright. The staff don't always speak English, but if they do they give advice (see the castle from behind at night) and if they don't they try their best!

Remember to email them for the door code if you need to drop off luggage!! There's no one there till about 4pm, though the castle has coin lockers. Also, it would be a very challenging space for someone less mobile (stairs, small bathroom, little steps up, ladders) or for someone who gets anxious about lack of privacy (bunk curtains leave little cracks).

One of the best guesthouse I did during my trip. The staff is really friendly and give you a lot of good recommandations, the beds are very comfy. The fact that we have a space where to meet is really helpful. If you’re a solo traveler and want to meet people, is it the best place for it !

The fact we can’t stay at the hostel between 10am and 4pm. If you’re a bit tired and want to sleep on the morning or if you want to come back to the guesthouse before you can’t 😣

Kyoko the owner of the Guest House is a true traveler at heart who created this Guest House to serve the backpacking community. She is charming and kind, and full of wonderful stories once you start getting her to talk (in English... which she is fluent in). The place itself is located at a Shotengi that's easily walkable from the Train Station. It's a wooden version of a capsule hotel... not to everyone's taste, but unique and charming in its own way.

The bathroom arrangement is limited and if the place were full, I imagine there would be a long line to use the facility. Because of the location, the place could be a bit dark within natural sunlight.

- Walking distance to both of Himeji station and Himeji castle. - Cosy and Japanese-taste rooms and interior. - They kindly kept my luggage before check-in time.

- There is no common kitchen. However, the living room equips a microwave and a fridge. - The receptionist is on duty after 9:00am in the morning. They are on duty until 21:00 at night. However, they can be caugh by phone. - They can keep your luggage by free of charge until 14:00 on your check-out day. I picked up my luggage at 17:00 and they charged me 300 yen as pena;ty.