Accidentally stayed here for 11 days (I wanted to visit Yakushima, but the big hike was closed due to a typhoon lol). It was my 2nd time in this hostel, so I think it’s a testament to how homey it is! As with any guesthouse, it’s as (anti)social as you want it to be. Even if the 4-persons dorm room is fully occupied, it didn’t feel that cramped. Especially b/c there’s a common area where you can sit, doomscroll on your phone and/or eat and not disturb your (sleeping) roommates. It’s also a good place to engage with the other guests and potentially make friends. There’s a fridge w/ a freezer and a fully functioning kitchen. There is one toilet (the other one is a well-kept secret (^_−)) and a spacious shower room (be careful not to drop anything T^T). The futons are comfy to sleep on and the bed sheets are clean. Furthermore, you can ask for a towel. IIRC, there’s a washing machine for a few yennies, but no dryer. There are coin laundries in the vicinity, though. The building itself is probably older than Jōmon Sugi, but all the areas are kept tidy daily, so no worries there. The owner is on-site during check-in times, so it’s helpful if you have questions. If for some reason you need to study during your stay and you find the hostel doesn’t meet your needs for that, there’s actually a 24/7 library near the port where they also sell burgers and fries (don’t ask why). I think the study place was called McDonald’s? It’s a weird name for a library but the wifi there is good and past midnight, it’s full of businessmen and students, highly recommended!

The hostel is charming and it feels cosy. The main reason I chose it is bc there's only 4 people per room, so you aren't packed like sardines. It's walking distance from the downtown, the port and Shiroyama. It's a 30 min straight line walk from Kagoshima-chuo station or you can use the tram/bus like a normal person. Last but not least, the owner is a lovely, cute but most of all, interesting person! She's well traveled and super smart. I could feel comfortable thanks to her calming presence. She's a good listener and endured my yapping session quite graciously...(⁠ ⁠ꈍ⁠ᴗ⁠ꈍ⁠) Dear Mrs. Mountain Forest (lol), let's become potato farmers together in our next life! Thank you~ Stay healthy and happy! ^o^♡

Nothing about the hostel, but Sakurajima was hiding behind clouds during my stay. Shy volcano 🥲

The atmosphere is good and you can just tell that the owner is a genuinly good person that cares for her guests. I made friends at the hostel and it might be one of the best places in the cities to socialize with other travellers. Common area was so cozy to relax and chill and do my things. And sleeping area has plenty of space and good air condition. Location is also very good, short walk to center, ferries, tram and observation decks.

Its good that you know its on 4th floor with no elevator in case you have problems carrying heavy luggage.

A quiet and cosy hostel with Japanese-style flooring and design, with an excellent location in downtown Kagoshima. The space and amenities were simple but the beds were very comfortable, and it is clearly evident how much the owner cares for the space and guests. During my stay over New Year's Ever, she hosted a hotpot dinner for us and I spent a lovely evening getting to eat and chat with the other guests. I would happily visit Kagoshima again and will be sure to return to Hostel Tomal when I do!

The hostel is close to the port if you're heading towards Yakushima or other islands. The building has an old fashioned style as it seems that the residents here are trying to save the entire building from shutting down. Interesting stories behind. I booked a.single room, i can feel the cold wind coming through the windows, but okay if you turn on the ac. Cooking utensils are also available here. To note, the hostel is on the forth floor and has no elevator.

Shoko the host was so lovely and helpful. The common areas were nice. The whole area was clean and the pillow and doona were so unbelievable comfortable. It was near a bus and tram stop so it was super easy to get places. Many yummy food spots near aswell.

As mentioned in the description of the property, there is no elevator, and it is on the 4th floor. Not a big problem at all, just something to note. The bunk bed length was a little too short for me, but I am very tall, especially for Japanese standards, so that is no fault of the owner. Bring an eye mask. The window shades do not block the morning light.

Basic, no-frills hostel | good location, close to ferry terminal and shopping district | solid WiFi | hot shower, soap/shampoo provided | functional kitchen, coffee/tea provided | friendly common area | hostel open/un-locked during the day, able to drop-off backpack early | hostess is kind and thoughtful; not on-site until afternoon for check-in | dorm was full, appreciated being moved to one of the private rooms, thank you |

Very close to the port for the ferry to Yakushima. Host is incredibly kind! We had a big room and we were comfortable with the amount of space.

You'll need to climb 4 flights of stairs to reach it (and leave it), and some of the doorways and archways are a bit low if you are taller. Especially the second bathroom, which has an entry door about 4 feet tall. Also, this tiny bathroom shares a window with the shower, so we felt strange showering knowing someone could go in the small bathroom and look through the frosted glass to peak. Maybe a small curtain to cover it?

The staff was really nice. The common spaces and the dormitory were clean. The bed was really confortable and cosy. Loved the vibe of the place and the decoration. And it was perfectly located.

A better hairdryer would be nice, and the girl dormitory only had curtains for the bottom bunk bed. So if you're sensitive to light and you want to go to bed early, you might need a mask for your eyes :)

Hostel located in an old building, set to be demolished soon. Old style house with a good vibe. Tatami room with bunk beds, single room with futon. Kitchen is equipped so I bought groceries and cooked. You can stay in the living room and socialise with other guests. Location is ideal, near Tenmonkan and port. Good bakery just down the street.

Hairdryer is weak and no heat coming out of it.