HakoneHOSTEL1914

Beautiful building, perfect location, excellent staff

The reviews are all true- Kana-san, the manager, is truly a gem. She is sweet, kind and so very helpful in every way possible. I truly enjoyed our December weekend in Hakone because of her! We travelled as 2, booked one bunk bed as it was a queen-sized bed in the mixed dormitory, and stayed for 2 nights. The dormitory was warm and cozy, and you are given one large towel and one face towel by Kana-san.We booked one queen sized bunk bed just enough for 2 people. First come first served to pick if you're going to get the top or bottom bunk. Given that it was December and very cold, the bed was warm enough with a warm duvet and air conditioning in the room. There is a wonderful view of the Fujiya Hotel from the window. We placed our luggage in the dormitory room just in front of our bed so our advice is to pack light if you aren't quick enough to snag a private room (they go by fast!). There is a toilet and a sink on the 2nd floor where the dormitory room and 2 private rooms are. You are given guest slippers, and there is a privacy screen door for each bed.The first floor where the communal shower stalls are located are very clean. It is also beautifully and warmly decorated. There are books, board games, a guitar, space heaters, a kitchenette, tables and chairs, a sofa with blankets, and tourist brochures. It also has the schedule of the local switch-back train. The bus stops are also surrounding the hostel and the Miyanoshita train station is within walking distance so transportation is very convenient- just be aware of the time for the last trip for the bus and the train. For food, we didn't get to shop at the local produce store but there is the Picot bakery adjacent to the Fujiya hotel which opens at 8AM JST. There is also a nearby Lawson and 7-11 although Lawson closes at 11 PM.Since the building is from 1914 and is mostly wooden, you will hear environmental noise and some creaks here and there, but ear plugs are provided.

Great recommendations, restaurant and onsens reservations from Kana when we checked in. Comfortable room and we slept great. Great value and location!

I’ve traveled to 60 countries in the world. This is the best place I have ever stayed at, hands down. It happens to also be owned by the kindest, generous and most helpful person in Kana. First, the accommodation. I had a Japanese style room which I absolutely LOVED!! I had a heating table, I need to bring one of these home! Spotlessly clean. Great kitchen area and space to have meals, cozy. The hotel is an old post office which makes the atmosphere so incredible. Now for Kana. She made my dream come true and went to so far above and beyond. I’ve made a new friend!. All I wanted to see was mt Fuji in Japan and I’ll go home delighted. First two days rain and no visibility. The day I was supposed to leave was projected to be sunny. So Kana helped me rebook my whole transportation to Takayama and helped me plan the whole day. She made sure I got the train tickets I needed. She spent so much time and energy on helping my dream come true and we had a spectacular morning- she drove me down to see mt Fuji early herself. Unbelievable. May all the good deeds and incredible kindness be returned 10 fold Kana. Can’t wait to return the favor in the USA! Arigado gozemous a million times! ????

Absolutely nothing.

Great stay in old building.Everything is clean, beds are comfortable, facilities are good and location is perfect.Kana is such an amazing and kind host and you won't find as helpful person in whole Japan.

-

Great location in Hakone. Super clean and organized Hostel. The receptionist was super kind and welcoming. She helped me book a private onsen! Stay for a night in Hakone instead of a quick day trip.

Quiet/peaceful location, staff were very helpful and kind. Fun common area in the main building where it was easy to talk to others

It was really dirty, especially around the common area bathrooms/sinks and in the bathroom next to the beds. They were also cramped. Shower only located in the main building. It was also very far from the train station. No staff before operating hours opened. Had to set up your own bed. Complicated lock system on the door as well.

Convenient location for my main purpose which was hiking. Also great cafes and restaurants nearby. Last but not the least, staff was very friendly and helpful - had recommendations for anything you may need or are interested in, and helped with making reservations which were helpful for busy weekends.

We had a wonderful stay! Our host Kana was fantastic and made our stay in Hakone perfect! She had the best recommendations and was so friendly and kind! I highly recommend this hostel!

The lady working there is an angel, she was so helpful and made our stay even better with local suggestions, transportation knowledge (ex take train instead of bus to avoid traffic- we would ve missed our train otherwise), checking restaurants and onsen availability and making reservations for us) and the room we had was so comfortable and cute. She made our laundry and shared some local sake and created such a good vibe in the hostel with everyone.

English instruction for the toilet would be appreciated

The owner of the hostel is just amazing ! Such a lovely person willing to help you with your plans! The hostel itself is so pretty and conformable, clean and it has a quite big common room to chill.

Super welcoming Kana who advised on onsens, restaurants, ...The double bunk beds in a high-ceiling room

too much sun light in the room in the morning

Amazing staff, good located, super clean, comfortable, u will have free drinks, also staff will help you with your trip plans, and w your lagged

Kana, the hostess, was amazing!She helped us book onsen and restaurants as well as shipping our luggage to our next hotel!

This was one of the most exceptional stays that I have ever enjoyed in Japan. The host, Kana-san, is extraordinarily kind and helpful. She made my time in Hakone so much more enjoyable, by offering advice on places to visit and by booking restaurants and onsen for me. I can't wait to go back!

That I had to leave!

A really nice, well located and comfortable hostel. It is right next to a Lawson and a 7 Eleven, across from a bar, and close to restaurants and onsens. Despite being so convenient, it is very calm at night and I slept perfectly. What truly makes this hostel outstanding is Kana. She takes care of her guests as if they were family, and you can feel her passion, pride and love for hosting in everything she does. I would not think twice about staying here again. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that extended my stay by an extra night

Great location, super friendly staff. Room was small but functional and bed was very comfortable.

Kana-San, the owner, did a wonderful job from the beginning of making me feel welcome and at home (thank you so much for the Venetian Glass Museum ticket!).The private room was lovely, a great experience of living a small part of the house's long history.

Kana who manages the hostel was the best part of our stay. She is exceptionally kind and mindful of guests needs and therefore added so much value to our stay. She helped as with travel plans, bookings, clearly communicated her availability and got up early before office hours to see us off. She makes sure the hostel is quiet after 10. Guests relax around her. The best service and care we have had in Japan. Thank you Kana you are a gem and we appreciate you.

Overall a very charming hostel. The lady who runs it is very sweet and helpful. Gave great recommendations for a local onsen and other things to do nearby.

Location is not super central. The price also was slightly more than other places in the area that had better facilities - for example another place I stayed at was cheaper and had an onsen on site.