29 Uzumasanakayamacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan | (888) 989-6591
In a quiet residential area of Northwest Kyoto
A range of hostel accommodations including dormitories-style and en-suite bathrooms
Child-friendly, with toys, books, and games on-hand
Close to attractions such as the Daikaku-ji temple and Arashiyama bamboo forest
Japanese baths for men and women
Organized cultural events for an additional fee
Bike rentals, and tennis court on-site
Computers available for guests' use
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Far from the sights around downtown Kyoto
Slightly higher rates than other hostels
Towels and bathrobes come with a rental fee
This modern hostel is set in a green, natural area in Northwest Kyoto, a bit far from downtown but close to temples and natural features, including the Arashiyama bamboo forest. Accommodations range from Six-Bed Rooms with dormitory-style layouts and shared bathrooms to Twin Ensuite Rooms with private baths to Japanese-Style Rooms with mats. Extra beds can be added to rooms, which can make the hostel a handy choice for groups and families, although prices are slightly higher here than at other hostels. Shared rooms come with personal lockers and bunk beds with curtains, although Triple Rooms have single beds. Facilities include a clean communal kitchen and a beautiful bath house. Meals, including breakfast, are extra, as are the daily organized cultural events. Travelers who want to be closer to downtown Kyoto could check out the modern Piece Hostel near Kyoto station, which has lower rates.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Bright and spacious, with welcoming, child-friendly common areas
This hostel is spacious and bright starting with the welcoming reception area. It's surrounded by large wood-framed windows and filled with white tables, long communal wood tables, and fabric-draped couches that encourage gathering and mingling. Books, games, and toys are available to borrow, and the vibe is child-friendly. There’s a long shaded outdoor patio with round cafe tables and chairs. The bathhouse has somewhat institutional green-and cream-colored tile, but the walls of windows overlook beautiful greenery.
Location
In a quiet area of Northwest Kyoto, close to temples and natural attractions
The hostel is located in a quiet residential area in Northwest Kyoto, a 15-minute walk from the Utano subway station. Buses are also available from Kyoto station, and it's a one-minute walk to the hostel from the Youth Hostel-mae stop; it's a five-minute taxi ride from the Hanazono station reachable on the JR Sagano-Sanin line. While a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown Kyoto, it’s close to such sights as the Arashiyama bamboo forest, which is around 20 minutes away by bus, and the Ninna-ji, Ryoan-ji, and Kinkaku-ji temples, which are within a 10- to 20-minute bus ride. It’s about 35 minutes by subway, and 50 minutes by bus, to Kyoto station. And it's around two hours by public transportation, or a little more than hour's drive, to Osaka International Airport.
Rooms
Small and simple, filled with rustic pinewood
There are 37 dormitory-style rooms with shared bathrooms and four Twin Ensuite Rooms with private baths. Quad and Six-Bed Rooms have bunk beds made of rustic pinewood with white curtains and tiny storage compartments with hangers. Personal lockers are provided. Eight Triple Rooms have single beds. And Twin Ensuite Rooms have single beds with gray carpeting, narrow closets, small round tables, flat-screen TVs, and private baths. The compact bathrooms have curtained showers. Japanese-style rooms, with floors covered in woven mats, are separated by thin walls, so they can be noisy. All rooms come with slippers, toiletries, and views of the surrounding greenery.
Features
Three meals, hot baths, and bicycle rentals
The hostel serves a Western-style buffet breakfast and dinner for an additional fee, as well as lunch for large groups with a reservation. There are also a well-stocked, self-catering kitchen and barbecue area. Two onsens, or Japanese baths, are free for both men and women. There are laundry facilities and an iron and ironing board near the showers. Computers are available for guests' use, and Wi-Fi is free throughout. There’s a tennis court on the property, and bicycles can be rented for a fee. The hostel organizes cultural events, such as concerts and tea tastings, for an additional fee.
