Guesthouse Nibutani Yanto - Hostel

Such a beautiful spot, and the hostel is comfortable. The host was friendly, too. I’d highly recommend it!

The guesthouse made a lucky start to my visit to Futakawa-dani. I’d come to learn about Ainu culture and Hokkaido’s traditional crops, and, as an early-career researcher with limited resources, I was glad I’d chosen it. After an afternoon of transfers at New Chitose Airport, I arrived past 7 PM. The owner met me at the bus station and drove me to the guesthouse, which was very thoughtful. In mid-February the asphalt roads were thick with frost, and even snow boots didn’t stop me from slipping. Without that ride, I might have had to crawl there. I’m very grateful for the warm welcome. It’s a cozy, charming place, full of books about Ainu and manga of Golden Kamui. I dropped my luggage and spent most of my time in the lobby beanbag chair reading. Photos of the Irisin of the Tafalong Amis tribe in Taiwan were on the wall, reflecting the owner’s respect for and interest in indigenous cultures. My room was comfortable, with a spacious bed. It’s well placed for daytime visits to the Ainu Culture Museum and Craft Center, and the nearby hot springs are a scenic 20-30 minute walk away. Bring some extra food, too. I’d bought instant noodles, black tea, and milk at Tomikuru, which came in handy for a late-night snack. There aren’t many shops nearby, and they close early. I hope I can visit again, perhaps when the Kayameno Museum opens or traditional crops like millet and barnyard grass are being grown locally again. I’d love to learn more, and maybe hear the owner’s stand-up comedy someday!

Yanto is a real trove of Ainu books, both scholarly and for leisure, and it seems to draw a fascinating mix of anthropologists, artists, and other scholars. The manager is a descendant of Hokkaido’s indigenous people and is deeply involved in preserving and translating their culture. The guesthouse is just steps from one of the most comprehensive Ainu museum complexes, so its location is a major plus. Still, I wouldn’t suggest staying here if you aren’t interested in the Ainu. A dorm bed costs 5,000 yen per night, which is fairly expensive, and the inn is far from decent amenities.

The dorm room was comfortable, and the location is perfect for visiting Nibutani. There were only three of us, two women and one man, though I’m not sure if that was just the time of year. I found the welcome a little cold: I was shown around quickly with almost no explanation, then left without even a smile. Breakfast was very mediocre. The price is perfect, and it’s fine for one night.