Hostel Samurise Kura

The WiFi stopped working while we were there, and with no receptionist, it wasn't clear how to get help. We had no connection. If you're reading this, the router is above the entrance door. I restarted it and that fixed things. The location is fantastic. We booked a triple room for two, and it was spacious enough and clean. There's a free washer and dryer, free tea, and clean, modern showers and toilets. A cleaner comes in every day. One odd thing was the duvet cover: it only covers one side of the inner duvet, which feels strange.

It's right by the train station, and my one-bed room was very clean. I wish there were a mirror in the room, along with some hooks for jackets or shelves for belongings.

The location is right across from the station, near the Bike Cafe, which is easier to find on maps. We paid just $50 a night, and the value was great. There's free parking about a 350-meter walk away by the Suzuki business with the yellow sign, a big plus when parking around the city costs 400 yen an hour. The savings covered the stay. Our traditional room had eight tatami mats, a small table and cushions, a mini fridge for beers, good air conditioning, and two roomy alcoves for luggage. It had four futons, but could easily have slept five or six with some couples. The modern building has a rustic feel, great showers with soap and shampoo, and Western-style toilets with bidets. No smoking on the premises, though there's a 7/11 right nearby. English-speaking staff are available by phone if you need help. It was considerably nicer than the 'station inn' other travelers had recommended.

The room was fine for two, but the creaky wooden floor and thin walls meant we heard people walking past. The dryer had a rusty inside door, though the rest of the amenities were generally clean. It's very close to Kawaguchi station. Self check-in was a little confusing.