emix ishigaki - Hostel

We booked four nights in a twin private room with a shared bathroom, but checked out after the first night. The location near the bus and ferry terminal and restaurants was great, and the price was affordable. The room had thick black mould and the bathrooms were dirty. I felt uncomfortable leaving the room to use the bathroom because an older man in the kitchen area stared at me each time. There wasn’t a proper mattress on the top bunk, just a large towel as the “blanket,” so it wasn’t comfortable to sleep on. The owners, I assume, used the common area as their living room, and it was loud outside our room from 7am to 11pm. The walls were very thin, so earplugs are a must. In several years of strict-budget travel, this is only the second time we’ve felt we had to leave early and pay for a second place.

The single rooms and bunks were affordable and good value overall, especially for a decent area of town. The bunks were sturdy and had curtains, and there was a cozy atmosphere, plus a rooftop hangout and laundry area. The owner’s cute dog was very cute too. The owner and staff were friendly and helpful, and I felt welcome. The single-room walls were paper thin, though, and the rooms, furniture, and other things could have been cleaner.

There was a horrible smell and strange people around. We left early. Terrible hostel.

For a low price, this is one of the best hostels in Ishigaki, close to Ishigaki Port, with clean toilets and kitchen, free rental bikes, and a quiet atmosphere. I stayed in a single room. There could be some noise before 9 o’clock from the market nearby.