Hostel Tomal

The staff were so kind and helpful. Before I got to Japan, I ran into a difficult situation, and they agreed to receive my packages and hold them for a month. I was really grateful for that. I also loved the sociable Japanese-style atmosphere, and the hostel is right in the city center. I'm so glad I stayed here, it felt comfortable and welcoming. 😊

The rooms are small, with just four beds, which makes it easy to meet people. The host is lovely and around whenever you need anything. Really nice hostel, recommended. :)

I slept well without earplugs, which is unusual for me. The building sits on a quiet backstreet, so nights were peaceful. The owner was incredibly nice too: I arrived before check-in, left my luggage with her, and found it already in my room when I came back. She has a great eye for design, from the room layout to the heron painting on the walls and the lovely blanket, all fitting the traditional look. There’s no elevator, and the shower and other spaces felt a bit small for me at 190cm. Still, it was a beautiful stay with very good value, and I left well rested.

Shoko was such a warm host, always smiling and clearly dedicated. She let me check in without a reservation in a cozy side room, then helped when my plans changed at the last minute. The location is especially handy if you're taking ferries, and it's close to the Kagoshima nightlife areas too. It's a shame the building is due to be demolished in a few years, since the projects people run there are great. I hope they find another place. Highly recommended!