Ohmachi Junxion - Hostel

I really like the view from the window, and the beds are extremely comfortable. The rooms and bathroom are super nice too. The location seems pretty awesome so far. Also, having a faucet inside the private room makes a big difference, in my opinion.

The staff were all right in a few cases, but the general impression wasn’t good. It felt like they knew how bad the place was, and that came through in their attitude. The decor also looked run-down, with hand-painted graffiti that seemed more like neglect than art. The dorm was cramped, with six beds squeezed into a room that could barely fit four. The beds seemed poorly built, and movement on either bunk made the whole structure shake. Sleeping was hard enough already, and there was no ventilation. One dirty sock could make the whole room stink. The extra beds also left no room to store luggage. Then there was the noise. Cars, buses, and trains kept going all night, like trying to sleep beside a busy highway. A good night’s rest felt impossible. For a place this low quality, you’d expect a low price, but they triple the rates on weekends when there are fewer options. That felt like pure greed, not support for travelers. This was the worst hostel I’ve ever stayed in, even after travelling through 17 European countries and backpacking across Japan for six months. It’s a complete joke, and I’d tell travelers to avoid it at all costs.

I changed my rating from one star to two after the manager apologized for the rude staff. He handled it with some class, and I appreciated the effort to make my stay a little better. I also stand corrected that there is no breakfast. Still, the way I was spoken to, and the price for what you get, remain problems. I booked thinking the place would be much bigger, but the listing showed the more expensive private rooms. The hostel area felt like a worn-out shed, with beds on used wooden boards and dead bugs on the floor. It was cramped and hot, with one bathroom and one sink for six people. At $110 for four nights, it felt way overpriced and not very clean. By Japanese hostel standards, it may be the worst I’ve stayed in. It might have felt less worth complaining about at a lower price. The WiFi required signing in again every hour, which was annoying, and slowed down when several people were using it. I’d read reviews saying they offered cereal, and I had gotten some on one of the days, but a very rude girl at the counter told me they didn’t serve it and looked at me like I was crazy. The location could be good if that’s what you’re after, but for the same price I’d book somewhere else, like a hotel, with better service and amenities.

The cafe on site is a great spot for remote work or meeting people, and there are cute restaurants nearby if you want to explore. It’s an easy walk from the train, too. Such an excellent hostel, with a simple setup and incredibly friendly, helpful staff.