Sounkyo Hostel

We stayed three nights and it felt like home. The staff were welcoming, funny, and so friendly. I slept better here than almost anywhere else on my trip, thanks in part to the lovely blankets and pillows on the tatami beds. Dinner was delicious and high quality, though it gets repetitive. They rent bear spray and other gear, and also provide hiking maps and bicycles. There’s a discount for using the onsen at The other hotels too. I’d happily stay again.

The staff were the best part of our stay, and the cable car is very close. One staff member even offered me some milk from his own carton for my morning coffee. The room itself had a strange smell, and we couldn’t open the window because there was no screen and bugs came in. The bathroom was okay, not great, and the walls were thin enough that we could hear everything outside the door. The upstairs dryer was broken, leaving just one available, which made laundry tricky. Staff did remove dry clothes when nobody came to claim them. It was a rough stay aside from the people and location.

I only planned on one night, but ended up staying for two. The staff were lovely, and the location was great. It’s a comfortable hostel with a nice atmosphere, and they offer a special discount for solo bikepackers and cycle tourists.

It’s easy to meet other travelers here, and the clean, tidy living areas make a nice place to hang out. There are lots of nearby mountain activities and onsens. The dinners and breakfasts feel lovingly prepared, and the cheerful staff are a big part of the lovely atmosphere.