Galo Hostel Kobe

Breakfast was a really nice experience: the guy who runs the hostel helps you make your own onigiri. I loved that. The rooms were beautiful, very clean, and well organized, and the hospitality was great. The location is super convenient, too. I’d definitely come back.

The rooms are a little cramped, like many hostels, but the place is very clean and the staff are really nice. Breakfast was amazing. It’s conveniently located beside the waterfalls, the cable car to the gardens, and the bullet train station.

The women’s dorm was lovely, with just four cubbies, a comfortable bed, good temperature control, and a key-locking door for security. There are two toilets and sinks on the second floor, while the showers are downstairs, a setup I didn’t like. The downstairs kitchen and living space weren’t especially nice to hang out in, but they were okay. I expected more because this hostel has such high ratings. It’s conveniently near the train station, but up a fairly steep hill, so hauling heavy bags is harder. There’s no laundry on-site; I had to walk to a coin laundry, and the hill made that even more of a hassle. Breakfast is miso soup and onigiri. It’s not my favorite, but people who like those will enjoy it. There’s a Family Mart nearby, though other food choices mean walking a bit or taking a bus. The area is quiet and close to the station and herb gardens, but not much else. The staff were very friendly. It’s a solid choice if you’re okay with the hill, no laundry, and the shower arrangement. Arrive with clean clothes to avoid the trouble I had.

There’s no laundry facility. Kumochi 6chome bus stop is only a minute or two away on foot. Bus #18 runs from Sannomiya station, and it’s really convenient for Mt.Maya since it goes there directly.