Ini Kobe Hostel & Cafe Bar

The location is great if you need somewhere to spend a few hours, but my 3-4 hours there were awful. I couldn't sleep at all because the other residents were extremely loud and inconsiderate. Maybe that's what happens when there's no manager on site. The building is old, and the sheets and covers weren't clean. Also, luggage storage is on the second floor with no elevator, so you may have to haul a 30kg bag upstairs. I know it's just a hostel and don't expect five-star service or facilities, but this was rough. 3.

This is a budget place, but I still didn't expect to go my whole stay without seeing any staff, and that wasn't helpful. The entrance had no light or sign, so arriving late made it hard to find and left me wondering if it was even open. Inside, the kitchen smelled oily, the toilet seat was the wrong size, and the air circulation was bad. The AC wasn't on when I arrived, not even on the first floor in the lobby and kitchen area. The lighting felt dim and the place felt dirty. The old-style window let in every street sound, and the curtain was ripped, so there was no privacy. The Japanese-style pictures show wooden floors and beds, but in a busy hostel you hear people moving around and climbing up and down the beds. It's mixed gender, and I suppose you can't expect too much at this price. Still, good luck with your stay.

We spent the evening talking with other travelers around the dining room table, and Rei gave us friendly, useful ideas for things to see in Kobe. My brother and I had a wonderful stay. The hostel feels cozy and has what you need. It’s in a quieter part of town, though you can still walk to the city center. I’d happily recommend it.

It has the feel of sharing a Japanese house with other travelers, which made for a lovely stay. The neighborhood is quiet and cozy, and the host was welcoming and helpful. Check-in was simple through an online form. The beds were comfortable, and there were plenty of useful extras, including towels, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. The kitchen is well equipped if you want to cook, and the cafe downstairs has delicious donuts. Sannomiya Station is about a 20-minute walk away, with another station closer by. I’d stay again.