Kuju Aid Station

Everything here feels made with care by the couple who run it. The common area is lovely and cozy, and the owner kindly warmed up our supermarket food. Hot water, coffee and tea were free. There isn't anything to eat on site unless you arrange it ahead of time, so keep that in mind. You can buy a large pack of coal for ¥500 and barbecue, take a shower for ¥200, or try the unusual old-style bath for ¥250, heated by burning wood beneath a steel tub. The site sits at 1,000 meters beside a river, surrounded by nature and the Kuju mountains. We stayed in an old train carriage from the 1950s or '60s, full of charm and kept almost entirely original except for the sleeping area. There's a bunk bed, tatami and a futon for a third person. Even the train toilets have been adapted with proper drainage. The train cabins cost ¥2,500 per person; camping is ¥500 per person plus ¥500 per tent. The owner was extremely friendly and helpful. Her husband wasn't there when we visited. If you like nature or something different, it's well worth a visit. I could easily spend a week exploring the area.

The dinner was delicious, and the location is beautiful. It's still a charming place to stay, but the pillow was like a small bag of rice and so uncomfortable I couldn't sleep. The sheets weren't comfortable either, and the room was a bit dirty. I'd come back only if I brought my own pillow.

A wonderful campsite, and the people running it were incredibly hospitable.

The woman running the place is so kind, always smiling. For such a low price, I was surprised she did so much, even though she probably doesn't make any profit. It almost makes me want to help out. The other guests were friendly too, and everyone was nice. I hope good people keep coming here. Room only: 3,100 yen