Guest House Na-No-Hana - Hostel Caters To Women

The first night was noisy, though the next one was fine. It's a small, cozy spot in Kyoto, with spotless showers and toilets and a little lounge where you can get tea bags and hot water. The room is small, but the location is incredibly convenient.

The dorm is right beside the communal area, and two girls chatted late into the evening without thinking of the other people sharing the room. Bring earplugs if you're hoping for an early night, or you can buy them at reception. My bed was comfortable, the room was clean, and there are lockers. The bathroom is shared and can get a bit unclean. Towels can be rented for a fee, while toothbrushes are free. The place is in the middle of lots of shops and eateries, but it wasn't for me. It felt claustrophobic and chaotic, and the noise and water arrangements are basic hassles I'd rather not deal with on a trip. The common area is small, cramped, and cluttered, though I guess you could call it cozy and homely. The kitchen is like a little kids' toy kitchen in a corner, with barely room to do anything. Apparently the sink water isn't potable, so they bring water from somewhere else and leave it in plastic bottles for guests. There's also a hot water dispenser, paper cups, tea, and coffee. To find reception, go through the door to the left of the restaurant, follow the corridor, then go through the door at the end. Reception is on the right. Two girls on working holiday visas staffed the guesthouse while I was there. With one of them at least, communicating in English or Japanese took patience. The dorm cost 4000yen, plus a 200yen accommodation tax.

My favorite place to stay on my trip to Japan. The landlord was friendly and upbeat, which made the stay even nicer, and I'd definitely come back if I return. The rooms and shared bathroom and washroom were exceptionally clean, and the location was very good too. I also liked the little detail of having a scale in the bathroom to check whether all those omurices were piling up. :)

I'm an introvert who likes peace and quiet, and I didn't enjoy staying here. I could hear conversations and movement through the walls and corridor, including people at the communal wash basins brushing their teeth and drying their hair. There was no door to shut off that area. The single Japanese room is VERY small, only a little bigger than its comfortable futon. It has two small, high windows that open and let in a nice breeze, and the size itself didn't bother me. The location is unbeatable, as many reviewers have said. Most women who stay seem to like it. If you're outgoing, enjoy sharing space, and don't mind other people's noise, this seems like a good option for the price. I'm not complaining about the property, it is what it is and suits lots of people. But if you're noise sensitive like me, it may be better to pay a bit more for a budget hotel single room with an ensuite bathroom.