KOU Nishijin

The soft music and wood scent make the whole place so relaxing, and it’s comfortable enough that I don’t even feel like going out. The owner is incredibly thoughtful, with fresh towels every day and sheets changed every three days, better service than I’ve had at some five-star hotels. The bathroom has face wash, makeup remover, a curling iron, and lots more. No surprise, given its design awards, it’s such a user-friendly place. I wish I could stay here forever!

The place feels clean, modern, and cozy. We usually get the private room for three, so we haven’t tried the semi-capsule style rooms on the second floor. There are bikes to use, which I’d definitely recommend. And if you like chatting with other guests after a day of sightseeing, this place is a good fit.

Masa runs the hostel on his own and does a stellar job. He recommended an excellent local ramen spot, and when a typhoon was forecast he made sure I could extend my stay. Everyone was friendly and talked in the shared social spaces, while the upstairs common area stayed quiet and people respected that. The lounge is a nice place to relax, cook, or meet other travelers. My bunk was comfortable with plenty of room, and the whole place was spotless. Hostel Sui is in Kyoto’s suburbs, but bus routes can get you pretty much anywhere in the city. A real gem of a find, in my opinion.

I spent a week here during my month and a half traveling around Japan, and it was my favorite stay. The owner was always kind, everything was clean, and they had a kitchen. You get a fresh towel every day, and the sleeping area was so peaceful, with spa-like music playing during the day. I was sad to leave and would definitely recommend it.