Trip Base Coconeel

This is a lovely little hostel, with clean rooms and a great shower. I could set the AC however I wanted, and the location is handy for the Akiyoshido caves and exploring the region. I slept on a futon, which I’m not keen on as a tall, heavy man. The owner wasn’t there when I arrived, and after I called, texted, and emailed, he came about 30 minutes later. He’s a nice guy and a seriously good cook. You can order food and drinks there too.

I spent a week at TRIP BASE COCONEEL and really enjoyed it. It’s a small, cozy place, decorated with a personal touch. There are two sleeping rooms, each with space for about four people. The Japanese futon was comfortable, and I slept well every night. At least in the women’s dorm, there are remotes for the air conditioner and lights. The owner cooked tasty food in the restaurant area. I tried the meat and shrimp tacos, plus taco rice with extra meat. The place was consistently clean, and there’s a fridge, microwave, water boiler, and coffee available at all times. There’s also a toilet at the back, a powder room, and a shower cabin. The owner was helpful and clearly cared about giving guests a good experience. Getting around takes some planning. There’s no washing machine or coin laundry nearby, and the closest konbini is 1-3 km away. Without a car or bike, you’ll need to use buses and trains. I’d definitely recommend staying at TRIP BASE COCONEEL.

The hostel was comfortable and very well maintained, and there’s free spring water from nearby Beppu Benten spring if you get thirsty. Even though it’s remote, the wifi is reasonable if you want to stay connected. The friendly host, hostess, and other visitors made the atmosphere warm, recommending things to do and places to eat. We had a great chicken karaage meal with fresh sashimi at Yamamura on our first evening. The hostel also offers a range of food, drinks, and snacks, which we didn’t try, though the selection looked good. Coming from Britain, I was amused to see Fish & Chips on the menu. Someone also suggested the Ohmine sake factory, a modern local producer where we tried some delicious sake and had a cafe selection. It’s a great base for visiting the Akiyoshidai plateau and caves near Mine city. I’d stay again if I’m back in Mine or visiting Akiyoshidai.

A lovely find out in the countryside. I’d come back.