Dot Hostel Nagano

The staff were lovely, and getting to the station was easy enough. It’s a small, nice place close to the temple and art gallery. The rooms felt private and were pleasant, though the mattress was quite firm.

The people at Dot Hostel made my time in Nagano especially memorable. They were patient and kind, and their recommendations were great. I loved the clean, quaint place, with its authentic feel, handy kitchen, free breakfast, and free laundry. It’s only a block or two from a beautiful temple complex, where I’d say the sunrise ceremony is a must. There’s also a nearby bus for hiking in the Togakushi Forest, and maps for the five shrine walk are in the common room. I had those experiences and more, and staying here has been the highlight of our Japan trip.

Zenkoji Temple, the biggest and most impressive temple in Nagano, is just a short walk away. The hostel had a cozy feel and a friendly owner. It took me about 20 minutes to walk from Nagano station, and it was a pleasant route. There was no breakfast offered during my stay.

The one thing to keep in mind is that the wall above the rooms has a gap, so if other guests get noisy, earplugs might help. Apart from that, I found the hostel surprisingly spotless, from the bedroom to the toilet. It’s close to Zenko-ji temple, with plenty of bus stops nearby, and the morning toast was a nice extra. The hosts were very kind and gave me useful tips about Nagano when I arrived. He even carried my suitcase to my room without me asking. A really nice place.