Ready to Flight NARITA - Hostel

The noise from the group of 20-30 kids was a lot, and families camping there seemed to have to work around them when going to the toilet. The caretaker was focused on the group, who were staying in the classroom accommodation after a parkour competition and having a barbecue, campfire, and test of courage. It made us uncomfortable. We were there as a family, but the gymnasium was unavailable because a parkour competition was being held. Nobody explained this to us. If something advertised on the website isn’t available, it should at least be mentioned at check-in. And when a large group is likely to be noisy at night, guests should get a heads-up. We paid to use the facilities, and the experience was unpleasant.

We stayed in a second-floor classroom, with tatami mats and futons. The room was clean, apparently cleaned daily, and air-conditioned, so we were comfortable at night. I’d heard that you could stay overnight in an elementary school, so I came with a friend. We passed the Narita Airport runway on the drive over, which got me excited before we even arrived. The building is the former Kusumi Second Elementary School, renovated for use as a place to stay. I haven’t been inside an elementary school since graduating, not even my old one, and the Showa-era school atmosphere made me feel nostalgic even though it wasn’t my alma mater. A classroom with tatami and futons is a combination I never would’ve imagined as a student, but I found it surprisingly relaxing. I didn’t see them myself, but apparently some rooms have original beds made from tatami mats. There were several groups camping in the schoolyard, and on the day we went, many seemed to be families with kids. The shower rooms were new and clean. The toilets looked like classic school toilets at first, but both floors had been nicely renovated and had washlets, so they were comfortable to use. There were sweets, cup ramen, drinks, and fruit grown by the facility staff for sale at the entrance, handy if you get a little hungry. Campfires and BBQs were also available for an extra fee. Those activities would never have happened when this was an actual elementary school, and they made the stay feel unusual and exciting, like being a kid again. It had been a long time since I’d been back at school. I got to try things I didn’t do as an elementary school student, and enjoyed both the nostalgia and the fun. It helped me forget everyday life for a while. Thank you very much.

The place was much cleaner than I expected, and I liked being able to bring our own food into designated areas on the first and second floors. There was plenty to do in the gymnasium, including tug-of-war and free throws, and the prices were reasonable. I was really satisfied and would use it again. It had been ages since I graduated from elementary school, lol. The route was easy to follow, and I found the place without getting lost. Parking is shared with the campground, but it wasn’t crowded, and finding the campfire area was easy. The management was helpful when I booked, giving me maps and that day’s temperature forecast, which put me at ease.

The classroom stay was a fun mix of familiar and new. We slept on futons on specially prepared beds, and the facilities were spotless with great air conditioning. I could imagine visiting in another season and seeing a different side of the place. It’s now another “alma mater” I’d like to return to. I’d been a little unsure about staying at a repurposed school, but this former elementary school in Narita City was even nicer than I expected. My friend and I stayed there for accommodation and camping. We took the shuttle from near JR Narita Station instead of driving, and the ride itself was part of the experience. By chance, our driver was the “principal,” who told us about Narita City’s history and the construction of Narita Airport. In under 30 minutes we passed through the school gate and went inside. The building still had the feel of an elementary school, and being there brought back childhood memories, almost like stepping back in time. The staff were kind throughout our stay. The “principal” especially made sure guests were comfortable, helped bring energy to the activities, and patiently explained how to use the facilities. He was warm and thoughtful, and that really touched me.