KAMP Houkan-cho Backpacker's Inn & Lounge - Hostel

I was there for a concert, not to stay overnight. The owner kindly let us in for free, and it turned into such a lovely evening. The guitarist was incredibly talented, the music was great, and the food was fantastic. The Japanese hospitality and service were wonderful too. Great vibes, can't recommend it enough.

The only tricky part was getting up to the accommodation with luggage, since the big spiral staircase is the only way up. Otherwise, I was very happy here. It's a lovely little place in Okayama, with a cool, cozy bar and cafe downstairs. They had vegan curry and vegan donuts on the menu, and both were delicious.

The best part was the staff, who were friendly, sociable, and incredibly helpful. The hostel sits in a charming alley about seven minutes from the station, with plenty of izakayas and other places to eat nearby. There’s a bar downstairs that serves food too. It has the usual backpacker setup, with bunk beds, gear on the floor, and basic amenities, but the atmosphere is really special if that suits you.

The bar looks beautiful, but the service was terrible. Nobody greeted us or even smiled when we came in. The shop was empty, yet two drinks took 15 minutes, and although the cocktail was meant to be ¥600, our total came to ¥3,000. I’d like my time and money refunded. Avoid.