Youtei - Hostel

The lobby had a friendly atmosphere, and the staff were welcoming and accommodating. As a foreigner, I sometimes found it hard to communicate with them, but it never became a major issue. They thoroughly dealt with any problems we had despite the language barrier. For a capsule hostel, the rooms were completely sufficient, even if the wood paneling was an unusual choice. The bathrooms were clean, and the showers were a little old but clean enough that I was comfortable going barefoot. Cleaning could get loud around midday, though there’s enough to do in this part of town that you probably won’t be there then. I had a very enjoyable stay.

The pods were cozy and comfortable, and the location is amazing. As hostels go, it’s not bad, and Rusutsu’s incredible powder is a strong draw if you can put up with a few uncomfortable bits. My pod was next to a very creaky, loud door that banged open and shut all night. I barely slept for all three nights. The showers were old and smelly, there was no soap in the toilets, and the kitchen facilities were minimal, if they were there at all.

The kind staff speak no English. There are 32 people in boxes, with just three toilets and two showers. The gear room has no heat, so everyone leaves smelly equipment in the bedroom. Each day, all 32 guests end up standing in a cramped hallway full of suitcases to get ready for skiing, with too little seating or baggage storage. The guy clears gear out of the bar at 4pm every day, which is annoying when you’d expect to dry your gear by the heater at a ski hostel. I haven’t seen any drinks sold from the bar in five days, and the menu’s $800 champagne bottles are comical for such a barebones hostel. Doors slam loudly on both sides. The wooden boxes echo with 32 people snoring and elbows banging into the walls. You hear horrified conversations as people arrive and realize what they’ve signed up for. The lock boxes didn’t work, either, and the upper-level boxes get super hot.

Keep your expectations low.