Kawaramachi Dormitory - Hostel

Lisa, the owner and director, was easy to talk to and very helpful. I enjoyed chatting with her, especially since we both speak Mandarin fluently and I didn't have to struggle through my half-baked Japanese. Each of the guesthouse's 10 beds is in its own compartment, which gives you a little private space. The shared area feels cramped, so guests naturally head back to their upstairs compartments. It could be more inviting with extra tables and chairs if the raised tatami seating were removed, plus a DIY kitchen and a lounge for coffee, drinks, TV, or using a laptop or phone. A washer and dryer would also have helped, since I had to carry my laundry quite a distance. With space already at a premium, though, fitting machines in may not be easy.

The cafe and bar by the entrance has a cool feel, and the hostel itself was a surprisingly distinctive stay in Shikoku, even though I was only looking for somewhere cheap nearby. The stacked OSB boards give it a futuristic look with a nostalgic side to it. Great place.

It's a perfect location, though I'd pack just a backpack next time because stairs and lots of luggage are a hassle. The place is on the second floor with no elevator, and if I return, which I probably won't, I'd travel lighter. The room is very small, so I can see it suiting women traveling alone. I'm 169cm and could fit a 28-inch suitcase. There are two shower rooms, one for men and one for women. Shower towels are free, while things like toothbrushes and toothpaste cost extra. Everyone seemed very polite. The male host came across as a bit pushy, though I didn't really speak with him.

The wooden furniture gives the place a lovely atmosphere, and there’s a tea shop downstairs. The room was clean and comfortable, and I liked having my own little space and feeling secure. Each bed is a capsule-style cabin with its own wooden door. It’s about a five-minute walk from Watamachi Station. Across the diagonal, there's an affordable Western-style restaurant that serves a delicious A set meal. If you don't eat much, tell the staff you don't want white rice.