Hostel Omori Souko

Katou, the owner, was friendly, helpful, and quick to answer messages. The place was clean and organized, and the beds were comfortable. It was great value for the price, with good bus and train links into the city. Staying here was a real pleasure, and I’d recommend it.

The check-in rules here are very strict, and arriving late because of long airport queues can mean you’re denied entry. I understand that this is their policy, but I found the owner rude and aggressive, and he spoke little or no English, which made communication very difficult. Since the hostel hosts international guests, I believe he should know basic English and be more respectful, like other Japanese people.

The bedding was incredibly comfortable, and the place was very clean, with fun decor and a nice atmosphere. There’s free coffee in the morning, the owner has plenty of good tips, and public transport is easy to reach. He was friendly and accommodating as long as you stick to the check-in times clearly listed on booking sites like Airbnb. I don’t think a one-star rating is fair when someone hasn’t read those details. The current 3.7 rating doesn’t reflect the stay for me, I’d give it at least a 4.7, if not a 5. Thanks, we’ll be back!

We ended up extending our stay to about two weeks because we were so happy with the company, location, and atmosphere. The other hostel members were fun to talk with, and Katō-san shared drinks with us and sometimes made food, which was a lovely surprise. He also gave us great local recommendations, including a shrine to visit on New Years that made for an unforgettable experience. We’d come up with the plan to travel to Japan during the New Years with a friend, who liked the hostel’s decorations and unique style, so we booked it. After the airport, we arrived and checked in within the stated window. We were welcomed, shown our rooms, and able to drop our bags before going to find food. Check-in was quick and efficient. I’m surprised the rating was only 3.8 when I wrote this, since my experience was far better than that. I fully intend to book Katō-san’s place again on my next Tokyo trip.