Nice big property and very clean Staff were helpful And close to restaurants and station

“Recommend for 1 or 2 nights if visiting snow monkeys”

We stayed 2 nights in March, the hostel is very close to the station. The rooms are basic but fine, there are heaters provided to keep you warm. Small cupboard to hang things. Futons were surprisingly comfortable and the bedding was cozy. Toilets and shower room are kept clean, restocked and warm. Staff were kind and check in was very easy. Ideal for 1 or 2 nights to go see the snow monkeys, the hostel is in a great location so we walked all the way from the hostel to the snow monkeys to beat the crowds as the buses only run after it opens, highly recommend. There are a few restaurants and bars dotted around nearby.

Zen Hostel was an intimately administered lodge that was close enough to a number of ski areas - we made use of the free shuttle to Ryuoo from the station five minutes walk away. The hostel rooms were warm, but lacked a heated communal area - perhaps due to the tail end of the season. The rooms and bathrooms were clean. There older fashioned tatami style.sleeping arrangements were a worthwhile change for our unaccustomed aging gaijin bodies. Our host was friendly and helpful.

“Would love to stay here again in the future if i have the chance to”

Me and my friends definitely loooove and enjoyed our stay here the most during our japan trip. The room size was spacious enough for us to open our luggages all the time. To be honest, we really don’t have any complaints at all during our stay at Zen Hostel. Everything exceeds our expectations in the best way. Totally recommended for adults (not applicable to elderly and babies though) to stay here.

Clean, friendly staff and great location.

“Great location and great price”

There was no communal cutlery, cups and dishes. They were only available if you asked the staff which is hard as they are only around during certain hours.

Comfortable futons

“Great place to stay”

Very traditional. Necessities are there. Great shower, and heated toilet seats. Microwave and hot water are available. Parking at the back of the property. 5mins to Lawson. Heating is sufficient. Noises are well contained.

“Uncomfortable, noisy and wouldnt stay again”

Extremely thin walls - we could virtually hear every word spoken in room next door.

“The private room was very traditional and had a lovely ambiance, but was cold and uncomfortable.”

We had a private room which was clean and traditional. It had a lovely feel to it and views of the garden.

“Good value”

Nice room; close to station; very helpful reception staff helped us organise our trips

“Great stay, little run down, but nice spot to be.”

The location was nice, and the carpark put back was convenient. Felt very traditional, which was really nice to experience. The access to the rooms was made very easy with the touch pad lock system. Very close to the monkeys, right across the road from a temple, within walking distance of the onsens, and heaps of food options around.

Fantastic hotel with big beautiful rooms. Very friendly staff.

“Awesome”

Location and friendly staff was very helpful

Good location

“Value for money”

Clean & location

“Great location in a lovely community.”

Location was perfect for the snow, the snow monkeys and it was a beautiful community. The restaurant recommendations from the zen hostel were perfect and we finished every dinner with local pudding.

Staff were super friendly and helpful, big rooms, clean facilities

“Excellent”

I spent 2 night at Zen hostel with my family. I really enjoyed this place, the facilities are very comfortable and clean. The staff was very friendly. I went on winter and the room wasn’t cold at all. Thank you so much.

Not really a comfortable stay or value for money. We had stayed in a few traditional hotels and at someone's home with traditional Japanese bedding so had experienced this style of bedding before, but the futon mattresses here were extremely thin. We had to layer the blanket and spare futon so that we weren't right on the floor. We also had to make our own beds and take the sheets and bed covering off before we left, which isn't really something you would expect to have to do when you are paying $200/night. Beyond a kettle and fridge, there was no communal kitchen facilities - no mugs or glasses.