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Reviews of Kumano Backpackers 2 stars

647-1731 Wakayama, Tanabe, Hongu 159-1, Japan

#6 of 11 hotels in Tanabe

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 110 hostel reviews

8.3

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.4

  • Comfort

    8.5

  • Location

    9.2

  • Facilities

    8.2

  • Staff

    8.4

  • Value for money

    8.5

  • Free WiFi

    10.0

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 11 May 2024

    9.0
    A good basic stay near the Hongu shrine
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Just one shower. Coffee shop didn't open until late in the morning.

    You won't get much better than this for cheap and cheerful Kumano-kodo breaks. I even got a peanut butter and jelly sandwich kit. You have access to basic cooking facilities, and you sleep in a nice little cupboard. The staff are friendly and personable. It's clean and cheap for the area. If you don't need luxury there's no reason to stay anywhere else really.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 6 May 2024

    8.0
    Excellent location
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Twin Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The provided breakfast and snacks were very appreciated. I also like the free use of the washing machine

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 18 April 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Twin Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The beds were very comfy and the hosts were very accomodating. Very kind to provide snacks for the guests. Super close to the Hongu Taisha so we were able to be there before anyone else.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 15 April 2024

    8.0
    Nice and Convenient!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    One shower shared by all.

    Great location and convenient.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 15 April 2024

    9.0
    Loved it.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Just a fact of Japanese architecture, walls are thin and noise travels but that didn't cause a problem at all, but is something to be aware of.

    I really enjoyed the one night I had there as a chance to feel relaxed in a lovely traditional Japanese home. Tanabe seemed like a cool town too. The owner pointed out some good dinner options which didn't disappoint either!

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 19 January 2024

    9.0
    Overall it’s a great place to stay if you are hiking the Kumano Kodo trail
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    It was very close to the shrines and very clean

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 10 January 2024

    7.0
    Acceptable price and comfortable room.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Twin Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night

    No breakfast/dinner offer. Not any convenience store near by, so you can't buy any food or accessary.

    Good location if you are planning to go hiking the KUMANO trail or visit the temple.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 30 November 2023

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The cheapest accomodation around the main shrine Hongu Taisha and on the Kumamo Kodo trail. The owner of the hostel gives us recommendations on where to eat and also showed us useful spots for camping on the trail. I also got a breakfast package (yoghurt, toast, banana). The hostel has a nice large common area with a big kitchen, so you can make yourself tea or coffee, there are also some snacks available 🤩

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 25 November 2023

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Standard Twin Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Only 1 bathroom, long Q if rooms are fully booked.

    Near to Hongu, station and restaurants. Host speaks fluent English and provide breakfast (a surprise gift).

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 18 November 2023

    8.0
    Spending 2 nights in Hongu
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Interaction with manager /owner was perfunctory.

    Location, cleanliness, snacks and breakfast, helpful with shipping luggage, easy check-in at the café.

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 7 November 2023

    7.0
    Good value for money.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The mattresses were quite hard (and I’ve stayed on Japanese futons). Just a heads up for others.

    The location was wonderful and easy to go in and out of. Nice lounge space and kitchen. Staff gave a wonderful dinner recommendation and the free snacks were yummy.

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 6 November 2023

    8.0
    Great place nearby the Kumano Hongu Taisha
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Twin Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night

    Walls a bit thin, if you are a light sleeper make sure you have earplugs.

    Location is perfect, you are couple of minutes away from the Kumano Hongu Taisha, the bus station and information center. The common areas are really spacious, so even if the accommodation is full it won't feel crowded. Free snacks, and you get also some bread, PB and J, and a banana for breakfast!

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: 21 October 2023

    8.0
    Excellent hostel.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Standard Twin Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights

    None

    Breakfast was Sufficient with good choices of beverages. Good vibes and connected with many travelers. Just 3-4 min walk from bus station, Kumano Hongu Taisha, Tourist Info Center, about 5 min to eateries, grocery store, bakery. Owner is professional hiker (Kumano Experience) and was happy to share info.

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: 17 September 2023

    9.0
    Fabulous one night stay next to World Heritage Site
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    Fabulous location near bus stop and Hongu Taisha Mae. Host was friendly and welcoming and spoke excellent English. Kitchen was well set up and there was cereal and snacks available. Was great to be able to get up and walk to the Torri gate early in the morning and miss the crowds.

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: 8 September 2023

    9.0
    Nice place with a homely feeling
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Twin Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing negative to say :)

    Very cozy house with nice rooms and beds. The location and view were great. We really enjoyed our stay here!

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: 25 August 2023

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    No air conditionning on the shared room, just fan so it could be really hot on the end of afternoon.

    I had a great time in this hostel, very well located near Kumano Hongu Taisha. There's free snacks for breakfast, evening or to eat while hiking. The people I met on the Kumano Kodo were very nice.

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: 25 August 2023

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    I think because not open the windows therefore air does not circulate.

    Location, bed, bathroom and kitchen.

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: 4 July 2023

    9.0
    Great location and convenient gateway for the Kumando and shrine visit experience
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Standard Twin Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    It can be quite stuffy indoors during summer months.

    Well located within the bus station area and equipped with kitchen for use. Owner also runs a cafe opposite the accommodation, and has an onsen for use too.

    Stayed in July 2023

  • Reviewed: 13 June 2023

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Twin Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 3 nights

    Our room was noisy and the windows not very soundproof. You could hear people walking and talking from the hallway and kitchen. The cleanliness especially in toilet rooms and bathroom could be better. We would like it if there was a soap in the lower toilet as well. Some of the kitchen equipment was quite old or heavily dirty (e.g. the toast oven).

    There was a free breakfast (1 toast, banana, yogurt) and peanut butter, jam, many different kinds of tea (e.g. herbal tea), coffee and sweets for everyone. Kitchen was well equipped with for example many pots, pans, knifes, rice cooker, toast oven, electric kettle and two hotplates. There were a lot of space in the kitchen (big dining table) and two couches.

    Stayed in May 2023

  • Reviewed: 10 June 2023

    8.0
    A clean, comfortable hostel and very good value.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Standard Twin Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night

    It was all fine!

    The room we stayed in was comfortable and very clean. The hostel was excellent value for money. There is a large kitchen for guests' use which is well equipped.

    Stayed in May 2023

  • Reviewed: 16 May 2023

    9.0
    Great place to crash while hiking Kumano kodo
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Only one shower for all guests. It got hot in the top bunk bed with curtains drawn.

    Enough bathrooms for all guests. A space for guests to mingle and get comfortable.

    Stayed in May 2023

  • Reviewed: 23 April 2023

    9.0
    Friendly, convenient, comfortable and clean. Good value for money
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Standard Twin Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night

    Very friendly service, comfortable rooms and well equipped kitchen and eating area. Very convenient next to Hongu shrine and bus stops

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: 22 November 2022

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    It's near to the hongu, location is very excellent.

    Stayed in November 2022

  • Reviewed: 6 May 2022

    8.0
    Lovely
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 3 nights

    The staffs are very nice and friendly. They went to pick me up, helped me to find the bus, and gave us bread, yogurt, and bananas for breakfast. The hostel is clean, and peaceful with a kitchen that you can use for cooking, and drinking coffee, and tea for free. The price is very reasonable. About the location, this is definitely a place for people who love nature, mountains, rivers, and activities like trekking.

    Stayed in May 2022

Showing 1 – 25

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