It would be nice if luggage storage was free for at least a couple of hours (it is currently 300 JPY, not much but i did notice this price posted on the wall)

It was an awsome stay. The building is not huge but the host Hilo and I believe his family were warm and welcoming, they offered me a beverage after a long day of travelling which was very nice of them. There were plenty of accomodations, laundry service, and even a small drinks bar that I did not have time to use. I was also able to communicate with the little Japanese I spoke, and I believe they also speak English. The other residents in the hostel were also very nice.

Stayed in August 2025

the owners are super nice and attentive! it feels like being welcomed in a home. They recommended places to go, what to do, etc. Also has great location! rooms are clean.

Stayed in August 2025

Not much

Great hostel, it is really perfect for backpackers, the host are kind and it is convenient for check in/check out. It is right next to the main station.

Stayed in August 2025

There were a few too many rules written on the walls. I understand places need rules but it seemed they were everywhere! The vibe was very friendly though 🙂

This was a very quiet and calm hostel with kind owners who go out of their way to help you. I stayed in the female dorm and there was one other guest. The bed was very comfortable! Especially the firmness of the pillow as well as the heaviness of the duvet. The location was perfect, only a few minutes from Nara station.

Stayed in August 2025

I love the room setting like Japanese style, and the shower room was so clean and convenient.

The hotel was more like a guesthouse with Japanese ambience. The owner was very warm and kind although he could not speak good English but all facilities were all properly tagging, and you knew what to do.

Stayed in July 2025

Everything was great.

A great hostel, very well located near the train stations and walkable to Nara Park. The couple who run it are so kind and generous. They really want to help you make the most of your stay. The dorm was a nice size, everything clean. They provide a towel, the usual toiletries in the shower, and there is a kitchen area for having a coffee or eating.

Stayed in July 2025

The people were very nice, the room confortable and the sanitary quiet clean. Loved the tatami, they were in great shape.

Stayed in June 2025

Not really. If you are sensitive to noise, bring earplugs for sleep. It’s on a main road, so there’s some traffic noise. Earplugs solved that issue for me perfectly.

Everything! It’s really close to the train station. The staff is also very friendly and helpful. It’s low-key and quiet, perfect for mature solo travelers. I ended up staying here for 3 days instead of Osaka.

Stayed in June 2025

Price was high for what it was. Cheaper on Japanese websites

Amenities, though washing machines are few and occupied in the evening

Stayed in May 2025

Nothing

The staff were really genuinely kind and helpful. Nothing felt forced. It was like coming home to old friends you have known for years. Great facility and comfortable beds!

Stayed in May 2025

We liked everything but if this hostel was to be really busy then possibly could be loud and difficult to use the one shower. But it was quiet when we were there so it was great.

Great location and really friendly staff and super cheap. Room was simple but nice.

Stayed in May 2025

I enjoyed my stay so much! The Japanese staff were amazing and kind and so helpful! He carried my suitcase up to the 3rd floor when I checked in and insisted on carrying it back down when I checked out. The hostel was so clean and the kitchen was equipped perfectly to cook a nice meal. I really loved staying at this hostel. Thank you to the really kind, amazing staff that made this stay really pleasant. Also a perfect location! Right in the town centre and a 30second walk to the station!

Stayed in May 2025

The hostel doesn’t have elevator so I suggest travel light if you choose to stay here. The stall will help you carrying the bags to upstairs but it’s still be easier to just with light luggage

This hostel is really nice and comfortable, staff here is really nice and helpful. It’s like 5-minute walk to Nara station and walkable distance to Nara national museum, Todaji-Temple.

Stayed in May 2025

Nothing

Shiro and his family have been fantastic : helping me with my luggage and being available all times. I also greatly appreciated the space filled with mangas, books and toys. And Nara Park is at walking distance... it's ideal!

Stayed in May 2025

Great location, 15 minutes walk to Nara Park. Very nice and clean rooms, and lovely staff! They also offer laundry service, so my laundry was taken care of and ready in just half a day.

Stayed in May 2025

No complain at all!

I don't know how old the hostel is but I feel that it is very new. Everything is perfect, great location, it is perfectly clean, it has everything that a hostel should get. Hilo San is very thoughtful and nice although his English is not very good but he always tries his very best to help even I didn't ask. I have been in over 300 hostels in many countries and this is one of the best.

Stayed in April 2025

Superb hospitality and kindness offered by the hosts. A cafe, inside the hostel, makes great sandwiches. Clean, comfortable, and a few steps from the JR Nara Station. There's a grocery store and tourist information center at the station. Centrally located to everything.

Stayed in April 2025

Lovely staff, comfortable bed, clean — you can't get better for this price.

Stayed in April 2025

great location friendly personal clean common areas comfortable bed would come back here for my next Nara trip!

Stayed in April 2025

The hostel is immaculately clean with ultra-comfortable beds. Its prime location near Nara Station offers easy access to the main street, Nara Park, and other top attractions. The hosts are exceptionally friendly, always ready to help, and pay attention to the small details that truly make a difference.

Stayed in April 2025

Hilo Hostel is an amazing place for travelers. For sure we will stay here again in the future. We really enjoyed the staff, they are wonderful people. The place is really clean and has a home feeling to it. I recommend this place and I cannot wait to be back again!

Stayed in April 2025

Really nice, clean hostel and the staff were extremely helpful!! They went out of their way to help us plan our day and tell us the best spots for Sakura! Highly recommend!

Stayed in April 2025

I could not suggest this hostel more! The most comfortable bed I have ever stayed in in a hostel, and the friendliest owner I have ever met. I could not recommend this place enough!!

Stayed in April 2025

Hilo Hostel is truly one of the best hostels I’ve ever stayed at, thanks to the amazing hospitality of the people there. I met wonderful travelers, which made my trip even more memorable. The staff recommended the most breathtaking spots to see cherry blossoms—definitely the most beautiful views I experienced during my entire trip.

Stayed in April 2025