Reviews of Hilo Hostel 3 stars
630-8115 Nara, Nara, Omiyacho 1-1-22, Japan
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Reviewed: 1 September 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewIt 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.
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)
Reviewed: 24 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewthe 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.
Reviewed: 21 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 18 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewGreat 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.
Not much
Reviewed: 16 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewThis 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.
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 🙂
Reviewed: 16 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 5 August 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewThe 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.
I love the room setting like Japanese style, and the shower room was so clean and convenient.
Reviewed: 21 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewA 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.
Everything was great.
Reviewed: 7 July 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 6 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 26 June 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewFriendly owners.
Reviewed: 11 June 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewThe people were very nice, the room confortable and the sanitary quiet clean. Loved the tatami, they were in great shape.
Thank you so much for staying with us and for your kind and thoughtful review. We’re delighted to hear that you found our staff friendly and your room comfortable and clean. We’re especially glad you enjoyed the tatami! We take great care in maintaining this traditional feature so that our guests can fully experience the charm of Japanese culture. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back again in the near future. Warm regards from all of us.
Thank you so much for staying with us and for your kind and thoughtful review. We’re delighted to hear that you found our staff friendly and your room comfortable and clean. We’re especially glad you enjoyed the tatami! We take great care … Show more
Reviewed: 11 June 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewEverything! 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.
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.
Thank you so much for your kind and detailed review! We’re very happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay and found our location convenient, our staff friendly, and the atmosphere quiet and suitable for solo travelers. It means a lot to us that you chose to stay here for three days instead of Osaka — we’re honored! Thank you also for your helpful note about the traffic noise. While our location is central, we understand that some guests may be sensitive to sound, and your tip about earplugs is very thoughtful. We hope to welcome you back again in the future. Wishing you safe and pleasant travels!
Thank you so much for your kind and detailed review! We’re very happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay and found our location convenient, our staff friendly, and the atmosphere quiet and suitable for solo travelers. It means a lot to us t… Show more
Reviewed: 6 June 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewAmenities, though washing machines are few and occupied in the evening
Price was high for what it was. Cheaper on Japanese websites
Reviewed: 4 June 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 2 June 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewShort, but very pleasant stay! Very welcoming and helpful owners, place is small, but with everything you need and in a perfect location to explore Nara. Would definitely come back.
Reviewed: 24 May 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewThe 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!
Nothing
Thank your for staying with us. I hope you will have a great time in Japan!
Reviewed: 21 May 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewGreat location and really friendly staff and super cheap. Room was simple but nice.
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.
Thank you for staying with us. Also, thank you for your valuable feedback. There is one shower room on your floor and two more on the floor above. Our hostel has many shared spaces, and we believe it becomes a more comfortable place for everyone when all guests are considerate of one another and keep noise to a minimum. We're glad to hear that during your stay, the other guests were respectful, which helped create a pleasant and peaceful environment.
Thank you for staying with us. Also, thank you for your valuable feedback. There is one shower room on your floor and two more on the floor above. Our hostel has many shared spaces, and we believe it becomes a more comfortable place for eve… Show more
Reviewed: 18 May 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewI 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!
Thank you for staying with us. I hope you will have a great time in Japan!
Reviewed: 18 May 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewThis 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.
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
Reviewed: 15 May 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewShiro 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!
Nothing
Reviewed: 8 May 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewGreat 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.
Reviewed: 8 May 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewThank you for staying at Hilo Hostel.
Reviewed: 2 May 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 29 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified review