- Spacious dorm room, we were a large group so we had booked the entire room for us. There was plenty of space to pack and unpack stuff, as well as hanging out. - Showers were warm - The staff were some of the kindest people we met in our entire Japan trip. A friend left behind his prescription glasses, and after contacting the hostel they helped ship them back to California!!! Legends - Useful advice about the different onsens around - Location was great, short walk to the train and bus station with a lawsons around the corner

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We stayed in traditional japanese style room with tatami mats on the floor. The room was very spacious, had closet for futons, but we used it also as closet to store our things. In the room we had small table with pillows, so it was also convenient to eat there. It's very close by Yamanouchi train station and few restaurants are also around. If you're around, dont forget to visit onsen (also allowed with small tatooes) which is attached to the train station.

Bathroom could be a little bit more clean and also the main hall could use some renovation. But it's and old building so it has its magic ;-)

We had a great stay here. The property very close to the train station. We had our own 3 person traditional Japanese room, that was very clean and warm. Beds were mattresses on the floor and comfortable. Shared bathrooms were also very clean and convenient.

It is an old building wooden so don’t expect luxury. The only thing I would have enjoyed is the availability of some dishware in the limited kitchen area to make a cup of coffee or eat some cereal.

The room was beautiful; a wonderful Japanese room - exceeded expectations! Staff incredibly helpful, provided drying rack and extra heater to dry wet snow gear. Free 30mon bus from station to ski area. Very quiet at night, clean facilities and lovely Lounge area. Short walk to station and various food options. Not far to Shibu too and public onsen behind station. Really enjoyed our stay!

Wifi a bit hit and miss on top floor, but worked perfectly the lounge area.

beautiful wooden building with a unique charm. there was a small garden inside the buildong that we could see from our room on the second floor. we got the 6-person family room and it was very spacious with enough space outside the main sleeping area to store bags.

the futons were a little thin but since it wasn’t our first time staying at a ryokan and sleeping on futons it was okay.

Nicely located to transit station. Old school type of place. Cool/ cold in hallways in winter but nice Japanese style rooms. Great showers. The one staff person was very nice, great person and so helpful.

We mostly had good neighbors but with the age and style of the building it can be loud.

We really enjoyed our stay at the cosy Zen Hostel. The room was spacious, decorated in Japanese style and had a wonderful view over Yudanaka. The toilets and showers were clean at all times. The staff were very friendly and helpful. They helped us book a private onsen and we were able to rent skis and ski clothes directly from them at the hostel. This was easy and cheap compared to other rentals. They also made sure that there was always a cosy fire burning in the fireplace in the common area when you came home from the cold. Thank you very much for a great time!

Very great staff. The room is spacious and very close to the shuttle for shiga Kogen and the snow monkeys. There are good restaurants nearby as well. The rooms are a little cold as it is an older building but I do believe it's good value for what you pay.

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.

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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.