Hilo-san the owner! lovely accommodating man! the ambience of the common/reception area is homey and cozy. they provide slippers, towels, and a couple of ammenities in the dorm. there are hairdryers. shower cubicles are spaciuos! they also offer a few rental bicycles. the property has steep and narrow stairs so better have a backpack or a handcarry luggage if you plan on staying here.

the AC in the dorm was directly blowing at one of the top bunk beds so it can't be set to cool the entire room. the gap between the wall and the bunk which i got assgined to. i got the top bunk so it was kinda stressful to move around, making sure nothing falls into the gap - disturbing the person below. the locker in the dorm was dusty. vanity area can get crowded as it was directly in front of the showers.

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.

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)

This hostel is the perfect place to stay if you're in Nara. It's located right by the train station and right at the beginning of the main street that has all of the food and shops leading to the main entrance of Nara Park. The hostel itself was everything I was looking for, the rooms were warm and cozy, the beds were soft, it had all the amenities I needed, and was very well kept and clean. In addition, there's a kitchen, a place to do laundry, and a nice common area with some tea provided by Hilo. Having said that, the best part of this Hostel was definitely Hilo himself and his lovely family, they really went above and beyond as hosts and really made me feel like I was at home. As soon I arrived for check-in, I was welcomed and was helped with my bags up to my room, later after getting settled in I came downstairs and Hilo was waiting to provide me with some tourist information and personally drew me a map with some GREAT suggestions of things to do and places to eat around Nara. Hilo has lived in Nara for many years so he knows alot of great places that you probably wouldn't be able to find online, he was a great guide and would often talk to me about my day and give me more suggestions for places to see depending on what I liked to do (for example... I like catching the sunset at the end of the day, so Hilo gave me a great place to watch the sunset and even a place to watch the sunrise). Some other things that he would do that really made me feel at home was: offering me little chocolates and snacks when I came back, he would change out my towel every day for a fresh one, he helped me out with my laundry, would offer to change my bed sheets for fresh ones...and many more things that I couldn't fit in this review.

I stayed for one night. Upon arriving at the establishment, a very friendly gentleman warmly welcomed me. We exchanged pleasantries, and he made an effort to communicate with me in English. He even asked where I was from so he could mark my city with a pin on his large wall map. The reception had a cozy, homey vibe, decorated with dozens of items inspired by Japanese pop culture – very personalized. My room was spacious and very clean, and I definitely had a comfortable night. The toilet, sink, and shower were also clean and properly equipped. Everything was on the same floor. The location was very convenient. I got off my train at Nara Station and walked just a few meters to Hilo Hostel. Likewise, I was able to visit many places in Nara on foot, starting from the hostel’s location. My time in Nara was very pleasant, and I would definitely stay at Hilo Hostel again if I ever return to this wonderful city.

The owners are extremely attentive and helpful. The atmosphere is welcoming and quiet. I slept on the last floor, so for guests carrying a big luggage, I recommend to bring a duffel bag or similar to bring your belongings upstairs. Although the owners did not hesitate for a second to bring my luggage, it was good sense to leave it on the ground floor and bringing only the items to be used (toiletry, pajamas, etc). The shared room has enough space to circulate. If you prefer to sleep in the dark, I recommend you bring the sleeping mask, as the lights remain on until the last guest sleeps. The shower is good , and you will have a nice hot water. The location is very close to the train station and to the Sanjo Dori street.

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.

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 🙂

Words are not enough to thank you ! If you are staying in Nara you must go to Hilo's !!!! We stayed one night there and it truly felt like home. Hilo and his family are so friendly we received the warmest welcome there is. They welcomed us in a private room because they were no more space in the dormitory, the room was so comfy and big we got the chance to rest so nicely. They have a lot of services ! You can eat downstairs in a well equipped kitchen in a cosy space, they also sell kaki for a small price ! They have a washing machine and a dryer (thanks again my clothes were soaked by the rain !!) and you can also leave your bags after check-out to discover the city lightly (all cheap prices !!) The common rooms such as the shower and the toilets were so clean and enjoyable to use ! They also gave us some clean big towels for the shower which were so nice to have ! They gave us recommendations for where to go and advices to see the deers and beautiful temples in the park. Thank you so very much it was a pleasure to meet you !

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!

Hilo Hostel is an amazing gem located near the train station. Close to all the tourist sights, easy access from train station. Squeaky cleanhostel, owner and family are very kind and helpful in every way. Reception, kitchen and dorms are exceptionally clean. Staying in Nara you get to avoid day tripper rush and can enjoy the morning and evening quiet of the area. Price to stay is also excellent. One of my favorite places to stay.

It is a multi level hostel so if you are averse to stairs this hostel is not for you. Besides that everything is awesome. Was sorry to leave!

Got double room for one night, bunk bed in females room for two. Super clean and sufficient facilities. Perfect location that is within walking distance of both JR and Kinte. Staff were friendly and professional, very helpful with everything I may need. Thank you! Really appreciate it. Roommates I stayed with were super polite and quiet, too.

Run into super gross toilet seat one time and I cleaned it myself. But I’d say that’s the problem of sharing with the facility with the others. The staff is not physically possible to do the cleaning once it’s used.